Pantry Door Redo: Staining Made Easy With Java Gel Stain

by Jessica Coplen

Since moving into our house about 2 years ago, I've painted almost all the surfaces in the kitchen...the walls and the cabinets were both projects I've tackled. The pantry door (as all the doors in this home) was SOLID wood. As much as I knew the color of the door wasn't right, I couldn't bring myself to paint these doors. I just couldn't. (And this was coming from the Then one day, it dawned on me. I could STAIN the doors! This way, I wouldn't be hurting the awesomeness of these old doors (which even I realized were a perk of buying an older home). I would just be enhancing them! who will paint just about anything.) I left them alone for over a year, but each time I looked at my pretty kitchen, the pantry taunted me with a "this room isn't finished yet" stare.

pantry door redo staining made easy with java gel stain, closet, doors, kitchen design, painting

The instant I thought of stain, I knew immediately that this was my opportunity to give General Finishes Gel Stain a try. I've read so many amazing reviews and tutorials of this product online over the past year or so, and I was very curious! Even though the gel stain comes in a variety of shades, it seems to me that most people choose Java. I also opted for this shade, as the dark color was exactly what I was hoping for to finish off this kitchen of mine.

I don't know if I've ever been so excited to pry open a can of paint or stain! The consistency of this gel stain is basically like chocolate pudding.

I used an old sock over top of a rubber glove for application. I found it best to dip just my fingertips into the gel stain, rub it in (always going in the direction of the grain), and then use my palm area to smooth it all out. This process was about as simple as can be...I'm shocked to report that this staining project was actually...wait for it...FUN. I also found that a little bit of stain went a very long way.

The directions recommend waiting for 12 hours before applying additional coats, which makes sense as the door still seemed pretty tacky even hours after I stained it. By the next afternoon, I was ready to apply the second coat. I used the same process, and felt like the two coats gave me the exact look I was hoping for.

I could not be any happier with the outcome of this staining project. I am in love with the darker door and the way it just fits with the rest of the room.

Check out the post on my blog to see the complete before and after!

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Stephanie Joyner Mitchell on Dec 02, 2015
I love the color of your kitchen cabinets. What color and brand of paint is that? Did you brush it all on?

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2 comments

Hannah V on Nov 23, 2015
Pretty! I like the contrast of the darker color.

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B. Enne on Dec 02, 2015
Looks good @Jessica Coplen I love dark doors now, after being afraid to take a chance...I did it to my main floor more than 2+ years and have never regretted it.

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