Best Gel Home Stains of 2025

"I find this stain gel easy to use and it has a beautiful color without the harsh smell of traditional wood stains."

"I've used this for touch-ups on my walnut front door and it worked great! Just a little on a paper towel and it was simple to apply."

"I saw this product on UTube and it seemed to do a good job, so I decided to give it a try."

"I am thrilled with this stain! It goes a long way and looks beautiful! I apply it and then wipe it off to achieve the look I want. I can only imagine the different techniques to create various effects!"

"Initially hesitant, but I'm so glad I purchased these stains. They have stunning colors and are incredibly simple to use. They dry fairly quickly, and a little product makes a significant difference!"

"I stained the top of an end table and after waiting two days for it to dry, I lightly sanded it for a smooth finish. However, when I applied the topcoat, it reactivated the stain, resulting in a streaky mess!"

"I found the gel stain easy to use on my faux wood doors. It dried quickly, but I was surprised at how fast it set and ended up with an uneven finish. Still, it looks better than the old white door!"

"After buying a used dresser with some damage, I decided to try this gel stain. It worked wonders for covering up spots without the need for sanding. The finish looks great, and I love how it brought new life to my furniture!"

"I used this on my scratched tables and chairs, and the results were impressive. My furniture looks brand new, and the gel stain was a breeze to apply!"

"I found this product very forgiving and easy to use. I used it on both kitchen cabinets and stools, achieving different results based on my technique. The coverage turned out darker and more opaque on the cabinets, while the stools were more translucent, showing the grain beautifully. I’m thrilled with the upgrades to my golden oak without the hefty price tag!"

"After extensive research, I chose this Java color gel stain, and it's stunning! I applied it to my mahogany window trim, which really enhanced the bathroom. I used different application methods for the coats, and I’m so pleased with the results that I plan to tackle my kitchen cabinets next!"

"This stain is truly magical! At first, I was nervous about the application, but after watching tutorials, I gave it a try. It looks a bit messy while applying, but it self-levels and shows off the wood grain beautifully during drying. I can't wait to add a top coat for the final touch!"

"I found the stain to have no smell and it was very easy to work with. Cleanup was a snap, and the finish looks fantastic. Staining has never been easier!"

"Using Amy Howard's products has been a game-changer for me. They deliver top-notch results without the usual odor associated with paints. Her products are a must-have in all my DIY projects!"

"As a first-time refinisher, I watched the product video on YouTube and felt confident to tackle my honey oak cabinets. It was a quick process, and I followed the instructions closely. The color turned out beautiful after two coats, and there was no odor at all! I would highly recommend this product."

"I think this product is amazing! The instructions are clear and with just two easy coats, it completely transformed my bathroom trim and vanity! The result looks natural and it’s easy to use. The only downside was the strong smell for a day, but it was worth it!"

"I had some cabinets with water damage, and after a quick sand followed by applying the stain with a cloth, it worked great! The color turned out fantastic with just two coats."

"I really love this Heirloom Gel Stain! I used a nylon paint brush for application and cleaned the cabinets with a deglosser beforehand. The smell was strong initially, but it faded after a couple of days. I found the dry time quicker than expected, and I absolutely love this product!"

"I refinished an old coat rack that was an orange tone (not appealing). After sanding and prepping, I applied the Spanish Oak stain. The final result is a gorgeous, deep dark brown with almost black edges. If you prefer dark woods and want to avoid red/orange hues, this is a fantastic choice. Just be aware that the base wood color can affect the final result, so testing is advisable. I also found the gel stain to be quite messy, so prepare with drop cloths. I bought a pint, and I will have more than enough for my larger project, like a dining table. Super gorgeous! Love it!"

"This gel stain is perfect for matching my kitchen cabinets and wood floors. It's thick and stays on the brush, allowing me to easily control the darkness. I can wipe off any excess if needed. I won’t be going back to regular stain after experiencing this!"

"I applied this white gel stain on alderwood and it was incredibly easy to use. After a quick drying time, I added some black paint to create a lovely distressed look on my bookcase. I wish I had known how well this works for alderwood sooner; I would have done an entire room with it. The matte finishing sealer over it gave a sharp effect. Fast delivery and great packaging too!"

"I had never used gel stain before, but I was impressed! It applied rich and thick with just a rag. I only needed a few coats to get it completely black on my desk. I managed to do the whole desk with just one 8oz can and still had plenty left!"

"For my bathroom renovation, I wanted to match my vanity and mirror with the darker farmhouse look. Using this gel stain was a breeze—I didn't have to strip or sand anything. It was a simple and economical way to give everything a fresh look!"

"I've worked with this gel stain multiple times now, and I just love it! Recently, I used it on a coffee table to darken the finish. It applies nicely without dripping and I just let it dry a bit longer between coats. The Kona Gel Stain gives a rich finish to wood and veneer."

“I stained a few 2"x3" wood panels to compare the colors: Maple, Oak, and Walnut. I found that the red in the Maple was barely noticeable. I'm considering adding a drop of red acrylic paint to give it a more cherry look. The Oak stain is reminiscent of 70's and 80's furniture, while the Walnut is a rich, dark brown like medium roast coffee. Overall, it's a great combo to have on hand.”

“This gel stain is fantastic! I appreciated that it did not run or bleed, allowing me to paint it exactly where I wanted. The colors are beautiful and really show off the wood grain. Plus, cleanup was a breeze.”

“While this stain isn't the best I've used for application, it looks amazing once done. I found that a little doesn't go a long way, but it applied evenly and smoothly. One coat was enough for me. The three colors are quite similar, but that's what I needed for my wood model kits. I love that they come in small bottles; they'll last me quite a while. I didn't really need the foam brushes, though.”

"I found this product to have rich dark brown tones that worked perfectly on my light-colored poplar wood. I used a sanding sealer first to prevent blotching, and the results were fantastic. Highly recommended!"

"This product is a great solution for touching up kitchen cabinets. It makes the task so much easier and the finish looks professional."

"I used it on my garage doors and furniture, and it was such an easy product to change their looks. I loved how quickly I could update everything!"