On Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:57:40 GMT, blueman wrote:

What about gel stains? I just used a gel stain on a project and it
really seems to only stay superficial and barely penetrate. Again
accepting that it won't be perfect, do you think a gel stain will give
a better result than a typical oil-based penetrating stain?

You could always lightly scuff the existing clear coat, then apply a
new finish coat to freshen it up.

If the existing finish is peeling, water damaged, deeply scratched,
etc... You need to strip to bare wood. If the finish is in decent
shape, but has lost it's gloss, the scuff and refresh may be all you
need.

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