We are having new stair rails and balusters (wrought iron) installed. To savee costs, I will be staining and painting. I have never used a gel-based stain. Would this be the method to go with for a brand new stair rail? It definitely seems like a good option to minimize mess at least, but I want to make sure it is the best for quality as well.

Also, do you use clear caulk at all in areas where to pieces of stained wood come together, i.e. like at a rail and a rosette, and then rosette and the wall? Or do you use wood filler at these locations? Or neither?

I suggest using Monocoat Stain. http://www.monocoat.us/

Texker said:

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I suggest using Monocoat Stain. http://www.monocoat.us/

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Thanks for the recommendation. Can you provide some reasons why?

I'be used a water based gel stain before that was eas to use and turned out great. I'll have to look up the brand. After staining, you will need to add some kind of top coat to protect it.

Where are you getting your new rails/balusters from?

Seor Chang said:

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Where are you getting your new rails/balusters from?

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http://ironwoodusa.com/

For what you are doing, gel stain is fine. For wood like that, you use it similar to regular stain where you wipe it on, then wipe of the excess.

Gel stains are tough to use on fiberglass doors or areas you are trying to leave the all stain on. You have to have a feel for it and it is more artistic to get the look people want.

As far as filler, depending on the size of the area you are trying to fill, you can use a wood fill or for small areas and nail holes, you can use a color putty after you stain.

Downside to wood filler, it will stain differently than your wood, just like trying to stain different kinds of wood with the same stain. You can try to manipulate the gel stain a little Geo minimize the different by leaving a little extra on or wiping more off depending on how the colors look.

stridulent said:

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Texker said:

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I suggest using Monocoat Stain. http://www.monocoat.us/

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Thanks for the recommendation. Can you provide some reasons why?

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Monocoat bonds at the molecular level resulting in an even application.

http://www.monocoat.us/Monocoat-Is-Green/

http://sequoia-ltd.com/2015/10/09/the-benefits-of-monocoat-finish-on-your-wood-floor/

We did a few test applications on a piece of leftover railing. The gel stains have been very disappointing indeed. The application is very easy and very low-mess, which is nice, but the stain itself does not penetrate the raw wood at all. It sits on top.

Did you prep the wood by sanding and then wiping clean? How long did you let the gel sit on the wood before wiping it off?

What species of wood are you trying to stain?