General Finishes has just expanded the color options of its oil-based gel stains by now including black. Touted as a “foolproof” finishing system, the formulation allows you to simply wipe on the color and wipe off the excess. A second coat can be added after six hours to darken the initial color, but without sanding between coats. The thick formula allows this and other General Finishes colors to be applied to vertical surfaces more easily without causing runs and drips. The finish dries to the touch in minutes and is fully dry in six to 12 hours. Recommended topcoat is an oil-based varnish or General’s Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat (sold separately). Rockler carries General Finishes new Black Gel Stain in quarts (item 53866; $21.99) or in half pints (item 50230; $9.49).
