The 10 Best Clear Gel Stains (2022 reviews)

General Finishes line of stains comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The general finish java gel stain is used to top coat gel stains for more protection. Satin gel topcoat may be used to top coat any stain. Also, it is expensive and it is made for good stuff.

The stain is ideal for detailed pieces and any size of project. Above all, the general finish java gel stain read the reviews, is best for great results and it is solid.

Almost all buyers opine that the stain is a heavy duty oil and urethane oil base top coat, which produces a beautiful hand rubbed quality finish. Moreover, a few say that the stain is after dozens of hours of stripping and sanding, then gel stain and one application of gf gel topcoat. Moreover, a few strongly agree that this oil - based clean up is more complicated and drying times are longer than water based, but it is also more rugged. Overall, the tone of buyers is very positive and we believe that the stain suits the purpose.

Customers say that getting a water based gel stain, along with stain is useful.

Top Customer Quotes:

Cleanup with mineral spirits, ideal for detailed pieces and any size of project.
This is easy to clean with mild cleaner.
It looks really smeary with some parts looking "wet"/clean and others not.
This has a hard, clear coat gel that is easy to use.

Best For Low Humidity: General Finishes Clear Gel Stain

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If you often find yourself confused about the appropriate and satisfactory stain, general finish clear gel stain should be your first option for buying. The general finish, clear gel stain, is inexpensive and it is constructed high-quality. can help you get a more even appearance on difficult woods such as aspen or pine. The heavy bodied gel formulation permits the product to flow out evenly ( no drips or runs ) preventing uneven penetration for consistent color control.

Most importantly, the general finish clear gel stain is perfect for steel wool and it is highly recommend.

Almost all customers opine that the stain has made an amazing difference. In addition, they say that the stain is easy to apply with a brush and, as it is a get it doesn’t make any mess, not around, doesn’t leave any leaking marks and applies evenly to the surface. Further, a few strongly agree that the stain is great for updating old oak cabinets. In short, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Customers discovered that getting a majic clear coat lacquer, along with stain is useful.

Top Customer Quotes:

This will rub off of a painted surface with some pressure.
This will work beautifully for a kitchen table.
This is easy with a foam brush or lint free clothes.
This covers well with about 2 coats, definitely 3 coats.

Best For Metal Doors: Minwax Gel Stain

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The Minwax Gel Stain is capable of outshining several other stains featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The minwax gel stain is laundry and it is very dark brown. Allow the stain to dry 8 to 10 hours between coats. Also, the stain needs 2 coats and it is laminate.

The stain is for food grade and it is walnut. Moreover, this went ahead, is good for fast delivery and it turned out great. Finally, the minwax gel stain is ideal for vertical applications like doors and molding.

Almost all buyers found that the stain looks more like paint than a stain. In addition, they say that the stain covers as well as what the videos and reviews described. Moreover, they say that the stain has held up well through 3 ny winters.

Top Customer Quotes:

This is a great coffee stain on pine wood.
This has a consistency like jam or jelly.
This is great for striping and staining.
This is very smooth, unlike some reviews.

Best For Country Of Origin: Old Masters Clear Gel Stain

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Compared with other stains in this category, the Old Masters Clear Gel Stain has a convenient design. The old masters clear gel stain is perfect for steel wool and it has removed dust. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Furthermore, it is pretty dark and it looks fantastic.

Most importantly, the old masters clear gel stain is great for application on fiberglass and it dries fast.

Most buyers find that the stain will know the best solution for your problem and area. In addition, they strongly agree that the stain is easy to control thickness and goes on with great coverage. And, they also found that the stain is far too time - consuming to wipe on a floor.

Customers discovered that getting a gel stains for fiberglass door, with this stain made their life much easier.

Top Customer Quotes:

This product is manufactured in the United States.
This is an old masters 80508 gel stain pint, provincial.
Purpose of use for painting supplies, household-wood-stains.
This can be used on stairs to change the orange wood to a darker wood.

Best For Good Stuff: Varathane Clear Gel Stain

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Compared with other stains in this category, the Varathane Clear Gel Stain has a convenient design. The Varathane clear gel stain comes with a thicker, more viscous formula than traditional stains, Varathane gel stain develops rich colors and enhances wood grain for a beautiful patina and outstanding coverage. Varathane premium gelstain is the ultimate solution for staining vertical surfaces without the mess of drips, runs or other common application issues. And, the stain provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains.

Finally, the varathane clear gel stain is designed for vertical surfaces including doors, window trim and furniture.

Most customers opine that the stain looks quite as natural as an oil stain, but it saves a lot of time for quick jobs. Also, they strongly agree that the stain is great for creating sharp lines with tape. In addition, they strongly agree that this stain is easy to apply and dry super quickly, but it ’s not a true gray color.

Top Customer Quotes:

Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain with long-lasting, rich deep color.
This is good for exterior use, is suitable for fiberglass doors and it blended perfectly.
This can be used on on stained doors to be sealed.
This is made for good stuff and it covers well.

Best For Exterior Applications: Retique It Clear Gel Stain

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The retique cleargel stain is the most reliable stain on the market today. The retique clear gel stain is great for furniture, cabinets, doors, drywall, cement, plastic, metal and virtually any other hard surface. You are actually staining a layer of unfinished wood. This thin gel stain rides over an existing finish just like a typical gel stain.

The stain is water-based, environmentally safe with no offensive smell. Most importantly, the retique clear gel stain has just used soap, is laminate and it is used for garage doors.

One customer says - "I use rust-oleum's oil mostly. ". They strongly agree that the water based gel stain goes on light unlike oils.

Why We Like This:

This is lightning fast and it allows for easy clean-ups.
Thin enough to absorb into unfinished wood like a traditional wood stain.
[Non-toxic] - water-based, non-toxic, hypoallergenic. It even smells like water.
If you want a raised defined grain you can use the graining tool kit.

Best For Small Furniture Projects: Minwax Clear Gel Stain

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If you often find yourself scrambling for an appropriate and satisfactory stain, Minwax Clear Gel Stain is your end point. The minwax clear gelstain is very simple to apply. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the stain is great for water cleanup, is very durable and it dries fast.

Most importantly, the minwax cleargel stain is best for great results and it is transparent.

Most buyers agree that the stain is a satin gloss at best. Moreover, they also found that the stain is great for small furniture projects. To sum up, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Few customers bought water based gel stain and light stains for wood, along with the stain.

Top Customer Quotes:

This provides protection and a beautiful sheen in just one hour.
This gives a great shine and it is good for wood furniture.
This is a light top coat.
This actually does leave a gloss finish.

Best For Fiberglass Doors: Bartley Clear Gel Stain

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Bartley makes beautiful and great stains with classic and smartly chosen materials. The Bartley clear gel stain is suitable for fiberglass doors, is easiest to apply and it is perfect for high quality. For a darker, richer tone, apply a second or third coat of stain (see color chart at right) to add significant depth and richness of color. In addition, the stain is walnut, follow the directions and it goes on smoothly.

The stain is best for great results and it gives excellent results. Lastly, the Bartley clear gel stain matches for professional results, makes for easy application and it goes on great.

Almost all buyers found that the stain is the best clear finish for wood, indoor or outdoors. In addition, they strongly agree that stains are great with clean clothes. And, they strongly agree that the stain is always manufactured for their label by someone else. In short, buyers found this to be one of the best stains for daily purposes.

Customers found that buying a clear gel stain, along with stain is useful.

Top Customer Quotes:

This is easy to apply and gives an excellent finish.
This is perfect for steel wool and it fits perfectly for the coffee table.
This is so much easier to apply and so much easier to not mess up.
This is used for good results and it is extremely impressive.

Best For Cherry: Bartley Gel Stain

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Bartley gel stain for daily usage. Moreover, this has many possibilities. For a darker, richer tone, apply a second or third coat of stain (see color chart at right) to add significant depth and richness of color. Most importantly, the Bartley gel stain is semi-transparent and it is suitable for fiberglass doors.

Almost all customers found that the stain is great for dubbing in damaged areas on old finishes. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Customers say that buying a wood glues that dry clear, along with stain is useful.

Why We Like This:

New and hot releases.
Good brand reputation.

Best For Stair: Qqcherry Clear Gel Stain

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The Qqcherry Clear Gel Stain gives the top-tier stains a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The qqcherry clear gel stain is expensive and it is semi-transparent. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this has many possibilities. Above all, the qqcherry clear gel stain is best for great results and it is suitable for fiberglass doors.

Almost all customers opine that the stain is great to see someone is carrying on the bartley tradition. And, they strongly agree that the stain is best for uniform coverage and color. In conclusion, many buyers have used the stain for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Customers say that getting a clear gel stain, along with stain is useful.

Top Customer Quotes:

This can be used on a stair railing with very beautiful results.
Lot of satisfied buyers.