The 11 Best Thin Gel Stains (2022 reviews)

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Are you looking for collection of best thin gel stains ? You have come to the right page.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: General Finishes Thin Gel Stain
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Best For Smooth Application:
Buy: General Finishes Java Gel Stain
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Best For High Humidity:
Buy: Minwax Matte Finish
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Best For Cedar:
Buy: Varathane Thin Gel Stain
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Best For Metal Doors:
Buy: Minwax Thin Gel Stain
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Best With Product Description:
Buy: Saman Thin Gel Stain
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Best For Hardwood:
Buy: Retique It Wood Finish
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Best For Front Door:
Buy: Old Masters Thin Gel Stain
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Best For White Oak:
Buy: Old Masters Gel Stain
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Best For Exterior Applications:
Buy: Retique It Thin Gel Stain
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Best For Bathroom Vanities:
Buy: Fusion Mineral Paint Thin Gel Stain
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Best Overall: General Finishes Thin Gel Stain

General Finishes Thin Gel Stain
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General Finishes has been making good-quality stains for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and high-end materials. The general finish thin gel stain is made for amazing results and it is made for good value. Woodworkers, you will love the lustrous finish that shows up. These oil-based gel topcoats and stains are quite possibly the easiest of all finishes to use and achieve a "hand-rubbed" look without all the work.

Above all, the general finish thin gel stain is perfect for steel wool and it looks new.

Most buyers opine that the stain will not take a lot to cover areas, but the sponge needs to be very clear of stain. Moreover, they strongly agree 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. Moreover, a few say that the stain has a shelf life of 12 months. In conclusion, many buyers have used the general finishes thin gel stain for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has made an amazing difference.
  • This does not attract more dust than normal objects.
  • It is great to transform a 1980's vintage oak jewelry armoire.
  • This means applying a polyurethane top-coat.

Best For Smooth Application: General Finishes Java Gel Stain

General Finishes Java Gel Stain
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The best part: general finish java gel stain costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The general finish java gel stain is expensive, is super easy and it is very forgiving. Satin gel topcoat may be used to top coat any stain. And, the stain is highly recommend, is easy to get and it is great with a rich tone.

Finally, the general finish java gel stains really well, is super smooth and it is durable enough.

Most customers found that the stains were done a year ago. Also, a few strongly agree that the stain is perfect for top gel stain. And, a few also found that this oil - based clean up is more complicated and drying times are longer than water based, but it is also more rugged. Overall, buyers found this to be one of the best stains for daily purposes.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is really excellent and there is no issue with its durability.
  • It looks really smeary with some parts looking "wet"/clean and others not.
  • This made in China should be somewhere on the handle.
  • Cleanup with mineral spirits, ideal for detailed pieces and any size of project.

Best For High Humidity: Minwax Matte Finish

Minwax Matte Finish
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Not everyone likes to purchase stains for their daily purpose, but the Minwax Matte Finish would be an anomoly. The minwax matte finish looks good and it is affordable. Apply a liberal amount of stain evenly with a brush or clean clothes. Further, the stain is America's leading brand of wood finishing and wood care products.

The stain is ready to hang and it is elegant. Above all, the minwax matte finish fits perfect for the coffee table and it is good for other surfaces.

Most customers opine that the stain is great and easier to apply than traditional liquid stain. Moreover, they also found that the stain is used to blend in new wood to an old floor. Moreover, they also found that the stain will not last forever, especially if you are dipping the object repeatedly in water. Overall, most buyers agree that the stain suits best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Use on wood, plywood, fiberglass, metal, and other surfaces.
  • This is good for floors or any high traffic items.
  • Allow the stain to dry 8 to 10 hours between coats.
  • This will cover the darker colors.

Best For Cedar: Varathane Thin Gel Stain

Varathane Thin Gel Stain
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The Varathane Thin Gel Stain's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The varathane thin gel stain looks wonderful, is incredible and it is super easy. Varathane premium fast dry wood stain is a high-performance stain enhanced with nano pigment particles. In addition, this is great for easy application and it is great for wood furniture.

The stain is more rustic and it is good for particle board. Further, this is perfect for steel wool and it is designed for hard wood. Most importantly, the varathane thin gel stain has weathered wood and it goes on smoothly.

Most customers quickly discovered that the stain looked more blue than grey. In addition, a few strongly agree that the stain is great for the right project. Also, they say that this is a great stain if you 're looking for that shabby chic look.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to apply and stain evenly after pre-stain conditioner.
  • Shake or stir stain before and during use.
  • highlights natural wood grain to reveal the wood's beauty.
  • High performance stain system enhanced with nano pigment particles.

Best For Metal Doors: Minwax Thin Gel Stain

Minwax Thin Gel Stain
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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention Minwax Thin Gel Stain for daily purpose. The minwax thin gel stains really well, very easily and it allows for ease of application. Apply a liberal amount of stain evenly with a brush or clean clothes. Moreover, the stain is ideal for vertical applications like doors and molding.

The stain works as described, went ahead and it is contemporary. Above all, the minwax thin gel stain is laundry and it is built with beautiful results.

Most customers found that the stain covers as well as what the videos and reviews described. Also, they say that the stain can be used over existing polyurethane. And, they say that the nice thing about gel stain is that it covers paint very well. In short, most buyers agree that the stain is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This comes out nicely and gets the job done.
  • This works well with proper use.
  • The thick-bodied consistency makes it ideal for giving fiberglass or metal doors.
  • This has a consistency like jam or jelly.

Best With Product Description: Saman Thin Gel Stain

Saman Thin Gel Stain
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We know from years of feedback from readers, amazon sellers, and family and friends what most people want in a convenient and appropriate stain. The Saman thin gel stain is exactly that - it's a simple stain that hits all the right notes. The Saman thingel stain is the preferred choice of professional woodworkers and diyers in North America. The manufacturer says: Our cleaners, oils and finishes assure an optimal enhancement to your woodwork while being safe for your environment. The color shown may vary depending on the preparation and the wood species.

Most importantly, the Saman thin gel stain is highly recommended and it is perfect for the coffee table.

Most buyers found that the stain does not work well at all on maple plywood. And, a few strongly agree that the stain has turned out wonderful and professional quality even when using cheaper grades of wood. In addition, a few strongly agree that this is a translucent water based wipe on stain that must be applied to bare wood. In short, for almost all customers, the stain was most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Apply the stain using the saman sponge.
  • The oil brought back the warmth and a gorgeous low sheen.
  • This is cleaned up with soap and it is great for natural products.
  • This will likely absorb more stains and be darker.

Best For Hardwood: Retique It Wood Finish

Retique It Wood Finish
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The retique wood finish might be a relatively new release, but it's still nothing short of impressive this year, thanks to multiple price cuts and added new features over the past few iterations. The retique wood finish is a patented, revolutionary new product which makes virtually any hard surface stainable without having to sand or strip off the old finish. You are actually staining a layer of unfinished wood. Also, the stain is genuine liquid wood, not a faux finish.

The stain is inexpensive and it is used for garage doors. Most importantly, the retique wood finish makes retique easy to use indoors.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the stain will darken your "wood" and give an amber appearance. Further, they also found that the stain does require quite a bit of stirring before and during use. Moreover, they strongly agree that the color of the retique is the " depth " color that you want. With no doubts, this stain passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This comes in multiple sizes and offers a perfect solution.
  • Interior use only, made in the USA.
  • [Easy cleanup] easy clean up with soap and water.
  • If you want a raised defined grain you can use the graining tool kit.

Best For Front Door: Old Masters Thin Gel Stain

Old Masters Thin Gel Stain
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The Old Masters Thin Gel Stain's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. Moreover, the old masters thin gelstain dries fast and it looks fantastic. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the stain has removed dust and it is suitable for application on fiberglass. Lastly, the old masters thin gel stain is available in 9 colors: dark walnut, golden oak, rich mahogany etc., so, it's likely one of your favorites is in the mix.

Almost all customers agree that the stain is easy to control thickness and goes on with great coverage. And, they strongly agree that the stain is a small area, approx 4 sq ft., worn right down almost to bare wood. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the stain would require considerable thinning before applying with a hvlp spray gun. Overall, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This will know the best solution for your problem and area.
  • This is an old masters 80608 gel stain pint, early American.
  • This is easy to wipe on and off to control the intensity of the stain.
  • This is perfect for steel wool and it looks nice.

Best For White Oak: Old Masters Gel Stain

Old Masters Gel Stain
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The Old Masters Gel Stain is suitable and reliable and fits well with your regular use. Moreover, the old masters gel stain is best for good results and it goes on smoothly. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, it is an old masters 80704 gel stain, dark walnut, quart. Finally, the old masters gel stain is available in 9 attractive colors: dark walnut, golden oak, red etc.,.

Most buyers opine that the stain can be used in painting situations. Further, a few strongly agree that the stain is great to use for overhead with low drip. Further, a few strongly agree that the color of the object you painting may demand several coats of white you use. Overall, for most buyers, the stain was most suitable.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is easy to work with to stain a fiberglass door.
  • This is easy to apply with a brush or rag.
  • This is easy to apply, and the results are a really lovely bookcase.
  • These are two coats of clear.

Best For Exterior Applications: Retique It Thin Gel Stain

Retique It Thin Gel Stain
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If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable stain, retique it. thingel stain is your solution. The retique thin gelstain is great for furniture, cabinets, doors, drywall, cement, plastic, metal and virtually any other hard surface. Apply liquid wood to any hard surfaceno need to sand off the old finish (even painted finishes)now you have an unfinished wood surface. This thin gel stain rides over an existing finish just like a typical gel stain.

The stain comes with any approved gel or wood stain. Finally, the retique is a thin gel stain that can be applied using a paint brush, sprayer or roller by professionals and diyer’s alike.

One customer says - "Second, your work should be covered by poly acrylic or polyurethane to protect you from the elements. ". A few say that the water based gel stain goes on light unlike oils.

Why We Like This:
  • You can paint it on with a brush or staining applicator.
  • Complete your projects up to 3 times faster.
  • You are actually staining a layer of unfinished wood.
  • Works just like a traditional paint glaze when applied over a painted finish.

Best For Bathroom Vanities: Fusion Mineral Paint Thin Gel Stain

Fusion Mineral Paint Thin Gel Stain
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Fusion Mineral Paint offers a variety of stains for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Fusion Mineral Paint Thin Gel Stain is perfect for heavily used interior surfaces. Different materials if used on new, raw wood, The first coat should be thinned by using 1 part mineral spirits and 4 parts gel stain. This hard - wearing, maintenance - free interior finish enhances the beauty of natural wood while resisting water, food stains, alcohol, grease, and detergents.

The stain is great for bathroom vanities, is best for even floors and it is perfect for double espresso. Lastly, the fusion mineral paint thin gel stain is ideal for areas that are washed frequently.

Why We Like This:
  • There is no need to strip or completely sand your surface.
  • Let the gel stain dry for about 4 hours between coats.
  • It takes 5 days to fully cure.