Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 9/14/2008

Question
Yesterday we had two sets of oak stairs installed in our split foyer.  I was planning to use a gel stain on the stairs  but it was suggested to me that I should use a liquid stain instead as if would be easier and look better. What is your advice?  Thanks

Answer
Liquid stain I would assume would be like Minwax or Watco?  Yes, they are much easier to apply than gel stains.  I've only used gel stains a few times, the first time on white hard maple which has no penetration.   I made a fireplace mantel for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas back in the 1980's that was to "look like cherry".  When the oil based liquid stains were applied and dried, it looked pink.  We had to use a gel stain to make it come to the desired results.  The same circumstance came up again on a remodel with, again, a hard maple handrail, that the customer wanted "dark walnut colored."  Otherwise, I've always used liquid stains (mostly Watco and some Minwax or custom colors as required).  When using liquid stains or oil based stains, I would apply it on the wood and allow about three days to dry and then touch up as needed.  To seal in the color, to keep it from fading over time, I would use a catalyzed lacquer (two to three coats), sanding with 300 to 400 grit paper in between coats.   The lacquer enhances the stain, brings out or makes the color alive and seals it, keeping it from fading.  As a note, catalyzed lacquers have the sanding sealing built into the mix.

Thank you,

Joseph