Clearcoating A Gel Stain?

The only way in which I could see you having trouble here is if you try to apply the poly before the gel stain is completely cured. As a rule, oil based finishes won’t reactivate oil based stains if the stain is completely cured. This is because mineral spirits acts a thinner for both products, rather than as a solvent. This is why you can clean a dirty varnished surface with mineral spirits or naphtha without harming the finish. Having said that, there’s nothing stopping you from applying a coat of dewaxed shellac between your stain and your clear finish.

All the best with you project!

I would let the stain cure for at least three days, followed by a rubdown with maroon scotchbrite. Wipe off any loose powder with cloth or paper towel, and finish with the clear. Shellac is a superfluous complication.

-- Clint Searl....Ya can no more do what ya don't know how than ya can git back from where ya ain't been

Thanks guys. I have been allowing lots of cure time. Will try the scotchbrite. This is going to be like a centerpiece in my daughter’s apt. and I didn’t want get to far along without some expert advice first. Thanks again and I’ll post it when finished. Hope you all will take a look. BTW,I’m using Arm R’ Seal.

Jack

-- Wookie=Wood Rookie

Ok lets make this easy. I built my first project a farm table. I used the General Gel stain and clear It is all but idiot proof. Mine came out great and it’s the first thing I ever stained. having happy feet.