Thinning gel stain with mineral spirits. We recommend adding up to 10 mineral spirits. You can add more mineral spirits but test first. Stain should penetrate the wood and be wiped off to create the effect of staining the wood as opposed to adhering to the surface like paint. If it is a lated stain you can try some water.
Thinning stain varnishes and fibreglass resin some types of finishes can be thick and difficult to apply. Through experience pros know that thinning gives them more control over application. It may soften slightly if a small amount of mineral spirits is added. Some gel stains are water based and thin with water while others are oil based and thin with mineral spirits.
For cleaning brushes paint thinner is best since its half the cost of mineral spirits and. Glass bottles that seal completely. Thats why professional painters and furniture refinishers use thinners on their projects involving stains shellacs varnishes and fibreglass resin. While a lot weaker and less toxic than these stains you still need to be careful with mineral spirits dont breathe in for too long.
The age of the stain should not be a factor unless it has lost the thinning agent due to the container not being sealed well this would make the stain appear darker. Add more liquid stain as needed up to 50. Gel stain mineral spirits for thinning gel stain liquid oil based stain gel stain gel topcoat. Check the label to ensure you use the right solvent.
Mineral spirits also known as stoddard solvent petroleum spirit or white spirit are a petroleum based single solvent that are sometimes used as a substitute for turpentine in thinning paint and cleaning surfaces and paintbrushes. Mineral spirits paint thinner. When thinning use roughly 4 parts stain to 1 part mineral spirits. The mix will be thin and more translucent with less color saturation and intensity but will not lose any of its properties for adhesion and curing.
Only to be used for thinning polyurethane and thining oil based stain and varnish. Gel stains rarely need thinning but if youre having trouble getting the stain to spread you may need to add a small amount of thinner. Paint thinner and mineral spirits both work well for cleaning oil based paint but there are subtle differences including odor and cost. Wet or tacky gel stain can be removed easily with a rag moistened with mineral spirits.
To complete the graining process wait until the first coat of minwax gel stain is completely dry 24 48 hours then apply a second coat of gel stain with a natural bristle brush in the direction of the grain pattern created. Do not store oil based products in plastic bottles. How to thin gel stain to create a glaze. Gel stain hardens faster than other products.