General Finishes Gel Stains, Java

The heavy body means it doesn't drip or run into grain I didn't want stained, which is a game-changer for vertical surfaces. It went on smooth and left that rich, furniture-grade finish without needing six coats.

It’s thicker than the liquid stains I’m used to, so it sat on the surface instead of soaking in and blotching, which made wiping it off a lot more forgiving. Took a couple coats to get the depth I wanted on pine, but the finish has that almost polished feel straight off the rag.

The heavy body really helped me control the application on vertical surfaces without drips. I found it spreads much further than liquid stains, so the jar will last a while. Just wish it dried a bit faster between coats.