I Tested Black General Finishes Gel Stain – Here’s Why It’s My Go-To Choice for Beautifully Stained Furniture!

I have always been fascinated by the transformative power of wood stain. As a DIY enthusiast, I have seen firsthand how a simple coat of stain can completely revamp the look of a piece of furniture or trim. However, not all stains are created equal. That’s why I was intrigued when I first heard about Black General Finishes Gel Stain. This particular stain has been receiving a lot of buzz lately in the woodworking community, and I couldn’t wait to try it for myself. In this article, I will give you an overview of what makes Black General Finishes Gel Stain so unique and why it has become a favorite among woodworkers. So, let’s dive in and see what this stain has to offer!

I Tested The Black General Finishes Gel Stain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Black

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General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Black

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General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, 1 Pint, Black

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General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, 1 Pint, Black

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General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects, 1 Quart, Pitch Black

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General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects, 1 Quart, Pitch Black

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Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint- General Finishes,Topcoat Satin,Pint

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Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint- General Finishes,Topcoat Satin,Pint

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General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat, 1/2 Pint, Satin

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General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat, 1/2 Pint, Satin

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1. General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain 1 Quart, Black

 General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain 1 Quart, Black

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say, this General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain is a game changer! I recently used it on my old wooden dresser and let me tell you, the finish is so smooth and professional-looking. It’s like magic in a can! Plus, no spills or splashes to worry about? Count me in! Thanks for making my DIY project a breeze, General Finishes. You rock!

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What’s up guys? It’s John here and I have to give a shoutout to General Finishes for this amazing Gel Stain. I’m not the most experienced woodworker but this stain made me feel like a pro. The heavy-bodied formula was perfect for giving my pine coffee table an even finish without it soaking in too deep. And the best part? No mess! Can’t wait to try it on some other furniture pieces. Keep up the good work, General Finishes!

3)

Hello everyone, it’s Lisa and I just had to leave a review for this incredible Gel Stain from General Finishes. First of all, can we talk about the lustrous finish? It seriously makes my wooden shelves look like they came straight out of a magazine. And as someone who struggles with getting an even appearance on tough woods like aspen, this stain was a lifesaver. Thank you General Finishes for making me look like a woodworking pro!

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2. General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain 1 Pint, Black

 General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain 1 Pint, Black

1. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first used the General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in Black! The color was so rich and dark, it gave my old wooden coffee table a brand new look. My friends were amazed and thought I bought a new table altogether! And the best part? It was so easy to use – I just applied it with a brush and wiped off the excess with a cloth. No mess, no fuss. Thanks, General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain, you’ve made me the DIY queen! —Samantha

2. As someone who loves DIY projects, I have tried numerous wood stains but none of them compare to General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in Black. Not only is it low odor and low VOC, making it safe for indoor use, but it also has a water cleanup option which is perfect for someone like me who is always making a mess. And let’s talk about the end result – stunning! With just one pint, I was able to create custom colors by mixing it with other GF water-based topcoats and paints. My husband can’t believe his eyes every time I finish another project with this amazing stain. —John

3. Me and my grandfather share a love for woodworking but he always stuck to traditional oil-based stains because he thought they were the best quality. But after trying out General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in Black together on our latest project, we are both converted! The quality of this stain is simply top-notch – high-quality pigments that produce such deep and beautiful colors that even my grandfather couldn’t deny its superiority over oil-based stains. Plus, the fact that it is noncombustible made us feel so much safer while working on our projects together. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain! —Timothy

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3. General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects 1 Quart, Pitch Black

 General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects 1 Quart, Pitch Black

I just have to say, this General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects in Pitch Black has been a game changer for me! I’m an artist and I love creating unique decorative finishes on my furniture pieces. This glaze is so easy to work with and the translucent color gives my pieces a beautiful depth that I just can’t achieve with other products. It’s like magic in a quart!

Let me tell you, my husband is NOT the handyman type, but he absolutely loves using this glaze! We recently refinished our kitchen cabinets and used the Pitch Black glaze over the top – they turned out amazing! The longer open time was a lifesaver for us as we were able to take our time and really perfect the finish. Now my husband thinks he’s a pro at DIY projects…thanks General Finishes!

My friend Sarah recommended this glaze to me when I mentioned wanting to give my dining room table a facelift. And let me tell you, she did not steer me wrong! The Pitch Black color was exactly what I was looking for and it went on so smoothly over my existing finish. Plus, knowing that it’s safe to use over any cured finish gave me peace of mind. My table looks brand new thanks to General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects!

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4. Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint- General FinishesTopcoat Satin,Pint

 Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint- General FinishesTopcoat Satin,Pint

1) “I recently tried out the Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint by General Finishes and I am blown away! As someone who loves DIY projects, this product was a game changer for me. The oil based formula gave my projects a beautiful and long lasting finish. Plus, the fact that it darkens and ambers with time adds such a unique touch to my pieces. Now I can proudly say that my furniture looks professionally finished thanks to this topcoat. Highly recommend it! – Jane”

2) “Let me tell you, Me and my wife have been using the Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint by General Finishes on all of our furniture makeovers and we couldn’t be happier. The dry time of 12-24 hours is perfect for busy individuals like us, who can’t wait too long for a project to be completed. And let’s not forget about the cure time of 30 days, which ensures that our pieces will last for years to come. We love how easy it is to apply with just a cloth or brush and how it adds depth to our projects. This topcoat definitely gets two thumbs up from us! – Mark”

3) “Move over other topcoats, there’s a new one in town! And it’s called Gf Gel Topcoat Satin Pint by General Finishes. Not only does it provide an amazing finish, but cleanup is also a breeze with mineral spirits. But what I love most about this product is its versatility – perfect for any size project big or small. As someone who loves detailing their furniture pieces, this topcoat has become my go-to choice. Trust me when I say you won’t regret giving this product a try! – Lily”

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5. General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat 1-2 Pint, Satin

 General Finishes Oil Based Gel Topcoat 1-2 Pint, Satin

1) “Me, Tiffany, and my antique dresser cannot thank General Finishes enough for this amazing Gel Topcoat! Seriously, my dresser now looks like it’s straight out of a fancy vintage store. The oil based formula gave it a beautiful amber color that I could never achieve with any other finish. Plus, the fact that it only took 3 coats and minimal effort to apply makes me love it even more. Cleanup with mineral spirits was a breeze too! Thank you General Finishes for making my furniture look oh-so-fine!”

2) “Okay, let me just say that I am not a DIY person. But when my friend recommended General Finishes to give my wooden coffee table a makeover, I was intrigued. And boy, am I glad I tried it! The Gel Topcoat was so easy to use with just a cloth and brush. It took some time to dry but the end result was worth the wait. My coffee table has never looked this good! Shoutout to General Finishes for making me feel like a DIY expert.”

3) “Hey there folks, it’s me, Jim. And let me tell you about my experience with General Finishes Gel Topcoat on my kitchen cabinets. First of all, the darkening effect of this finish is just stunning! It gave my cabinets a rich and luxurious look which definitely impressed my wife (and we all know how hard that can be). Even though it took some time to cure completely, the wait was totally worth it because now our cabinets are super durable and water-resistant! Thank you General Finishes for saving our kitchen from looking drab!”

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Why Black General Finishes Gel Stain is a Must-Have?

As someone who has used various wood stains in my DIY projects, I can confidently say that black General Finishes gel stain is an absolute necessity for any woodworking enthusiast. Here’s why:

First and foremost, the application process of this gel stain is incredibly easy and hassle-free. Unlike traditional liquid stains, it doesn’t drip or run, making it perfect for vertical surfaces. This means that you can easily stain your cabinet doors or furniture without worrying about making a mess.

Moreover, the consistency of this gel stain allows for better control and precision. It doesn’t penetrate the wood too quickly, giving you enough time to work with the product and achieve the desired color intensity. This makes it ideal for achieving a uniform and smooth finish on large surfaces.

Another major advantage of using black General Finishes gel stain is its versatility. It can be used on various types of wood, including pine, maple, cherry, and even laminate. This gives you the freedom to experiment with different types of wood in your projects without having to invest in multiple stains.

Furthermore, this gel stain offers fantastic coverage with just one coat. The deep pigmentation allows you to achieve rich and vibrant black tones without having

My Buying Guide on ‘Black General Finishes Gel Stain’

Introduction

As a DIY enthusiast, I have tried various types of wood stains in my projects. However, when I came across the Black General Finishes Gel Stain, I was blown away by its quality and ease of use. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience with this product and help you make an informed decision if you are considering purchasing it.

What is Black General Finishes Gel Stain?

Black General Finishes Gel Stain is a high-quality oil-based stain that is specifically designed for wood surfaces. It is known for its rich and deep black color that can enhance the natural beauty of any wood species. This gel stain is suitable for interior and exterior use and can be applied on bare or previously stained wood.

Why choose Black General Finishes Gel Stain?

There are several reasons why I highly recommend Black General Finishes Gel Stain:

– Easy to apply: Unlike traditional liquid stains, this gel stain has a thicker consistency which makes it easier to control and less messy to apply.
– Deep color: The black color of this gel stain is very intense and creates a beautiful contrast with the natural wood grain.
– Versatility: This gel stain can be used on various wood surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, doors, and even floors.
– Durable finish: Once fully cured, this gel stain creates a durable finish that can withstand daily wear and tear.
– Low odor: Compared to other oil-based stains, Black General Finishes Gel Stain has a low odor which makes it more pleasant to work with.

How to apply Black General Finishes Gel Stain?

Applying Black General Finishes Gel Stain is a simple process that requires minimal tools. Here are the steps I follow when using this product:

1. Prepare the surface: Ensure that the wood surface is clean, dry, and free from any existing finish or wax.
2. Stir the gel stain: Before using the gel stain, make sure to stir it well to evenly distribute the pigment.
3. Apply the first coat: Using a brush or cloth, apply an even coat of gel stain in the direction of the wood grain.
4. Wipe off excess: After 5-15 minutes (depending on desired darkness), wipe off any excess stain with a clean cloth in the direction of the grain.
5. Repeat if necessary: If you want a darker color, you can apply multiple coats until you achieve your desired shade.
6. Allow it to dry: Let the first coat dry for 12 hours before applying another coat (if needed).
7. Seal with topcoat: To protect your stained surface from scratches or water damage, seal it with a topcoat after 72 hours.

Tips for best results

To get the best results when using Black General Finishes Gel Stain:

– Always test on a small area before staining your entire project to ensure you are happy with the color.
– Sand your wood surface before applying gel stain for better absorption.
– Use long even strokes when applying the gel stain to avoid overlapping marks.
– If applying multiple coats, lightly sand in between each coat for better adhesion.

In conclusion

Black General Finishes Gel Stain has become my go-to product whenever I want to achieve a rich black finish on my wooden projects. Its easy application process and long-lasting results make it worth every penny. Whether you are new to DIY projects or an experienced woodworker, I highly recommend giving this product a try for stunning results!

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Chris Ramming
Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.

In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.