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How To Remove Gel Stain From Wood

5 from 1 vote
Use our DIY tutorial to learn how to strip gel stain from wood for a new look on cabinets, railings and more.
Print Tutorial
whitewashed oak cabinet door in bathroom vanity.
Prep:15 minutes
Active Time:3 hours
Total Time:3 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Chip Brush
  • Old Plastic Container or Cup
  • Painter's Tool
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Putty Knife
  • Steel Wool or Scothbrite Pad
  • Drop cloths, plastic coverings etc.

Supplies

Instructions

  • Take the drawers and doors out of the vanity and place them outside.
  • Cover the floors - we used drop cloths but then also added plastic bags on top so we could just throw those away.
  • Tape out any areas you don't want to get paint stripper on.
  • Apply a thick layer of paint stripper with a cheap paint brush.
  • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before starting to scrap.
  • Carefully begin scraping the gel stain off with a plastic putty knife.
  • Have a container nearby to put the excess material in. Continue working and scraping until you have removed some of the gel stain.
  • While you will get some areas to really come over, you must repeat the covering, letting it sit and scraping at least one or two more times.
  • Wear gloves and apply mineral spirits to steel wool or rough sponge. Rub residue and leftover gel stain to hlep clean your surface.
  • If needed, sand your wood for best results. We used 80-grit followed by 120-grit sandpaper by hand to remove stubborn areas.

Notes

  • You may be able to get most of the gel stain off with just the stripper.
  • If needed use a painter's tool to help remove the gel stain. Be careful not to damage your wood.
  • You will need to repeat using the paint stripper at least 2 times, if not 3. 
  • Don't let the paint stripper dry on your wood. It needs to be wet to work.
Cost: under $25