A gel stain is a great way to bring outdated or worn cabinets up to date.
Gel stain formica cabinets.
It is also possible to use gel stain on laminate cabinets for a real wood look.
First let s talk about the supplies.
You can use a rust oleum transformations kit over a formica countertop that was already treated with a product if the surface is sanded according to rust oleum.
I love two tone mcm furniture.
A good formica stain can create a sleek surface hide tiny flaws or bring back the shine on a dull expanse of countertop.
Gel stain will not require you to sand the product to a raw wood finish.
And while it is cheaper than buying a new vanity it s not less than 20 which is what most blogs i read talked about.
Otherwise the laminate will just sit in a sticky layer on top of the laminate and be tacky each time you go to open the cabinet.
Tip from andrea allred.
Choosing to stain fake wood if you ever decide to change the color of your cabinets and want to use traditional stains or methods you may run into trouble.
For example it s difficult to get out once it s on and the gel color may look lighter than you intended.
I decided to stain the drawers and paint the body to match the dresser in my room.
While the gel stain is still wet gently smooth out the surface with a folded blue shop towel going in the direction of the grain.
Using a cheap foam brush start painting the gel stain in the direction of the grain.
Rust oleum is durable and comes in a wide variety of colors as well as a kit that contains all you need to stain formica countertops in an array of textures and styles.
Paint on two coats of gel stain letting each coat dry 72 hours.
If it looks like a gloopy mess that s perfect.
Create the look of faux wood by sanding each coat lightly.
To refinish cabinet doors with a plastic veneer you will first want to rough up the plastic so the paint or gel stain can adhere smoothly to the old laminate surface.
The gel stain is thick like pudding not a liquid.
From gel stains to paint plus complete kits that can make a bland countertop stylish there are many ways to change up and redesign formica.
I like to get a good amount on the brush and then.
Almost every single tutorial i read talked about how inexpensive this gel staining project would be.
Open your can of gel stain.
Gel stain comes in many colors and the thicker the stains the better.
How to use gel stain on cabinets.
A standard wood stain works well for wooden cabinets but you don t get the same results when applying liquid.
Gel stain is particularly forgiving with splotch prone woods like birch cherry maple and pine.
There are some drawbacks though.
These varieties tend to absorb thin traditional stains unevenly looking messy and unfinished no.
While gel stain does go on thick and sit on the surface of the wood i found that you can still see and feel the natural wood grain beneath unlike paint.
Sure if you have all these supplies to apply the.