---
product_id: 3374762
title: "General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java"
brand: "general finishes"
price: "€ 116.53"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 3
category: "General Finishes"
url: https://www.desertcart.de/products/3374762-general-finishes-oil-base-gel-stain-1-quart-java
store_origin: DE
region: Germany
---

# Satin finish with rich Java color Fast re-coat time, less downtime Heavy-bodied gel for smooth control General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java

**Brand:** general finishes
**Price:** € 116.53
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎨 Transform your woodwork with the rich, smooth touch of Java perfection!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java by general finishes
- **How much does it cost?** € 116.53 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.de](https://www.desertcart.de/products/3374762-general-finishes-oil-base-gel-stain-1-quart-java)

## Best For

- general finishes enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted general finishes brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Time-Smart Project:** Quick drying and re-coat times mean your woodwork looks stunning sooner.
- • **Effortless Elegance:** Achieve a hand-rubbed, lustrous finish without the hassle.
- • **Versatile Application:** Easy wipe-on or foam brush use—no spills, no mess, just flawless coverage.
- • **Precision Color Control:** Heavy-bodied gel formula prevents drips and uneven penetration for consistent results.
- • **Trusted by Pros & DIYers:** Top-rated stain with 4.7 stars and thousands of happy users upgrading their wood surfaces.

## Overview

General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain in Java is a premium, oil-based gel stain designed for wood surfaces. Its heavy-bodied formula ensures even color application without drips or runs, delivering a satin finish that highlights wood grain beautifully. Easy to apply with a cloth or foam brush, it offers quick drying and re-coat times, making it ideal for both professional woodworkers and dedicated DIYers seeking a high-end, hand-rubbed look.

## Description

These oil-based Gel Topcoats and Stains are quite possibly the easiest of all finishes to use and achieve a "hand-rubbed" look without all the work. Application is easy with a foam brush or lint free cloth. The heavy bodied gel formulation permits the product to flow out evenly (no drips or runs) preventing uneven penetration for consistent color control. Combined with no sanding (your choice to sand or not) between coats and a quick “re-coat” time, you’ll be finished sooner with less effort and better results than ever before.

Review: End result lived up to the hype, but it's a lot of work! - I've been entertaining the idea of gel staining my cabinets for a long time, however I never thought it would come to fruition until we decided to change out our kitchen countertops, floors, backsplash. I was thinking on replacing the doors/drawers and just painting it white, however the budget was already creeping up with other expenses and I feel my existing doors would look better as a dark espresso moreso than white. I've read the reviews, read questions/concerns, viewed many tutorials, etc and decided to pull the trigger. I would say our kitchen is on the larger side that includes 25 doors, 15 drawers, u-shaped with a large island. Overall I am happy with the product, outcome and it lived up to the hype. I knew it would require a lot of time and work, but if I could go back I would probably just hire someone. The amount of time it took in total could have easily been paid off by a professional and more if I used what I feel my time is worth based on what I can do to supplement my source of income through other means. On top of that I did sections of it before our kitchen demo/install and after. Since I am away from home for work10-12 hrs per day M-F,I could not be as efficient as I would have liked. I have oak cabinets stained walnut that were about 10 years old. I took steps similiar to many others, but broke it down into 3 sections of the kitchen since it was too large to get down at once. Prep time was probably the most tedious part that included- 1) Empty cabinets, 2) clean cabinets (I used krud kutter), 3) sand cabinets (I tried various grits and found 220 grit to be perfect lightly by hand; if I could go back I would have used a sander), 4) vacuum/wipe down cabinets, 5) tape down areas as needed. Imagine doing this 3 times. I used the sock method (with two non latex gloves). I just bought cheap socks from target/walmart I believe. I also had a small brush and sponge brush. I would the small brush was a lifesaver for the small crevices and corners. I did 4 layers of the Java stain in total. I waited 48 hours first the first coat to dry and 24 hours for the rest. I was expecting some streakiness, but was a little concerned after seeing it on the 3rd coat. 4th coat was the key winner. I think part of that is not optimally preparing some of my surface areas; poteintially due to different amount of protective coating found in different areas of my kitchen. Also the area above my range was probably not cleaned as well as it should have been. I did all my doors/drawers in the garage and numbered each one. I did not sand inbetween coats. After the final coat the stain was beautiful. Even the floor, granite installers, contrator was impressed with the work. The satin gloss is very subtle. I was damn impressed. Then came the clear coating. I waited an entire week before applying it. I then very lightly sanded with highest grit sanding sponge I could find (I believe it was 220) and wiped the dust down. I used wipe on with rag/sock and sponge brush. I found all methods to work great. Very easy to go on and gives you a lot of wiggle room. I initially purchased the GF Gel Top Coat in Satin. http://www.desertcart.com/GF-Gel-Topcoat-Satin-Quart/dp/B001F7R320. I did 3 coats on my island and a standalone cabinet and it came out great. It also whitstanded through the demo believe it or not. The satin sheen was similiar to the Java satin sheen and if anything you could see the grains of the oak cabinets a little more. I did not notice it enriching the color significant either. It kept it pretty consistent. I was very happy about the results, but I decided to try another product due to the high VOC content of the top coat (wife is pregnant and insist to use part of the kitchen). Since this was still 1/4 way through I had to be reasonable and ended up purchasing a non-VOC top coat off in satin from another website. This is when it all went downhill. I didn't realize what type of skill is needed to apply a top coat, until I purchased this. It made me realize how good the GF topcoat was. My cabinets looked horrible. I should have tested it out first. It was 10x more diffiucult to apply and my cabinets not only looked streaky, but their satin looked more like semi-gloss. It also darkened the cabinets noticably more compared to the original coating. I thought I ruined my kitchen. I decided to do more research and found that the most important coat is the last coat. I learned better technique and tools and redid a large portion of my kitchen. Luckily my new technique did wonders and I was able to coat it streak free and the sheen was also a lot less subtle for some reason. Possibly due to putting it on thinner and I made sure I mixed it very well. I did 3 coats total. The end result came out great despite the scare. I ended up using 2 quarts and still have a little left over. It took me about 6 weeks solo to do my large kitchen, working full-time and other priorities that I could not push back. Like I mentioned if I could go back I would have just hired someone, but that is only because I can supplement my income in a lot less time I spent doing this project to just hire someone. I think that there are so much variables to consider before just doing it so do your research, be patient and trial and error. Everyone's surfaces are different; different wood, coatings, dirt, details, etc. So understand the optimal way to prep for your actual surface. I also think technique and having the right tools plays a role especially if you have a more challenging surface such as a door with all types of crevices, details, corners, etc. Too me that was the most difficult part was because of those challenging areas of the door. So my two biggest tips would be good preperation for your project and learning the proper technique/tools to do the job. Oh yeah and patience too.
Review: Great product has me loving the results! - Very forgiving & easy to use. As you can see, it's also very versatile! I used stain on both kitchen cabinets (2coats) &on top of stools (3 coats), with different results based on technique. For cabinets & banister (1 heavier coat), I used a foam brush & they did not get "wiped off" between coats, so coverage is darker, more opaque & more like that of paint. On stool tops & stair treads (3 coats), stain was wiped on using old white socks &, therefore, is more translucent & more grain is showing through. Mantel only got one coat using sock method & the pretty grain is showing through beautifully. Looks a lot like a walnut stain. I'm very happy with the results! Gorgeous upgrades to golden oak without the price tag of a replacement. WIN! A few tidbits: 1- it does have an odor. I have sensitivities to chemical vapors, so I wore a carbon filtered mask & kept windows open while I worked in short time frames & was fine. I then ran ceiling fan & sat outside or ran errands while it dried a bit & the odor dissapated. The one time I took the mask of early to clean up in the kitchen I got a huge headache & did not make that mistake again! 2-Do not go over previous stained spots until they are completely dry (I gave them 24 hrs between coats). You end up pulling the previous stain & you now have a splotch w/very little pigment. Not pretty! Wait, and just add the extra coverage you want on the next coat. Otherwise you just end up pushing the pigment around & it doesn't stick to anything already gone over before. 3-And the BEST tip for last. I put off using this product (& thus my projects) for a long time due to the fear brought about by people warning it stains skin, nails, & basically everything it touches & their horrible experiences of trying to get it off. Well, turns out it's SUPER EASY to get off your body if you use coconut oil! I just scoop a dab from my jar, rub it all over where I have stain (it smears all over & looks like you're just making a bigger mess, but don't worry!!). It then just comes right off & transfers to the paper towel I use to wipe it off. Another WIN! I then did not use my jar for any other purpose, but for this since some stain did transfer from my hand & onto oil in the jar. So I recommend pulling some out & placing in a second container to use specifically for this purpose & not having to sacrifice a huge container of it. Also, I have not had any luck finding a way to get it out of clothing, though, so I do recommend wearing your appointed "Painting clothes" when working with this. Hope this helps & have fun with your project!

## Features

- This is the stain that has the most "finishing feel" of all General Finishes' products
- Woodworkers love the lustrous finish that shows up
- Heavy-bodied, and so does not penetrate as deeply into the wood as liquid oil-base stains do
- Can help you get a more even appearance on difficult woods such as aspen or pine
- Easy-to-use stains simply wipe on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush (no spills or splashes)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B001DSY50Y |
| Base Material | Wood |
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,487 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #18 in Household Stains |
| Brand Name | General Finishes |
| Coating Description | Oil-based |
| Color | Java |
| Compatible Material | Wood |
| Container Type | Can" or "Jar |
| Coverage | 35-50 sq.ft. |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (11,816) |
| Finish Types | Satin |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00606016102419 |
| Included Components | General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java |
| Item Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.88 inches |
| Item Type Name | General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java |
| Item Weight | 984 Grams |
| Liquid Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
| Manufacturer | General Finishes |
| Material Type | Oil Based |
| Model Name | B259-UL Quart |
| Model Number | B259-UL Quart |
| Opacity | 1 inches |
| Paint Type | Oil |
| Size | 1 Quart |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood |
| UPC | 881314534708 606016102419 |
| Unit Count | 32 Fluid Ounces |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** General Finishes
- **Color:** Java
- **Material:** Oil Based
- **Model Name:** B259-UL Quart
- **Surface Recommendation:** Wood

## Images

![General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xNHHZv3eL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color, Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Can this be used on cabinets that have been painted?**
A: I actually sale the General Finishes line at our stores. I absolutely love this product. Yes you can use this over painted cabinets. However, I suggest sanding to ensure that there’s no paint that might be lifting bc if so then it could cause the General Finishes not to adhere properly.

**Q: How far does the stain go?**
A: I want to change the color to a darker color of a red oak stair case that Is stained red mahogany what should I use

**Q: Can I use this on laminate .**
A: Yes! I used it on an oak bathroom vanity with laminate sides. It covered it with no problems. It takes 2-3 coats depending on how dark you want it and I finished it with GF arm-r-seal. That was more than 5 years ago and it still looks the same.

**Q: Whats the best way to prep the surface before applying the stain?**
A: Depends on many factors. Bare wood light sand, wipe clean , stain . Previously stained and sealed, scuff or light sand and wipe down with mineral spirits, wait couple hours to be safe and stain

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ End result lived up to the hype, but it's a lot of work!
*by L***. on June 4, 2015*

I've been entertaining the idea of gel staining my cabinets for a long time, however I never thought it would come to fruition until we decided to change out our kitchen countertops, floors, backsplash. I was thinking on replacing the doors/drawers and just painting it white, however the budget was already creeping up with other expenses and I feel my existing doors would look better as a dark espresso moreso than white. I've read the reviews, read questions/concerns, viewed many tutorials, etc and decided to pull the trigger. I would say our kitchen is on the larger side that includes 25 doors, 15 drawers, u-shaped with a large island. Overall I am happy with the product, outcome and it lived up to the hype. I knew it would require a lot of time and work, but if I could go back I would probably just hire someone. The amount of time it took in total could have easily been paid off by a professional and more if I used what I feel my time is worth based on what I can do to supplement my source of income through other means. On top of that I did sections of it before our kitchen demo/install and after. Since I am away from home for work10-12 hrs per day M-F,I could not be as efficient as I would have liked. I have oak cabinets stained walnut that were about 10 years old. I took steps similiar to many others, but broke it down into 3 sections of the kitchen since it was too large to get down at once. Prep time was probably the most tedious part that included- 1) Empty cabinets, 2) clean cabinets (I used krud kutter), 3) sand cabinets (I tried various grits and found 220 grit to be perfect lightly by hand; if I could go back I would have used a sander), 4) vacuum/wipe down cabinets, 5) tape down areas as needed. Imagine doing this 3 times. I used the sock method (with two non latex gloves). I just bought cheap socks from target/walmart I believe. I also had a small brush and sponge brush. I would the small brush was a lifesaver for the small crevices and corners. I did 4 layers of the Java stain in total. I waited 48 hours first the first coat to dry and 24 hours for the rest. I was expecting some streakiness, but was a little concerned after seeing it on the 3rd coat. 4th coat was the key winner. I think part of that is not optimally preparing some of my surface areas; poteintially due to different amount of protective coating found in different areas of my kitchen. Also the area above my range was probably not cleaned as well as it should have been. I did all my doors/drawers in the garage and numbered each one. I did not sand inbetween coats. After the final coat the stain was beautiful. Even the floor, granite installers, contrator was impressed with the work. The satin gloss is very subtle. I was damn impressed. Then came the clear coating. I waited an entire week before applying it. I then very lightly sanded with highest grit sanding sponge I could find (I believe it was 220) and wiped the dust down. I used wipe on with rag/sock and sponge brush. I found all methods to work great. Very easy to go on and gives you a lot of wiggle room. I initially purchased the GF Gel Top Coat in Satin. http://www.amazon.com/GF-Gel-Topcoat-Satin-Quart/dp/B001F7R320. I did 3 coats on my island and a standalone cabinet and it came out great. It also whitstanded through the demo believe it or not. The satin sheen was similiar to the Java satin sheen and if anything you could see the grains of the oak cabinets a little more. I did not notice it enriching the color significant either. It kept it pretty consistent. I was very happy about the results, but I decided to try another product due to the high VOC content of the top coat (wife is pregnant and insist to use part of the kitchen). Since this was still 1/4 way through I had to be reasonable and ended up purchasing a non-VOC top coat off in satin from another website. This is when it all went downhill. I didn't realize what type of skill is needed to apply a top coat, until I purchased this. It made me realize how good the GF topcoat was. My cabinets looked horrible. I should have tested it out first. It was 10x more diffiucult to apply and my cabinets not only looked streaky, but their satin looked more like semi-gloss. It also darkened the cabinets noticably more compared to the original coating. I thought I ruined my kitchen. I decided to do more research and found that the most important coat is the last coat. I learned better technique and tools and redid a large portion of my kitchen. Luckily my new technique did wonders and I was able to coat it streak free and the sheen was also a lot less subtle for some reason. Possibly due to putting it on thinner and I made sure I mixed it very well. I did 3 coats total. The end result came out great despite the scare. I ended up using 2 quarts and still have a little left over. It took me about 6 weeks solo to do my large kitchen, working full-time and other priorities that I could not push back. Like I mentioned if I could go back I would have just hired someone, but that is only because I can supplement my income in a lot less time I spent doing this project to just hire someone. I think that there are so much variables to consider before just doing it so do your research, be patient and trial and error. Everyone's surfaces are different; different wood, coatings, dirt, details, etc. So understand the optimal way to prep for your actual surface. I also think technique and having the right tools plays a role especially if you have a more challenging surface such as a door with all types of crevices, details, corners, etc. Too me that was the most difficult part was because of those challenging areas of the door. So my two biggest tips would be good preperation for your project and learning the proper technique/tools to do the job. Oh yeah and patience too.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product has me loving the results!
*by J***R on July 24, 2020*

Very forgiving & easy to use. As you can see, it's also very versatile! I used stain on both kitchen cabinets (2coats) &on top of stools (3 coats), with different results based on technique. For cabinets & banister (1 heavier coat), I used a foam brush & they did not get "wiped off" between coats, so coverage is darker, more opaque & more like that of paint. On stool tops & stair treads (3 coats), stain was wiped on using old white socks &, therefore, is more translucent & more grain is showing through. Mantel only got one coat using sock method & the pretty grain is showing through beautifully. Looks a lot like a walnut stain. I'm very happy with the results! Gorgeous upgrades to golden oak without the price tag of a replacement. WIN! A few tidbits: 1- it does have an odor. I have sensitivities to chemical vapors, so I wore a carbon filtered mask & kept windows open while I worked in short time frames & was fine. I then ran ceiling fan & sat outside or ran errands while it dried a bit & the odor dissapated. The one time I took the mask of early to clean up in the kitchen I got a huge headache & did not make that mistake again! 2-Do not go over previous stained spots until they are completely dry (I gave them 24 hrs between coats). You end up pulling the previous stain & you now have a splotch w/very little pigment. Not pretty! Wait, and just add the extra coverage you want on the next coat. Otherwise you just end up pushing the pigment around & it doesn't stick to anything already gone over before. 3-And the BEST tip for last. I put off using this product (& thus my projects) for a long time due to the fear brought about by people warning it stains skin, nails, & basically everything it touches & their horrible experiences of trying to get it off. Well, turns out it's SUPER EASY to get off your body if you use coconut oil! I just scoop a dab from my jar, rub it all over where I have stain (it smears all over & looks like you're just making a bigger mess, but don't worry!!). It then just comes right off & transfers to the paper towel I use to wipe it off. Another WIN! I then did not use my jar for any other purpose, but for this since some stain did transfer from my hand & onto oil in the jar. So I recommend pulling some out & placing in a second container to use specifically for this purpose & not having to sacrifice a huge container of it. Also, I have not had any luck finding a way to get it out of clothing, though, so I do recommend wearing your appointed "Painting clothes" when working with this. Hope this helps & have fun with your project!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by M***Y on November 18, 2019*

Product is very good. Delivery took weeks :(

## Frequently Bought Together

- General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain, 1 Quart, Java
- General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin
- Bates- Foam Paint Brushes, 2 Inch, 16 Pack, Sponge Brushes, Sponge Paint Brush, Foam Brushes for Painting, Foam Brushes for Staining, Paint Sponges, Foam Brushes for Mod Podge Brushes

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*Product available on Desertcart Germany*
*Store origin: DE*
*Last updated: 2026-04-27*