Step 0: Preparation<\/h2>\n
Even before getting the tools for staining ready it is VERY important to tape off what you are about to work with. If possible, the best option is to remove the wood and take it into the garage, where a little dripping wont cause a problem.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-05-36_265-e1309142068639-169x300.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-05-36_265\\"")
<\/a>Lower banister<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-06-02_76-300x169.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-06-02_76\\"")
<\/a>Upper banister<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-05-49_859-300x169.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-05-49_859\\"")
<\/a>Upper banister meeting wall<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Make sure that you give yourself plenty of buffer room between the wood and the wall. I use 2” blue painter’s tape, with 2 overlapping passes.<\/p>\n
The tools<\/h3>\n\n- Gel Stain<\/li>\n
- Stirring Stick (in my case, an old wooden spoon)<\/li>\n
- Application tool (foam brush, fine bristle brush, or lint free cloth)<\/li>\n
- Old rag<\/li>\n
- Box for everything to sit in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-06-13_317-300x169.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-06-13_317\\"")
<\/a>Mobile workspace<\/p><\/div>\n
When first opening the can, the Gel Stain will look like pudding. While it looks like an evening time snack, I don’t recommend trying it, the smell should be off-putting enough. Stir thoroughly and just leave the stir stick in the stain, it will need to be remixed every so often. I put everything in the shoe box so I could move it all at once and not worry about getting any stain on the carpet.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Application<\/h2>\n
One reason I like the Gel Stain so much is because it’s just that, gel. The concoction is so thick, you almost don’t have to worry about dripping :). Simply dip your applicator in, wipe off some of the excess on the rim of the can and you’re ready to go. I used a bristle brush so that I could get into all the nooks and crannies.<\/p>\n
I used a method of dabbing on the stain in a large area and then brushing it back and forth. This prevents thick and overly dark spots.<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-48-56_524-e1309143136440-169x300.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-48-56_524\\"")
<\/a>Dabbing on...<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-49-13_921-e1309143337690-169x300.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-49-13_921\\"")
<\/a>...Brushing out<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Repeat this across the entire area. You can use the old rag to wipe up excess. As you go, you may find spots that look a little lighter. If the stain has become “tacky” then you can add a little to the lighter area and brush it in to match.<\/p>\n
Step 2: DON’T TOUCH IT<\/h2>\n
It’s that easy! once you have an even coating across the entire surface, you’re done.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Mobile workspace<\/p><\/div>\n
When first opening the can, the Gel Stain will look like pudding. While it looks like an evening time snack, I don’t recommend trying it, the smell should be off-putting enough. Stir thoroughly and just leave the stir stick in the stain, it will need to be remixed every so often. I put everything in the shoe box so I could move it all at once and not worry about getting any stain on the carpet.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Application<\/h2>\n
One reason I like the Gel Stain so much is because it’s just that, gel. The concoction is so thick, you almost don’t have to worry about dripping :). Simply dip your applicator in, wipe off some of the excess on the rim of the can and you’re ready to go. I used a bristle brush so that I could get into all the nooks and crannies.<\/p>\n
I used a method of dabbing on the stain in a large area and then brushing it back and forth. This prevents thick and overly dark spots.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Dabbing on...<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>...Brushing out<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Repeat this across the entire area. You can use the old rag to wipe up excess. As you go, you may find spots that look a little lighter. If the stain has become “tacky” then you can add a little to the lighter area and brush it in to match.<\/p>\n
Step 2: DON’T TOUCH IT<\/h2>\n
It’s that easy! once you have an even coating across the entire surface, you’re done.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_20-38-18_533-e1309143594236-169x300.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_20-38-18_533\\"")
<\/a>![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.idleengineers.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/2011-06-15_21-01-54_162-e1309143874820-169x300.jpg\" "\\"2011-06-15_21-01-54_162\\"")
<\/a>