How to Apply Minwax Gel Stain

Start with clean, untreated wood that is free of grease, old coating or dirt.

Apply a pre-stain condition to your wood, especially if it's maple, pine, birch or alder. Use a medium-sized paint brush or sponge to rub the pre-stain conditioner onto the wood.

Allow the condition to penetrate for 5 to 15 minutes, then wipe off the excess with a cloth or sponge.

Stir the Minwax Gel Stain with a paint stick until its consistency is even and creamy.

Rub on a liberal amount of Minwax Gel Stain with a rag or brush until the wood is coated. Do this within 2 hours of the pre-stain conditioning treatment.

Allow it to set for 3 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean rag, wiping with the wood grain.

Allow the wood to dry for 8 to 10 hours.

Repeat the process if you want the stain to be darker.

Apply a protective clear finish 24 hours after the Minwax Gel Stain has dried.