Ratings & Reviews for Minwax Gel Stain Oil-based Red Elm Semi-transparent Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

Super Easy

1st time stainer here. We purchased an unfinished expensive bathroom vanity so that we could make it match the rest of the woodwork in our bathroom. Reading reviews on the Gel Stain had me freaking out. All the gummy stuff and it not drying - that was not something I wanted to happen with this vanity. But I decided that I could sand it down if the stain didn't work and I gave it a shot. So glad that I did. Went on super easy and turned out amazing! Makes me excited to stain the trim work to...

Changed colors & can no longer get the old color

I cannot believe you changed the colors! I purchased coffee which used to be a very nice brown. Had 11 of my 15 doors redone in it. And can no longer get the same color!!! Coffee is now black! I opened the old style can next to the new one & there is an obvious BiG difference in color. I’m so upset and before I realized the color difference I tried to touch up a few doors and now I have black spots all over my brown doors . Do not start a project with their gel stain unless you have enough al...

Would not recommend

Extremely upset and disheartened as we chose the color coffee for our front door since the can and sample showed a nice brown, but we now have BLACK front doors!!! I would not recommend this product because what is displayed is not what you get! The quote from our builder to redo the doors is out of our price range. Be mindful and always read reviews!

Garage Doors Updated

Great results on metal garage door! Granted, I didn't follow all the recommendations, so I will probably be redoing these in a year. I applied with 5 in brush agter having done prep (washed and sanded) but without priming, and mixed it with various other stains to achieve the desired color, and applied in the sun when the doors were warm, so I ended up using 4x the amount expected and doing 3 coats, then couldn't get it sealed before the rains came this season. Wish me luck!

Darker than appears!

I followed the recommendation of using minwax for staining two foam beams, I was not expecting chestnut to dry down to be an entirely different color than what is advertised..it is extremely dark. Pretty disappointed.

Colors are not what they show

We purchased Coffee Gel Stain to redo our inside railing as it showed the color on the your web site and on the can, however the actual color is BLACK, totally messed up our railing

Good for crafting

I restore curbside finds and I needed a stain that would give good coverage for a badly damaged leather topped side table. This product was excellent not just for the wood but also for the leather top which was badly discolored and pitted.

Cleanup instructions?

Would be great if linear put their cleanup instructions on their products can (mineral spirits? Acetone?? Soap and water?) Also, if suitable for interior and exterior, or just interior etc..

BEAUTIFUL!!!

I googled to see if there was a wood stain that will cover over painted wood. MinWax came up. Bought it and SO HAPPY I did!! It is flippin beautiful!! I didnt sand my base board either. Base boards were painted white. Wanted wood look. Very much recommend this product!!!!

Smooth to brush and roll

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This was a really nice gel stain. I tried brushing and rolling it with a good, even coverage from both. The color was deep and matched the can well! I would use this again for my other staining projects.

Easy to use and looks amazing!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am very happy with this Minewax Gel stain. The stain is thicker then non gel stain and does not drip. A little stain did a lot of surface and it just looks so good. I stained a shelf and the stain easily got into the little grooves and with only one coat it is completely covered and perfect. I am very have with the ease of use and final product.

beautiful stain

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This was interesting to use. I do like the gel it seemed a lot easier to deal with than normal stains. The color came out beautiful and even. It settles perfectly after 2nd coat. I love how easy it was to layer and didn't become chunky in areas, Cant wait for more prejects.

Amazing coverage

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I redo furniture as a hobby and have used various types of stains, but this one is the best I have used so far. I love the consistency and ease of application. I would recommend for staining or antique glazing.

Love this brand!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Minwax gel stain is a great product for many projects. I used this stain for updating my nightstand. It worked wonderfully to cover some scratches and update the look! This product is easy to use, doesn't streak, and cleans up wonderfully.

We always reach for minwax

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Minwax gel stain is a great product for many projects. I recently used it to freshen up my kitchen floors while we’re saving for a remodel. It worked wonderfully to cover some scratches and give us a new topcoat. I have also used it successfully on previously stained furniture. A great product that’s easy to use, clean’s up well and works.

Easy to Use Nice Results

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I made a mistake and painted a beautiful old end table grey. Before starting I read the instructions and first tried cleaning it well and just applying it over the grey. I didn't like that. So I tried sanding it all off to get a feel of what it would look like depending on how many coats of old paint and stain I took off. I think I found the perfect layer to stop on. The picture shows the different layers with one coat after 24 hours. I think w...

Beautiful color!

I did this today 4/11. So happy I went the Stain Gel! The walnut color is beautiful.

Easy to apply

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We got Minwax gel stain in cherrywood for two small nightstands that needed an update. It is thick and we had minimal dripping.We had no streaks,the coverage is good.The color is consistent throughout the process. The gel dries pretty fast so if you need to wipe any excess get to it as quick as you can We used a brush and rags they both worked well,I preferred using the rags. I really like the way the nightstands looked once it was finished.

Excellent wood stain

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have done several DIY projects for my house and I have always used the standard liquid Minwax wood stain. Today I used for the first time the Gel Stain and I regret that I have never used it before. The application is easier, using les quantity it covers more areas, is not as messy and the liquid one. The finish is shainy and smooth and the wood does not absorb ot as the liquid one. I have seen people that use an orbital polishe...

Easy staining

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I used this on Poplar wood. The stain was of course easy to apply with a brush. It took well to the wood. I did not use a wood conditioner. Another coat would probably make it a deeper, richer red/brown. I liked that this stain didn't need a second coat or sanding between coats. I could see the color immediately and it was the said color right from the start. No waiting around to see how dark it would dry. I would suggest putting on a...