Old Masters80108 Gel Stain Pint, Natural, 1

I refinished an old coat rack that was an orange tone (not appealing). I think it was pine that somebody stained an unknown color. Anyhow, I removed all hardware and sanded my piece because it had a significant amount of wax on it. Then, I cleaned it really well while removing the debris from sanding. Once everything was super clean and smooth, I noticed the wood was extremely porous. This had me slightly concerned so prior to staining, I used a combination of 3 parts denatured alcohol with 2 parts Zinsser Seal Coat 100% wax free shellac. This helps to condition the wood for a more uniform application. Anyhow, I am glad I took this additional step because the Spanish Oak is soooo dark! I ended up with a beautiful, deep dark brown with almost black edges (like the black tones of charred wood) since the lighter spots really grabbed the blackish tones. And, I did try to take a photo, but the camera alters the coloring so I didn't post it with this review. Perhaps, I need different lighting to capture an accurate photo. Therefore, all I can say is it is very, very dark brown with the blackish highlights - Super Gorgeous! Love it! :)If you like dark woods like dark walnut or something along those lines, you'd probably like the Spanish Oak. And, if you are avoiding all red/orange hues, then Spanish Oak is a good choice. Also, it does matter what color wood you are covering - yes, even with gel stain - because the base color will alter final results. Therefore, don't expect the color swatch on the sample color images to be your exact result. A test spot or even a test on a scrap piece of wood similar to your project wood is advisable.Also, some reviewers stated that the gel stain isn't messy - that's not really true. I managed to have some occasional drips and mess so be prepared for this by using adequate drop cloths, tarps. etc.**This product goes a very, very long way so don't over purchase! I bought a pint and will have more than enough for a larger project (i.e. dining table). Consider coverage dimensions prior to purchase.In addition, I used the Blue Hawk 4-in x 5-in Cotton Floor Stain Pad to apply the stain, and it was worth the few dollars to purchase this application tool as opposed to using a wadded up t-shirt or whatever. For me, this was a good choice - use what works best for you.Lastly, I found that I did not need a top coat for this project. The finish is fine for a coat rack. Now if I were doing a dining table, then I'd probably use many layers of top coat product(s).That said, I am actually considering my dining table for the next application of Spanish Oak. :) We have white, wooden upholstered chairs so the the Spanish Oak would be a magnificent contrast. We'll see! :)(Note - I will see if I can manage an accurate photo for this review)

The Old Masters Gel Stains are super easy to work with and touch up due to problems with plywood surfaces are very easy also. I try to use Old Masters Gel Stains for all my staining projects. The price is very reasonable and Amazon is an easy place to order it.

This stuff stays on the paint brush or rag or whatever you're using. It's gel so it doesn't run. I can wipe off if it's too dark or add more if I want it darker. It matches my kitchen cabinets perfectly, as well as my wood floor and bathroom cabinets. Won't go back to regular stain.

We applied this white gel stain lightly with a cloth on alderwood. It was SO easy to apply - and was so accomplished quickly. After it dried (which was fast) we then applied just small amounts of black paint/stain (again using a small cloth) to control the lightness and darkness of the streaks wanted) in order to give the wood an old distressed look. It was easy to apply,and the results are a really lovely bookcase. Wish I'd known what could be done with alderwood and this gel stain years ago, I'd have done an entire room with it. We put a matte finishing sealer over it - really sharp effect. The alderwood was inexpensive compared to other unfinished woods, and has wonderful grain lines and knots for character. Great Gel Stain product, and VERY fast delivery from seller (well-packaged also).

I tried to use this stain on a restoration. I had sanded down to bare wood on very light (almost white) oak. While I love gel stains in general, I have to give this one a thumbs down as the result was far more yellow/amber than golden. Ended up using golden pecan from MinWax and was very pleased with the genuine golden glow that it gave to the oak.That said, it was a perfectly good stain, just not the tone or hue that I was after in a "golden" stain.

Great product and covers well and looks great.

this stain is excellent at almost everything, whether using on bare wood or just scuffing the surface of some old piece of furniture and smearing it on for a face lift. I always use a rag. it seems easier to control how thick you get it that way. it is only semi op ache so it covers well, yet still allows grain to show some, or it is op ache enough to make the appearance of grain using your smear marks. It dries to a rather significant surface, rugged enough to leave it as is if a surface that does not see much abuse, I don't even clear coat it if using on a window frame ect. THis of coarse saves you a lot of work. This is why I rarely use anything else. It has some similar properties to paint. It applies very well to previously finished surfaces with only light sanding, and covers significant blemishes without totally washing out the original look.

Excellent product Excellent customer service! Thank you. Just lightens wood, but can still see grain.