Did you know you can easily update the look of wood furniture with gel stain? Last fall we updated our bathroom cabinets by adding a gel stain glaze.

It was so easy, that I knew we would be doing more projects with it. I haven't quite got up the gumption to tackle our kitchen cabinets (it's a big change and a LOT of cabinets), but I did glaze this hutch.

We've had this hutch for a few years and I've never really loved the color. It has a bit of an orange tint to it that I just didn't like.

I was debating whether or not to paint it, when I remembered the leftover gel stain from the bathroom cabinets and thought I'd give that a try first.

Hutch Makeover using a Gel Stain Glaze

hutch makeover - using gel stain - in progress

I'll give you a quick rundown of what to do, but if you want details, please read How to Glaze Cabinets with Gel Stain. I spent a lot of time making sure to share all the specifics.

Supplies needed to glaze furniture with gel-stain

Here are a few things you might need. These are affiliate links, if you purchase something, I will receive a small percentage. The cost to you is the same.

How to use gel-stain to glaze furniture

Glazing is great because it goes right on top of the existing finish. Begin by cleaning off any dust or dirt. With an old, clean rag, wipe on the gel-stain, making sure to get it into all the crevices. With another rag, wipe off the excess.

You can see in my picture above the left has been done. In the top right portion, I have added the glaze, but not yet wiped the excess off.

You will want to work in small sections, because the glaze dries quickly making it harder to wipe off. However, if that is the case, you can easily remove the gel stain with mineral spirits.

Once the glazing is finished, top with a coat or two of lacquer.

Again for specific details read my glazing cabinets post - there's lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

Here is my hutch after. I really love the deep and rich color it now has. And those grooves! I love the dimension glazing gives a piece of furniture.

hutch makeover - gel stain glaze - after

It's not a huge change. {You can see the before and after below.} But it seemed to tone down the orange a bit.

Although it doesn't "match" my cabinets, it doesn't seem to clash like it did before.

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