Can I put polyurethane over gel stain if it is still tacky?

Darlene: just wait. Patience is always a good plan.

Why would you want to? You have to let each layer of what you are doing dry before you move on to the next layer.

No...it has to be dry.

I would not do that.

Let your layers dry in between each 1, you will have the best outcome that way.

If it is still tacky after a couple of days, you can do a couple of things. You could strip it off and clean up the wood before you stain again. I mean a really thorough prep with scrubbing and Krudkutter. If you don't want to go back all the way, try working a small section with well mixed gel stain. Don't let it dry, wipe it off to break down the residue. Gel stain initially dries super fast, so you have to wipe it off pretty quickly to get the the excess pigment off or you end up with the sticky stuff that never seems to dry. I found this out pretty quickly the first time I used it. Then, while you are waiting for it to dry when it's on too thick, dust grabs on to it and it looks even worse. All is not lost, because with some cloths to wipe it, and the stain to act as it own solvent, you can get it to where you want. I always wait 24 to 48 hours before the sealer. The key is wiping it quickly so the pigment doesn't get all gooey on the surface. Hope that helps!

No. Don't do it.

No the piece will never dry and remain tacky. Wait until dry. That may take a while if weather conditions are humid or rainy or too cold.

Just like with paint you need for the gel stain to dry completely first.

It's hard...but you need to wait until its completely dry. :) Otherwise you'll rub off the gel stain when you're trying to apply the poly.

no you have to let it dry