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

Darlene
by Darlene
  11 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on Feb 15, 2020

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


  • Em Em on Feb 15, 2020

    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.

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Feb 15, 2020

    No...it has to be dry.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Feb 15, 2020

    I would not do that.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 15, 2020

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

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 15, 2020

    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.

  • Dee Dee on Feb 15, 2020

    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.


  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 15, 2020

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

  • Megan Megan on Feb 15, 2020

    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.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Feb 15, 2020

    no you have to let it dry