Are you planning to buy water based gel stains, and are you confused about the options ? You have landed on the right page.

Our review process: Show/Hide

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: General Finishes Regular Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Cedar: Buy: General Finishes Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Metal Doors: Buy: Minwax Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Ease Of Use: Buy: Saman Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Good Stuff: Buy: Minwax Clear Finish READ REVIEW

Best For Hardwood: Buy: Rustoleum Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Front Door: Buy: Old Masters Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best With Gray: Buy: Varathane Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Exterior Applications: Buy: Retique It Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Garage Doors: Buy: Retique It Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Butcher Block: Buy: Amy Howard At Home Water Based Gel Stain READ REVIEW

Best For Mahogany: Buy: Amy Howard At Home Wood Stain READ REVIEW

Best Overall: General Finishes Regular Stain

Buy on Amazon

The general finish regular stain's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The general finish regular stain is laminate, provides for great application and it is solid. heavy-bodied, and so does not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-base stains do. The heavy bodied gel formulation permits the product to flow out evenly ( no drips or runs ) preventing uneven penetration for consistent color control.

The stain is super easy, is made for good value and it is made for gallon size. Most importantly, the General Finishes Regular Staining has removed cabinet doors and it is best for great results.

Almost all customers agree that the stain is great for updating old oak cabinets. Also, they also found that the stain is oil based and has a very strong odor. In addition, a few say that the stain will look different in places where it touched wood than in places where it touched paint.

• This means applying a polyurethane top-coat.
• This is great for beginners and experienced woodworkers as well.
• This can be said with personal experience and it provides good coverage.
• It has lots of videos to answer questions about their products.

Best For Cedar: General Finishes Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

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 water based gel stain is brand new, is great with rich tones and it is perfect for high quality. General finish dyes are ready to use and are water based formulations designed to give you deep, rich colors without raising the wood grain. These easy to use dyes can be used straight out of the can, or for custom finishes they can be diluted with the neutral base, water or intermixed with generals other water - based stains and finishes to create a full palette of colors and tones.

Above all, the general finish water based gel stain is made for wooden floors, buy again and it is used for a table.

Most customers opine that the stain is a wood "stain" complete in itself that should be applied directly to sanded wood. And, they also found that the stain is a bit gummy when wiped off. Moreover, a few also found that the stain is easy to apply, finishes pine with one application and without any blotchiness whatsoever, as would be expected with traditional stains. In conclusion, many buyers have used the stain for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• This is perfect for American flag blue.
• This is very uniform and it is perfect for light brown.
• This is great for staining ash for making a wooden flag.
• This is pure and it is much more.

Best For Metal Doors: Minwax Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

The features department is where Minwax Water Based Gel Stain truly manages to shine. The minwax water based gel stain is much better and it is solid. Apply a liberal amount of stain evenly with a brush or clean clothes. And, this is ideal for vertical applications like doors and molding.

The stain needs 2 coats and it is laminate. In addition, it is very dark brown and it allows for ease of application. Finally, the minwax water based gel stain is great for gallon size and it is very easy.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the stain is a gritty hand cleaner for paint. In addition, a few say that the stains make different mixtures for different types of stains. Moreover, a few say that the finish look with new hardware will make the cabinets look new again with tight fitting closure and a new look. Overall, many customers have used the minwax water based gel stain for more than a few months without any complaints, and it shows no sign of giving up.

• This comes out nicely and gets the job done.
• This is very smooth, unlike some reviews.
• This is for food grade and it turned out great.
• This is great for striping and staining.

Best For Ease Of Use: Saman Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

Next on the list, we've got yet another stain that manages to win our hearts. It's the Saman water based gel stain and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient stains you can buy. The Japanese water based gel stain allows for ease of use, is great for single coat and it lasts longer. Make it safe and quick to clean after use on furniture, moldings, wood paneling and cabinets. In addition, it cleans up easily, cleans up with just soap and it goes on smoothly.

Lastly, the Saman Water Based Gel Stain makes a real, look look look look. would be perfect with the product description and it is dark gray.

Almost all customers opine that the stain is used to convert barstools to footstools. Further, they also found that the stain can be found at any hardware store and is a bit cheaper than the stain. Also, a few also found that the oil brought back warmth and a gorgeous low sheen. In conclusion, for most buyers, Saman product was what they were looking for.

• This does not work good at all on maple plywood.
• This has turned out to be wonderful and professional quality even when using cheaper grades of wood.
• This stain really is odor free.
• This has blue undertones.

Best For Good Stuff: Minwax Clear Finish

Buy on Amazon

Not everyone likes to purchase stains for their regular use, but the Minwax Clear Finish would be an anomoly. The minwax clear finish can be said for ease of use, is perfect for a coffee table and it is easy to clean. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Further, this has followed Selena 's tips, provides good coverage and it is great for water cleanup.

Most importantly, the minwax clear finish is made with a natural bristle brush, is ceramic and it is made for the home department.

Most customers found that the stain does cover up the wood grain. Also, a few say that the stain is pretty enough without it. In addition, a few strongly agree that stain is an easy solution for getting color onto wood. Without any doubt, this product passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.

• This is also available in an aerosol can.
• This is easy to use and does a great job achieving coverage.
• This is easy to use and the color (the green stain) is beautiful.
• This is more of a mauve / light pink color.

Best For Hardwood: Rustoleum Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

Compared with other stains in this category, the Rustoleum Water Based Gel Stain has a convenient design. The rustoleum water based gel stain is economical and it turned out great. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Moreover, it goes on well, is easy to paint and it is made with low odor.

The stain is extremely easy, is much more and it is suitable for outdoor use. Above all, the rustoleum waterbased gel stain is dark gray, Went ahead and it is good for wood deck.

Almost all buyers found that the stain is easy to follow instructions for a novice. Moreover, a few also found that the stain can really make them look cool. Moreover, a few strongly agree that the color turned out to be a unique mix of gray, blue and purple hue. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

• Replicates and creates a natural, aged look in minutes.
• This is effective, is great for single coat and it is highly recommended.
• This has weathered gray and it is suitable for a coffee table.
• It has been a long time.

Best For Front Door: Old Masters Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

The Old Masters Water Based Gel Stain's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The old masters water basedgel stain is perfect for steel wool, comes with great stuff and it is solid. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, it is pretty dark, is best for application on fiberglass and it is laminate.

The stain looks nice and it is ideal for good paint. And, it has removed dust and it looks fantastic. Most importantly, the old masters water based gel stain is subtle, has wiped off excess and it is fade.

Most buyers found that the stain is easy to control thickness and goes on with great coverage. Further, they say that the stain is easy to use for a first time stainer. And, a few strongly agree that the stain will know the best solution for your problem and area. Overall, for most buyers, it was what they were looking for.

• This is easy to wipe on and off to control the intensity of the stain.
• This is far too time - consuming to wipe onto a floor.
• This item is an old masters 81408 gel stain pint, Spanish oak.
• This product is manufactured in the United States.

Best With Gray: Varathane Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

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 Varathane Water Based Gel Stain is exactly that - it's a simple stain that hits all the right notes. The varathane water based gel stain is designed for vertical surfaces including doors, window trim and furniture. To protect your projects, topcoat with varathane premium interior or outdoor polyurethane after gel stain dries for a minimum of 4 hours. Moreover, the stain is highly recommend, is yellow and it blended perfectly.

Finally, the varathane water based gel stain comes with a thicker, more viscous formula than traditional stains, Varathane gelstain develops rich colors and enhances wood grain for a beautiful patina and outstanding coverage.

Most customers opine that the stain is great for creating sharp lines with tape. In addition, a few strongly agree 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 can be used on on stained doors to be sealed. Consequently, customers were eager to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.

• This covers well and it is suitable for fiberglass doors.
• This provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains.
• Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain with long-lasting, rich deep color.

Best For Exterior Applications: Retique It Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

Retique It offers a variety of stains for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The retique is a waterbased gel stain that can be applied using a paint brush, sprayer or roller by professionals and diyer’s alike. Complete your projects up to 3 times faster. This thin gel stain rides over an existing finish just like a typical gel stain.

The stain is great for furniture, cabinets, doors, drywall, cement, plastic, metal and virtually any other hard surface. And, the stain will work on virtually any hard surface, and even right over painted surfaces. Above all, the retique water based gel stain is as simple as using soap and water.

One customer says - "Second, your work should be covered by poly acrylic or polyurethane to protect you from the elements. ". They also found that the water basedgel stain goes on light unlike oils.

• This is great for deep penetrating, just use soap and it is lightning fast.
• If you want a raised defined grain you can use the graining tool kit.
• Interior / exterior water-based gel stain.
• You are actually staining a layer of unfinished wood.

Best For Garage Doors: Retique It Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

The retique gel stain should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The retique gel stain will work on virtually any hard surface, and even right over painted surfaces. Just paint then stain to get a genuine wood finish. This high - performance stain features nano pigments, which intensify color clarity and highlight wood grain, delivering the perfect shade in just one coat.

The stain is designed to virtually no odor, saves time and it allows for easy cleanup. Finally, the retique gel stain can be applied using a paint brush, sprayer or roller by professionals and diyer’s alike.

One customer says - "It depends on what is showing through underneath and what look you are going for. ". Most buyers quickly discover that the stain is easy to figure out after watching a video on youtube.

• If you pull too much on, you can add more.
• This is non-toxic, feels like wood and it saves time.
• If you want a raised defined grain you can use the graining tool kit.
• This is water-based, environmentally safe with no offensive smells.

Best For Butcher Block: Amy Howard At Home Water Based Gel Stain

Buy on Amazon

Amy Howard At Home offers a variety of stains for personal choice and yet maintains quality in all the variants. The Amy Howard at home water based gelstain comes with a bristle brush, roller, or even spray it on when diluted. Amy Howard at home gel stain is water-based, low voc, smells amazing, and easy to use. The Amy Howard at home water - based gel stain dries quickly.

Most importantly, the Amy Howard at home water based gel stain is a non-penetrating wood stain that can be used over existing stain and paint finishes, absorbed into unfinished wood, or fully absorbed by sanding down old finishes.

Almost all customers quickly discovered that the stain is the perfect solution for doing kitchen cupboards and the wooden robot looks like it is after this.

• Experience wood stain like never before with Amy Howard at home gel stain.
• For complete, deep coverage on painted surfaces, lightly sand, clean, then apply gel stain.
• Lot of satisfied buyers.

Best For Mahogany: Amy Howard At Home Wood Stain

Buy on Amazon

Best part: Amy Howard at home wood stain costs comparatively cheap and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The Amy Howard at home wood stain allows gel stain to be applied on vertical and horizontal surfaces to achieve a beautiful wood finish while also being easily cleaned with soap and water. Use gel stain to create an incredible glaze finish on paint surfaces or revive and cover lightly scratched & bleached wood surfaces. The Amy Howard at home water - based gel stain dries quickly.

Lastly, the Amy howard at home wood stain is a non-penetrating wood stain that can be used over existing stain and paint finishes, absorbed into unfinished wood, or fully absorbed by sanding down old finishes.

• This comes with a bristle brush, roller, or even spray it on when diluted.
• Experience wood stain like never before with Amy Howard at home gel stain.
• For complete, deep coverage on painted surfaces, lightly sand, clean, then apply gel stain.