Java Gel Table Top - An Uber Easy Finish

by Val Frania {Love My DIY Home}

2 Materials

I heard all the hype about General Finishes Java Gel.
People kept saying it's the best thing since sliced bread. I had to try it. And now I'm in love. I fell hard and I fell fast.

java gel table top an uber easy finish, painted furniture

So, to help you with your first attempt at using a new product, this new product, I'll give you a line by line tutorial that will allow you to jump in where I feared to tred. Then you won't have to dance around the can for weeks, or watch a dozen YouTubes.

1. Sand or strip your table top down to the bare wood if you want to see the grain through the stain. You can paint it over other finishes, but the beautifulness comes out when you stain bare wood.

2. Stir the Java Gel to make sure all the pigment is evenly distributed. It is a very thick gel.

3. Grab yourself a sponge brush and get it good and soaked with the Java Gel. Apply it just like paint. It has good open time, so you can work it to the point that it is evenly distributed.

4. Keep brushing until the sponge brush squeaks, letting you know it's drying. Use a very light hand, not pressing down with ANY pressure. Let it glide lightly over the wood over and over until the entire top is squeaking.

5. Let it dry on its own and recoat – same procedure each time. Two or three coats depending on the look you want.

6. Finish off with a topcoat. If you apply a water base topcoat, you must wait 72 hours. Otherwise, use an oil base. I have tried and liked Zar satin topcoat.

You will want several coats if you want a finish that will protect your table. For more info, photos, a video, and a link to the entire "Sophia" project, go to the link below. Love My DIY Home is full of tutorials of the DIY sort. Come visit!

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4 comments

Michelle Leslie on Sep 14, 2016
I've never heard of Java Gel, but the finish looks amazing

1 Reply
- Val Frania {Love My DIY Home} on Sep 14, 2016
  I was amazed at how easy it is to use and how nice the finish is.
  
  1
Miranda7337 on Sep 14, 2016
the piece looks great! But I couldn't help but notice your walls and floors. are your walls plastered, then stained. and are your floors painted? They both look great! my brother is buying a fixer upper and is on a budget. I want to paint his floors and plaster his walls just the same to help with expenses.

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- Val Frania {Love My DIY Home} on Sep 14, 2016
  The background is a photographers paper and the floor is a thin brown wall board from Home Depot. In my old house the floor in the great room was particle board so I sponge painted it medium over dark. It looked amazing. It's an inexpensive way to improve the look of the floor when you don't want to sink a grand into the floor.
  
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