How To Fix Blotchy Gel Stain? 3 Simple Steps
You’ve just finished varnishing on your wooden surface. Now, you’re trying to stain your bare wood. But you messed up the whole thing by creating some blotchy stain.
So, your concern is, how to fix blotchy gel stain?
Well, you can solve the problem by following a few steps. Firstly, you have to prepare your workspace. Then the next step is sanding the wood. Finally, you need to wipe out the extra gel. These 3 steps can solve your blotchy gel.
However, it’s hard to understand the procedure from this amount of information. So, make sure to stick with us for the main part!
Sounds good? Let’s just get into it then!
3 Steps To Repair blotchy Gel Stain
Gel stains sometimes act hard to get along with. But you can definitely repair this issue.
Here, we have prepared a 3-step solution to get rid of the blotchy stains. We’ve tried to guide you as simply as possible.
So, you can learn it easily and follow the procedure without any hassle.
Tools required
Before jumping into the working session, there are a few basic equipments you’ll require. These items are-
- 100-200 Grit Sander
- Mineral Spirits or Lacquer Thinner
- Rag
- Nitrile Gloves
- Respirator
- KN95 Mask
- Lab Coat
- Safety Goggles
We hope you have gathered all the necessary items. If the answer is yes, let’s go to the main part, which is discussed below-
Step 1 of 3: Preparing The Workspace
A lot of people ask, can I fix my blotchy gel stain?
The answer is yes, you can definitely fix this problem. For that, you need to prepare the workspace first. So, find a well-ventilated space.
The temperature should be neither too hot nor too cold. The ideal conditions are about 70°F and humidity should be around 50-70%.
Because the room’s temperature will create a large impact on this gel stain fixing method. The improper temperature will affect the consistency of your solvents and stains. So, try to maintain that.
Step 2 of 3: Sanding The Wood
Your second step is sanding the wood. For that, gather all the needed equipment into the room. Put on your safety materials like a mask, a coat, and goggles. These will keep you safe from any harm.
Now, start the sanding process. You have to start from low grit like 100 to 120 of your choice. Then slowly shift to a higher grit of 220.
You can also use the mineral spirit. You have to take about 30% of the spirit to stain off.
Finally, if you’re trying to use lacquer thinner, sand it properly. When you’re using lacquer thinner it makes the surface become rough enough.
This rough surface is essential for the lacquer thinner. It will help the lacquer thinner to adhere easily. Then you can apply the lacquer thinner and it will fix the blotchy gel super fast.
Step 3 of 3: Wipe The Gel Stain Off
Now, it’s time to wipe the stain off. For that, grab a rag and soak it in any solvent of your choice. Start wiping the stain in a circular motion.
Put extra pressure while scrubbing. The more pressure you put, the faster your blotch goes away. Continue this process several times.
On the first trial, wipe throughout the whole surface so the stain softens. Then move to the second round right away. This time wipe as many times as you need until the stain gets off totally.
When the last wipe is done, let the stain dry. So, wait for about 30 minutes. Then you’ll find all the blotchy gel stains have been removed perfectly.
Note: Make sure to work as fast as possible between each wipe session. Otherwise, the stain will dry and you have to start again from the beginning.
Now, there’s a possibility that you might have a fiberglass door. In that case, your concern will be- how to fix blotchy gel stain on fiberglass door?
Well, you can’t exactly fix the blotchy stain on the fiberglass door. But the thing you can do is paint. For that, prime the door with an exterior oil-based primer stain blocker. Then topcoat it with exterior acrylic color.
You can apply gloss or semi-gloss finishing in terms of your choice. This technique is gonna hide all the blotchy gel stains.
Well, that’s basically it! Now you can easily clean the blotchy gelcoat from your wooden items.
FAQs
Question: How do you fix uneven blotches after staining?
Answer: After staining you can fix uneven blotches through stripping, sanding, or both. First, apply a wash coat of shellac. After that, you can apply a stain. But if you find the blotching is too severe, then you need to glaze your wooden furniture. Use glaze to lighten the contrast between deeper and lighter areas.
Question: Can you restain over gel stain?
Answer: Yes, you can restrain as long as the gel is wet. You can easily remove the gel if it’s wet. But if the gel gets dry then you have to sand it off. Use a t-shirt and wipe the gel in a circular motion. It will transform the stain into grain then thoroughly the grain will wipe out.
Question: How do you fix too much gel stain?
Answer: If you stained too much gel incidentally, don’t worry you can fix this. But it will produce some stickiness. So, dampen a t-shirt with mineral spirits and wipe it down. It will lighten up the stain. Wipe until all the stickiness vanishes and then you will have an even finish.
Question: How do you apply evenly gel stain?
Answer: You can successfully get an evenly gel stain as it gets absorbed really easily. Its absorbing power is more efficient than liquid stains. Start covering the surface with gel stain using a rag or a foam brush. Cover the whole surface at a time. Apply plenty of stains and wait for a couple of minutes to let the stain set. Then wipe out the extra stain.
Final Words
So, are you stress-free now that you know how to fix blotchy gel stain?
We hope you can remove the stain on your own now. Let us know how your overall experience was by leaving a comment down below.
We wish you all the luck!
