Tips please using gel stain on dining table

[ThePurpleOneWithTheNut]

Anyone used gel stain? I have a golden colour wood dining table, not sure what the wood is, but don't think it's pine.

I want to stain it dark black/brown. Are gel stains easier to use? I've read that they are and as I've never ventured into staining wood before I want to keep this simple.

How resilient is the top likely to be afterwards? It's got to withstand family life unfortunately I was planning to use Polyvine on the top after staining.

Any tips/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[PigletJohn]

What is gel stain?

How is the wood currently treated?

Have you got a sander or strong arms?

[ThePurpleOneWithTheNut]

Gel stain is thicker and supposedly easier to use/control. Well that's the theory

I think I read somewhere that you don't need so much sanding prior to use either. I don't have strong arms or a sander unfortunately . (Complete amateur I'm afraid )

Bit of info on gel stains

[ThePurpleOneWithTheNut]

Ooh sorry, wood seems to be just varnised probably 1970s so not a valuable antique and is sort of golden orangey colour. Possibly oak.

[PigletJohn]

if it is varnished, you will have to sand all the varnish off and expose the bare wood. Colron wood dye is easy to apply, the instructions say rub it on with a rag but I have had good results applying sparingly with a soft brush. When dry rub over with an old vest and apply satin (not gloss) varnish, or oil and wax if you like polishing. I have never used gel dyes.

If the table top is veneered, there is a considerable risk you will go through it, especially on the edges.

1970's orangey might be teak, and the top probably veneered. Google "G-plan teak" for pics.

[PigletJohn]

here is some WBP hardwood flooring ply that I stained with three tints of Colron or similar to give an impression of floorboards. I am quite pleased with it. The whitewood was not yet stained. The "joints" are permanent marker pen applied before staining and the "boards" run along the grain for best effect.

the board on the right was a lower quality veneer, stained across the grain as a test. It was not as good.

After rubbing and varnishing, the colours were more subdued and realistic.

I have done it before....

[ThePurpleOneWithTheNut]

Thanks so much for your advice Piglet, I really appreciate it.

Don't think my table is veneered, I've had a look underneath where it's not varnished and it still looks like solid wood. I think you could be correct though, it looks like teak but I'm not 100% sure.

Your 'floorboards' are amazing. How clever, they really do look like the real deal.

[PigletJohn]

Have a look at the woodgrain on the sides (should be same direction as the top) and ends (should just be dots, no lines).

Grain pattern on top and bottom will match if solid.