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General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 11,678 ratings
Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Amazon's Choice in Household Stains by General Finishes

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1 Quart
Java

Purchase options and add-ons

Color Java
Brand General Finishes
Surface Recommendation Wood
Material Oil Based
Model Name JQ

About this item

  • This is the stain that has the most "finishing feel" of all General Finishes' products
  • Woodworkers love the lustrous finish that shows up
  • Heavy-bodied, and so does not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-base stains do
  • Can help you get a more even appearance on difficult woods such as aspen or pine
  • Easy-to-use stains simply wipe on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush (no spills or splashes)
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Additional Details

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Customer ratings by feature

Style
4.7 4.7
Value for money
4.7 4.7
Easy to use
4.6 4.6
Longevity
4.6 4.6

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From the manufacturer

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About Us

General Finishes was founded in 1928. General Finishes has come a long way since 1984. By 1992 we had again outgrown our facility and built a new 7000-square-foot plant; two years later we doubled the facility's size and added two more automatic pour machines, an automatic labeling machine, and larger and more sophisticated mixing equipment. And the number of employees reached double digits. But the best was yet to come. We are now versatile and sophisticated enough to meet a wide range of water-based finishing needs.

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General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java


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Product Description

These oil-based Gel Topcoats and Stains are quite possibly the easiest of all finishes to use and achieve a "hand-rubbed" look without all the work. Application is easy with a foam brush or lint free cloth. The heavy bodied gel formulation permits the product to flow out evenly (no drips or runs) preventing uneven penetration for consistent color control. Combined with no sanding (your choice to sand or not) between coats and a quick “re-coat” time, you’ll be finished sooner with less effort and better results than ever before.

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General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java
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Price$57.95$12.99-9% $11.79
List:$12.99
$50.57$32.95$38.85
Delivery
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2
Customer Ratings
Value for money
4.7
4.5
4.7
4.1
4.6
Easy to use
4.6
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.7
Sheerness
4.4
4.1
4.4
4.5
4.7
Longevity
4.6
4.2
4.6
4.5
Style
4.7
4.7
4.6
Sold By
Woodworkers Hardware
The CrystaLac Store INC.
Amazon.com
Woodworkers Hardware
Prime Tools
Woodworkers Hardware
color
Java
Java
Dark Walnut
Prairie Wheat
Topcoat Satin
Medium Brown
volume
32 fluid ounces
32 fluid ounces
16 fluid ounces
32 fluid ounces
size
1 Quart
4 oz
Half Pint
1 Quart
Pint
1 Quart
finish type
Satin
Satin
Oil
material
Oil Based
Wood,Stain
Plastic
Oil Based
Oil Based
Water Based
weight
984 grams
4 ounces
0.65 pounds
1.75 pounds
1.8 pounds

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
11,678 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the color, quality, ease of use, stain resistance, and durability of the building material. For example, they mention that it looks more professional, it's easy to apply with a sock, foam brush, or bristle brush, and it'll cover very nicely. Some appreciate the coverage, and smoothness. That said, some complain about the consistency and the durability.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,754 customers mention1,543 positive211 negative

Customers like the color of the gel stain. For example, they mention the color and finish are very rich, look great, and professional. Some say that the gel is easy to use and produces an even looking outcome. That said, most are happy with the color, saying it makes their cabinets look like new. Customers also appreciate the ability to control the look and color of their cabinets.

"...2. It's a very rich color - it may look black and at first glance however it is a very dark rich brown3...." Read more

"...After the third coat, the results were stunning! Very dark, very rich and smooth...." Read more

"...It is easy to use. And the colour and finish are very rich." Read more

"...I'm very happy with the results! Gorgeous upgrades to golden oak without the price tag of a replacement. WIN!..." Read more

1,611 customers mention1,607 positive4 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the stain. They say it is excellent, works well, and is worth the money. Some customers also mention that the hinges still work perfectly and that it adds a great touch to their entry.

"...I used wipe on with rag/sock and sponge brush. I found all methods to work great. Very easy to go on and gives you a lot of wiggle room...." Read more

"...This stuff is GREAT. Here is why I like it so much:1...." Read more

"...After the third coat, the results were stunning! Very dark, very rich and smooth...." Read more

"Very forgiving & easy to use. As you can see, it's also very versatile!..." Read more

1,485 customers mention1,413 positive72 negative

Customers find the product easy to work with and apply. They mention it's easy to apply with a sock, foam brush, or bristle brush. They also say the prep work is fairly minimal.

"...1. Once you get the process down it's easy-peasy to complete - just takes time (see below for my process)2...." Read more

"...It is super easy to use, even for those of us who have no idea what we're doing! A little bit of this stain goes a long way...." Read more

"We are big fans of this gel stain. It is easy to use. And the colour and finish are very rich." Read more

"Very forgiving & easy to use. As you can see, it's also very versatile!..." Read more

753 customers mention642 positive111 negative

Customers like the stain resistance of the product. For example, they say it's easy to use, covers very nicely, and is a great product for staining cabinets. Customers also mention that the gel stain goes on easily, and wipes off cleanly. They say the best way to apply the staine is to spread it on using a foam brush, and it applies evenly and soaked well into the wood.

"...I did not sand inbetween coats. After the final coat the stain was beautiful...." Read more

"...Regardless, it is so worth the money and it produces a beautiful stain. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to stain." Read more

"...One pack was more then enough for the entire banister. 5. Vacuum up the dust really well. 6. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove more dust. 7...." Read more

"Generally, gel stains are much easier to use than the "liquid" and are certainly less messy. American General makes a very good gel stain...." Read more

368 customers mention291 positive77 negative

Customers like the durability of the gel stain. They mention that it gives a strong finish, is of high quality, and is buildable as any stain, hardens completely to a nice finish, and looks professional. Some say that it's a great paint for heavy duty projects, but just know that it leaves a sticky residue.

"...for most of my work and it seems to be holding up well - good with humidity (vanities in the bathrooms) and constant use..." Read more

"Very forgiving & easy to use. As you can see, it's also very versatile!..." Read more

"...It does give a strong finish but it's very just runny and difficult to work with. It also has a little more sheen then I would have liked...." Read more

"...Water stains, dings and dents, and a disgusting place where urine had splashed onto the side and soaked into the mdf...gross...." Read more

263 customers mention249 positive14 negative

Customers like the coverage of the gel stain. They say it covers well, is easy to apply, and covers almost any surface. Some customers also mention that the product is amazing and covers everything evenly and beautifully. Overall, customers are happy with the coverage and application of the product.

"...Application was simple and quick.Coverage: very good even on the first layer.Clean up was easy...." Read more

"This is an excellent product in that it covers almost any surface...." Read more

"...A light scuff sanding and you are good to go. Covers like paint." Read more

"...It was like magic. Went on smoothly, covered everything evenly and beautifully, but still allowed some grain to show through, was thick and rich..." Read more

192 customers mention170 positive22 negative

Customers like the smoothness of the building material. They mention it goes on smoothly, is thick, and glides on easily. Some say the gel finish makes for easy application.

"...gel consistency, as it makes it much less messy and much easier to apply smoothly and evenly without the need for wiping...." Read more

"...The product is thick which makes rolling it on easy and consistent...." Read more

"This color is beautiful and it goes on so smoothly. The quality in General Finishes is worth the extra $ compared to other brands!" Read more

"...It goes on so well and isn’t tacky. This nutmeg color came out amazing! Will never use any other kind of stain" Read more

243 customers mention112 positive131 negative

Customers are mixed about the drying time of the stain. Some mention it's easy to apply and dries quick, while others say that it took forever to dry, in several hard sheets.

"...This stain dries with a fairly flat finish, so I advise a follow up with good quality clear coat...." Read more

"...It’s easy to apply and dries quick, smooth to apply." Read more

"...Highly recommend this gel stain. It takes awhile to dry but the time is worth it!" Read more

"...The product itself dries to a beautiful matte finish with just enough lusture, that if you use poly coat it will just add more shine than you need,..." Read more

I should have bought the Antique Walnut stain years ago! Step by step instructions.
5 Stars
I should have bought the Antique Walnut stain years ago! Step by step instructions.
Buy this gel stain! We have light, builders grade banisters in our house that I have hated since the day we moved in and match nothing else in the house. I really wanted to refinish them but I was scared to wreck them. Well, after reading 4 million reviews, videos from everyone I could find, endless pictures comparing colors, I went for it and I couldn’t be happier. I ended up only needing 1 coat of the Antique Walnut and a few touch up areas. Here is exactly what I did. Prep work is key. Don’t skimp here.1. I cleaned the banisters with Krud kutter ( not the deglosser) and a green scotch bright pad and wiped clean. 2. Clean with a green scotch bright pad and and a good amount of Dawn soap and water. 3. Give a medium scrub down with mixture of 50 denatured alcohol and 50 water with yet another scotch bright pad. Let dry 2 hours. 4. Give a light sanding with a 220 grit sanding pad ( or 400 sheets I believe it what the company said). I used the 220 klingspor flexible sanding pad they recommended in one of the company videos. They are great! One pack was more then enough for the entire banister. 5. Vacuum up the dust really well. 6. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove more dust. 7. Wipe with an oil free tack cloth. I only needed one. 8. Tape everything off with green frog tape and use drop cloths. 9. Start staining! When staining I used these items. A paint cup, foam paint brush, short handled stain grade paint brush ( don’t cheap out), 2- 1” chip brush, extra paint brush, several terry cloth rags, odor free mineral spirits, a plastic cup, gloves, and a cardboard box to sit everything in as I worked.1. Stir the gel stain well and pour some in the paint cup. Pour and inch or two of mineral spirits in your plastic cup. Put all your supplies in your box and you are ready to go!2. Dip your rag in the mineral spirits and lightly wipe down the section you are going to work on. This is key! It allows you more time to work and blend. I worked in about 8-10” sections at a time. Try to find natural divisions as blending sections is the hardest part. By the time I got to the second railing I had realized that I could do the side first, then the top and it was easier to blend rather then all the way around the rail before moving on. 3. Dip the foam brush in the gel stain and brush on the wood. Don’t go crazy but use enough that it’s a solid color. 4. Give it just a few seconds then use the short handled stain brush to brush through the gel and start removing some color. Have your rag in your other hand with just a little mineral spirits on it. Dab your brush on the rag to remove the excess stain. 5. Use the chip brush to remove stain in groves and along edges. The chip brush in particular will make it look super streaky. Don’t panic! 6. Keep using your stain brush and the chip brush until quite a bit has been removed and you are sure you have destroyed it because it’s so streaky. 7. Take the extra paint brush, which you use dry, and start very gently brushing over everything. This will blend it all together. You should have removed enough product that you can still see the grain of the wood. It’s stain not paint after all. 8. When you are happy with it move on and wipe the next section with the mineral spirits rag and continue. 9. Let dry 24hrs. At that point you can very carefully touch up any areas that are too light. Give a wipe with mineral spirits, dap on a touch of color with the foam brush and blend. 10. Let dry and then seal with a top coat. I haven’t done this yet, as it’s still drying, but plan to use Arm R Seal semi gloss.Tips: -if you totally mess up a section you are working on you can remove all the product with a mineral spirit rag and start again. You will NOT be able to do this later or tomorrow so do it immediately if you aren’t happy. -If you work in too large of a section and the gel starts to dry or it’s too thick you can dip your extra chip brush in mineral spirits and gently brush over that area to remove some.- If you can’t finish in one day be sure to stop at a natural division line. You will not be able to remove the stain tomorrow or get it to blend in perfectly. I left some on one newel post and then when I started the next day I couldn’t get it off so that area is darker and is what it is.-Do NOT go back to a section you did earlier. You will mess it up!!! Wait until tomorrow to fix it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2015
Size: 1 QuartColor: JavaVerified Purchase
44 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
Size: 1 QuartColor: JavaVerified Purchase
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5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE THIS STUFF
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
I am doing away with all the honey oak in our house - and there is A LOT. I started with the vanity in the bathrooms and then moved on to the kitchen (which is in process now) and railings. This stuff is GREAT. Here is why I like it so much:
1. Once you get the process down it's easy-peasy to complete - just takes time (see below for my process)
2. It's a very rich color - it may look black and at first glance however it is a very dark rich brown
3. I have put the top coat on (GF High Performance water based in satin) for most of my work and it seems to be holding up well - good with humidity (vanities in the bathrooms) and constant use (railings)
4. Keeps my wood grain so it looks more natural than painting
5. What do you need: gel stain, top coat, sand paper, TSP substitute cleaner, lint free rags, foam brushes, drop cloth, painters tape

You must have patience while going through the process - not so much for application but making sure you allow sufficient dry time between coats - with proper prep I was able to get to the full dark color in about 3 coats (I may have had to touch up some spots here or there.

Here is my process:
1. lightly sand surface (break up the top coat) - if you look online you see folks that say you don't need to sand - while that is true, I found I needed an additional 2 coats if I didn't do this prep - thats more material and another 48 hours added on to my time, so I took the time and prepped properly.
2. Use a TSP substitute (also a deglosser) to help with what you just broke up. I followed directions for diluting the solution and sprayed it on (cover other surfaces!!) and let sit for at least 5 minutes then wipe off with a damp cloth.
3. after that has dried, grab some gloves and crappy clothes and a foam brush and start the application - first make sure you stir the gel stain well and put it on your application area thick - I mean, it looks like you can finger paint in it thick - you shouldn't see much of the actual wood at this point
4. Wait - once you apply the gel stain (make sure not to apply to an area too big - you can't have it dry before wiping off) you wait about 10 mins (humidity, temp etc will affect it) you can start wiping it off. I always brush the foam over my rag to put a little down - if you start with a 100% clean cloth you will take off more material than you want to. You want to wipe it down until it looks like there is no more sitting on top - don't press too hard, some of what set was directly on the wood - but you don't want "globs" of the stuff left on there - I'll try and get a pic of this as I work through my cabinets.
5. Now wait some more - 24 hours minimum to be exact between each coat - DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS or you will not be pleased.
6. After all coats are complete slap a clear coat on there (after waiting 72 hours after last application before clear coat) which thankfully you can get 3 coats on in 1 swoop as there is only a 2 hour dry time (for the GF clear coat)

If you're not sure this is for you - pick a small project first, or even just a random board so you know how it goes - it's not for the weak of heart but I do love the outcome and would do it again and have never even considered using another brand of gel stain!
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41 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Marty
4.0 out of 5 stars Product is very good.
Reviewed in Australia on November 18, 2019
Size: 1 PintColor: JavaVerified Purchase
Don Pedro
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great stain, giving this 5 starts but would give more if there was such an option.
Reviewed in Canada on September 6, 2016
Size: 1 QuartColor: Antique WalnutVerified Purchase
9 people found this helpful
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Jane Ruppert
5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!
Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2022
Size: 1 QuartColor: Georgian CherryVerified Purchase
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Jane Ruppert
5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!
Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2022
I had never used ‘General’ Gel Stain before, so after reading the Instructions, decided to give it a try. Key points to remember: stir well before using and intermittently if the project takes a while. Also allow enough time for each Coat to dry, I waited at least 24 hours. I used a small paint brush for the edging and details, and foam applicators for larger areas.
The Results are Amazing!! I Love the Georgian Cherry - it is dark, but with a beautiful Cherry Tint that has a Satin Finish! I did 2 Chairs that have the table in between, so of course I just had to do the table as well. I am Thrilled with the Results!
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4 people found this helpful
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Brandy Unruh
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing product!
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2022
Size: 1 QuartColor: JavaVerified Purchase
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Brandy Unruh
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing product!
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2022
This stuff is magic in a can! I watched so many Youtube vid's & read so many articles - I decided to give it a whirl. It's scary at first - looks a bit nasty when applying, definitely panicked a little - but something magical happens during the drying process. Self levels nicely, still shows the grain of the wood - I'm painting it on fairly thick - 2 coats - 48-72 hours dry time in between at 70 degree house temperature. Try to eliminate any back brushing - once you apply - move on - you will cover any missed spots during 2nd coat. (windows open a little with vents on during application process). I'm just waiting for top coat to come in (Arm R seal satin is a little too shiny for me during testing) - I'm waiting for high performance top coat in Flat. Pictures are mid-project.
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One person found this helpful
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R.U. Nuts
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent procuct
Reviewed in Canada on October 31, 2022
Size: 1 PintColor: JavaVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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