Last Updated: May 31, 2019 (Refresh Now)
General Finishes JQ Oil Base Gel Stain 1 Quart Java
Last Updated: May 31, 2019 (Refresh Now)
9.2
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
739
Old Reviews
188
Unverified
20
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Review Analysis - 531 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ease of Use
111easy to apply, easy, easy to work, results, goes
+98%
-2%
" ... Super easy way to transform furniture & cabinets. ... "
" ... All the comments raved about how easy this was and how great the finished product was. ... It was that EASY!!!! ... "
" ... It was definitely worth the try, easy to use and does not look like a DIY at all. ... "
" ... Great product easy to use and also a little bit of gel stain goes a lomg way. ... "
" ... This product is so easy to use. ... "
" ... Easy to use. ... "
" ... Makes staining so easy ! ... "
" ... Excellent product, easy to use. ... "
Design
103beautiful, coat, cabinets, oak, looks great
+94%
-6%
" ... Absolutely beautiful with just the first coat. ... "
" ... We did two coats just cause I wanted it a little darker and it is beautiful! ... "
" ... I love the look. ... "
" ... You will Love this finish. ... "
" ... I get so many compliments! ... "
" ... Applies well to any type of furniture and makes it look like new and shiny after a top coat is applied. ... Re-did my whole kitchen and it looks great. ... "
" ... Took about three coats to get a nice dark finish. ... "
" ... It looks like a new kitchen. ... "
Cleaning
100wipe, brush, gel stain, cabinets, stains
+84%
-16%
" ... It is not "runny" like many stains and easy to work with. ... "
" ... I just used a foam brush to apply. ... "
" ... I applied it with a foam brush and then wiped it off with shop-cloths. ... I refined my technique to wipe more gently, and that really produced a nice finish! ... Now I want to java stain everything :) Overall, I like this product so much more than liquid stains. ... "
" ... We stained our kitchen cabinets several months ago and have been nothing but pleased with the results. ... "
" ... I had a lot of different stains that I purchased samples for to try them on our new stairs but this one really stood out. ... It is very easy to apply with a brush and as it is a get it doesn’t make any mess , not around , doesn’t leave any leaking marks and applies evenly to the surface. ... Also even the fact that it is an oil base stain it doesn’t smell like other oil base products. ... "
" ... Minimal preparation with easy clean up. ... "
" ... Update: I used this to gel stain our interior cabinets, and they look amazing! ... "
" ... I've applied an uniform coat and wipe clean with multiple rags. ... I recommend to use a foam brush (3in) and wipe after leaving it a minute no more. ... "
Color
92stain, dark, rich, coats, java
+90%
-10%
" ... The more coats you apply the darker the color gets. ... "
" ... 2 coats resulted in exactly the color I was looking for. ... "
" ... It covered the whole door with the same look and color. ... "
" ... Tried another brand first and hated the cherry color. ... "
" ... I bought 2 colors ... Both colors are easy to work with. ... The cherry is a gorgeous color but the gray is not . ... "
" ... The color is deep and covers well. ... "
" ... The grain is totally preserved in the finish, two coats look spectacularly rich, glossy and vibrant. ... "
" ... It’s the consistency of pudding but goes on like paint and colors like a stain. ... "
Build Quality
58stain, coats, coat, top coat, stained
+83%
-17%
" ... I also used a GS top coat. ... "
" ... Applies well to any type of furniture and makes it look like new and shiny after a top coat is applied. ... "
" ... I used General Finishes Arm-R-Seal in satin. ... If not you top coat will chip off☹️ ... Per the recommendation of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal should have no more than 3 coats. ... "
" ... going to sand and paint instead. ... "
" ... Be sure to order the satin gel top coat as well. ... "
" ... Made them look brand new. ... "
" ... I wanted a solid stain an ended up using three coats. ... "
" ... Great stain to hide blemishes on wood surfaces! ... "
Capacity
38bathroom, kitchen, bathroom vanity, entire kitchen, whole kitchen
+97%
-3%
" ... We re-did all our kitchen cabinets with it (2 coats) and it looks like a new kitchen! ... "
" ... I did my whole kitchen, half bath and one full bath and still have half a gallon. ... "
" ... And then the kitchen cabinets are next. ... "
" ... I’m in the process of giving my bathroom a makeover and I came across this. ... "
" ... Used this to redo kids bathroom. ... "
" ... Our bathroom remodel was 100% diy and only cost about $100! ... "
" ... I am refinishing my bedroom furniture. ... "
" ... I used this product on my bathroom vanity a few years ago. ... "
Comfort
35easy to use, stain, sock, gloves, gel
+91%
-9%
" ... Loved this gel stain . ... "
" ... My most favorite gel stain! ... "
" ... Best gel stain hands down! ... "
" ... Love this gel stain. ... "
" ... Great product easy to use and also a little bit of gel stain goes a lomg way. ... "
" ... Definitely has a learning curve so start with something easy and progress as your skill level improves-doesn’t take long to feel comfortable with application. ... "
" ... My favorite gel stain. ... "
" ... Gel stain is easy to use. ... "
Drying
31coat, coats, dries, 24 hours, takes
+74%
-26%
" ... Goes on like a dream, just the right amount of drying time. ... "
" ... let it dry 24 hours and apply the second The third is magic. ... "
" ... Dries quickly and looks great. ... "
" ... It goes on so smooth and creamy and dries to a velvety smooth finish ... "
" ... It is amazing takes for ever to dry! ... "
" ... Gorgeous, dries smooth and thin. ... "
" ... I used dry brushing to add a faux wood texture. ... "
" ... I love that once it dries you can still see the natural wood grain. ... "
Marketplace
22seller, see, product, pics, amazon
+91%
-9%
" ... See my pics. ... "
" ... however had no problem shipping it to me. ... "
" ... This is our second time ordering this product. ... "
" ... Item as described ... "
" ... This is my 2nd order I added 2 before pics just so you see the difference ... "
" ... You be the judge of the results pictures attached. ... "
" ... The pics show before and after. ... "
" ... ) Adding before and after pictures. ... "
Storage
16cabinets, drawers, doors, oak, cabinet
+81%
-19%
" ... I was extremely intimidated to refinish my kitchen cabinets. ... "
" ... I practiced on some free cabinet doors that I picked up. ... "
" ... I was planning to use this on our banister, half bath cabinets and some barn doors. ... "
" ... The half-pint size was plenty to complete all of these. ... "
" ... And then the kitchen cabinets are next. ... "
" ... I wanted to make them match my espresso finish cabinets. ... "
" ... I used it to restain oak cabinets from the 80's into sleek espresso cabinets. ... "
" ... And long sleeves. ... "
Software Platform
13used, update, dark, almost, stain
+77%
-23%
" ... The color is almost a perfect match with Ethan Allen's Java. ... "
" ... I used the java. ... "
" ... who knows what will be "java-ed" next?! ... "
" ... Then I came across this product on a social media site. ... "
" ... Java hides imprecations better than the antique walnut and is more forgiving. ... "
" ... This product can update an old outdated piece! ... "
" ... Java is very dark, almost black. ... "
" ... Really satisfied with java stain ... "
Washer Dryer
13takes, let, dry completely, dries, coats
+85%
-15%
" ... This is so easy to apply and takes about 3 days to dry completely. ... "
" ... Goes on like a dream, just the right amount of drying time. ... "
" ... Great color - applies easily - dries evenly. ... "
" ... Be sure to let it dry completely before next coat for best results. ... "
" ... I let my cabinets dry overnight and hung them the next day. ... "
" ... Dries quickly and looks great. ... "
" ... It goes on so smooth and creamy and dries to a velvety smooth finish ... "
" ... The drying time did take 1 full day for each coat but totally worth it. ... "
Price
12worth, saved, price, worth the price, well worth
+75%
-25%
" ... I do love the color, but won't be buying again because I don't think it's worth the extra price. ... "
" ... It’s so worth the money. ... "
" ... Nobody can tell we did it ourselves and it saved us tons of money! ... "
" ... I'd recommend this to any homeowner wanting to save a lot of money. ... "
" ... Saved tons of money doing re-finishing myself. ... "
" ... Worth every cent of additional cost. ... "
Product As Described
11see, pics, photos, attached, show
+100%
" ... I posted the realtor picture for the before and the after. ... "
" ... ) Adding before and after pictures. ... "
" ... This is my 2nd order I added 2 before pics just so you see the difference ... "
" ... Here are some before and after pics. ... "
" ... I know there is not at a lot of pictures of the walnut finish. ... "
" ... See my pics. ... "
" ... Please see our before and after pictures. ... "
" ... Item as described ... "
Setup
9directions, project, professional, instructions, followed the instructions
+100%
" ... Not as easy to apply as advertised. ... Please, please visit the website and follow their directions exactly. ... "
" ... Looks very professional. ... "
" ... I followed the instructions from other reviewers and my buffet looks beautiful! ... "
" ... Do follow tips provided by other users it makes it so much easier to apply. ... "
" ... I found that I can refinish anything and make it look professional ... "
" ... Follow the directions and tape off your project. ... "
" ... Follow instructions found on several you tubes and go for it. ... "
Floors
9used, stair, rail, staircase, kitchen
+89%
-11%
" ... Had to match a handrail to my floor. ... "
" ... Worked great for updating my stairs! ... "
" ... We used this on our stair rail and it did the trick completely! ... "
" ... I love this gel stain it is amazing, I have used to to finish my stairs, stair railing and refinished a bathroom vanity and a fireplace mantel. ... "
" ... Now I have a banister that matches the floors and I don't have to bug him any more. ... "
" ... My stairs now look like we got a new house,and even our old carpet looks much better. ... "
" ... Saved me a ton of time doing my stairs. ... "
" ... Did my stair rails. ... "
Product Reliability
9years, product, first, worked, project
+78%
-22%
" ... I am doing several project to match new flooring that is coming into the house in a few weeks. ... "
" ... Try it yourself and you will love working with it! ... "
" ... I used this product on my bathroom vanity a few years ago. ... "
" ... Worked very well. ... "
" ... but ugh, its like working with black tar. ... "
" ... Product worked well. ... "
" ... Been using for years. ... "
Video Playback
9watched, videos, video, watching, general
+100%
" ... Very easy to use, I did do my due diligence and watch a few of General Finishes videos! ... "
" ... I highly recommend watching some gel stain videos on YouTube. ... "
" ... The General Finishes website has a great video tutorial. ... "
" ... I refinished my banister and watched YouTube videos about this product!! ... "
" ... I had no experience previously but after a few youtube videos, I was able to do it. ... "
" ... Just watch a couple of the YouTube videos from the company, and you are pretty much DIY'ing that day! ... "
" ... Would suggest to watching a few satin YouTube videos before you work with this product. ... "
" ... I watched a you tube video and this is the product that was used. ... "
Door
9door, wood, stain, fiberglass, coat
+89%
-11%
" ... I used it on 4 interior barn doors and it took them from nice to WOW!! ... "
" ... Needless to say, they are still streaky, but they already look like new doors! ... "
" ... I only did one coat on the pine doors. ... "
" ... With trepidation, I gave it a single coat without removing the door from its hinges, and WOW! ... It covered the whole door with the same look and color. ... "
" ... I was planning to use this on our banister, half bath cabinets and some barn doors. ... "
" ... Used it to finish a fiberglass door and the results were fantastic, people think it's actually wood. ... Also used it on my French doors which are actually made of wood and on an antique dining room table. ... "
" ... You'd never know it was the same doors. ... "
Delivery
8time, stain, product, packaged, open
+50%
-50%
" ... Received with the box damaged and the Gel stain was coming outside of the box . ... "
" ... Product arrived open and leaking. ... "
" ... Can came dented up as well as another product I purchased from them. ... "
" ... Didn't even bubble wrap it either. ... "
Camera
7see, pics, photos, attached, show
+100%
" ... ) Adding before and after pictures. ... "
" ... Will post pictures when I am completely done. ... "
" ... All the pictures in reviews all awesome. ... "
" ... You be the judge of the results pictures attached. ... "
" ... See my pics. ... "
" ... Here are some before and after pics. ... "
" ... The pics show before and after. ... "
Returns
6returned, item, cannot, stain, refunded
+17%
-83%
" ... You are stuck! ... "
" ... Too small my for the job that I needed to do and unable to return. ... "
" ... The other product wasn’t just dented, but looked used and returned. ... "
" ... I bought 2 can based off all the positive feedback on here, but now I’m unhappy and can’t return this item ... "
" ... The item cannot be returned, which is why I'm giving this one star. ... "
Ease of Cleaning
5clean, wipe, paint, use, goes
+100%
" ... Make sure you have mineral spirits/paint thinner on hand for easy clean up of spills! ... "
" ... Minimal preparation with easy clean up. ... "
" ... They are very easy to clean, just wipe with a cloth and they clean up nicely! ... "
" ... Cleans up easy and goes on easy. ... "
" ... The paint is easy to use, sand a bit, apply it and wipe it. ... "
Network
5took, coats, use, kitchen table, good
+100%
" ... Easy to apply and the coverage is remarkable. ... "
" ... Great coverage, took three coats to cover entire kitchen table top. ... "
" ... It took 3 coats for a good coverage. ... "
Water Resistance
5general finishes, finish, coat, satin, coats
+100%
" ... I had even sanded off the water based General Finishes clear coat. ... "
" ... The general finishes water based topcoat went on smooth in satin finish and the result is AMAZING these are 30 year old vanity, real custom built wood, it will last another 30 years for sure. ... "
" ... I used a water based General Finishes Poly as a top coat and it worked great. ... "
" ... 2-3 coats of the General finishes satin finish water based clear coat and wow we are impressed and happy! ... "
" ... They went from an ugly, water stained and sun faded finish to beautiful and new looking. ... "
Picture Quality
4show, reviews, shows, see, post
+100%
" ... This picture shows a great comparison to the old cabinet. ... "
" ... Will post pictures when I am completely done. ... "
" ... All the pictures in reviews all awesome. ... "
" ... Please see our before and after pictures. ... "
Overall performance
4job, high
+100%
" ... It did take 3 coats to get the job done. ... "
" ... Finish it with General Finishes High Performance. ... "
" ... We topped them with the high performance flat. ... "
" ... Well, I decided to do it myself then and bought THIS product to do the job. ... "
Clarity
4coat
+75%
-25%
" ... Clear satin topcoat. ... "
" ... Then put a clear coat on it. ... "
" ... Now for the clear coat! ... "
Fit
4even
+25%
-75%
" ... Well, it bubbles and was rough and didn’t work. ... "
" ... They didn't have the little metal prongs on the lid to hold it down like they have had before from general finishes. ... "
" ... I even belt sanded it to prep. ... "
For Fun
3stain, easy
+100%
" ... It was a fun job and this stain made it easier to get the results that I wanted. ... "
Coffee
3end tables, large, cabinets, bathroom, 4
+33%
-67%
" ... I stained my bathroom cabinets and even a coffee table and side tables because they were chipping. ... "
Defective Delivery
3received, stain, open, box, arrived
-100%
" ... Received with the box damaged and the Gel stain was coming outside of the box . ... "
" ... Product arrived open and leaking. ... "
" ... this bottle when its received is already damaged. ... "
Hair
3time, sander, palm, finish
-100%
" ... So I stripped them down with mineral spirits and broke out the palm sander, sanding every square inch of my cabinets to insure that there was absolutely no finish left from the original finish (which basically defeated the purpose of purchasing this because I was being lazy and didn’t want to do a complete strip down). ... "
" ... My biggest issues were my own sloppiness and the pet hair in my house getting into my work. ... "
" ... This time does not to include the stripping and sanding and the curing time. ... "
Battery Life
3+100%
" ... 48 to 72 hours. ... "
" ... Yes 24 hrs . ... "
" ... Gave 4 stars because Amazon duplicated my order, charged and sent me 2 cans of gel stain instead of 1. ... "
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Specifications
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