Oil based stain penetrates deeper into wood fiber than waterborne formulas, which is why Old Masters Wiping Stain hits a rich, uniform color in a single application on most surfaces. The heavy bodied formulation gives you a longer working window to wipe for tone.Â
Gel Stain is formulated for pine, poplar, maple, plywood, and veneers, plus non porous substrates like primed metal, fiberglass doors, and plastic moldings. Twenty three factory colors are available in each line, and both can be intermixed for custom tones.
For cabinet refinishing, front door work, or furniture restoration, the depth of color an oil based stain delivers is hard to match with waterborne. If you are working a raw floor, pair the stain with an Old Masters Oil Based Polyurethane or Masters Armor  for a complete system.
Choosing Between Wiping Stain and Gel Stain
Old Masters Wiping Stain
The traditional oil based stain that wood pros reach for. Thick, rich, and designed for hardwoods like oak, walnut, cherry, and mahogany. Available in 23 factory colors across quart and gallon sizes.Wipe on, let it set, wipe off to tone, then finish with a compatible topcoat. For a classic low sheen look on antique pieces, pair with a Dull Rubbed finish.
Old Masters Gel Stain
The problem solver. Pigment rich, non drippy, and built for vertical surfaces and blotch prone species. Twenty three colors, pint and quart sizes. Use it on cabinet doors without runs, on a fiberglass entry door when the grain looks painted on, or on pine that would otherwise finish splotchy. For the exterior face of front entry doors, an exterior clear topcoat is required.
Both are oil based stain for wood formulated for interior work. For exterior deck work and siding, look at the WoodLuxe stain collection instead.
How to Prep Wood Before Applying Oil Based Stain
Surface prep is where most bad stain jobs are lost. Sand the raw wood progressively, stopping at 150 to 180 grit for most hardwoods. Going finer than 180 can burnish the surface and reduce stain absorption. Stock up on abrasives from the Sanding collection if you are working through a full cabinet set or a floor.
On blotch prone woods, apply Old Masters Oil Based Wood Conditioner 15 minutes before staining. This evens absorption and is the difference between a uniform walnut finish and a patchy one on pine. Fill dings or nail holes with a stainable filler from the Patching and Repair collection before final sanding, then tack off dust and work ventilated.
Pairing Stain With the Right Clear Finish
Stain alone will not protect wood from wear, moisture, or UV. Every Old Masters stain needs a compatible topcoat. For interior furniture and trim, Old Masters Oil Based Polyurethane in Satin or Gloss delivers classic amber depth. If you need a non yellowing waterborne finish over the oil stain, after a 24hr dry time use Masters Armor Water Based Finish for interior and Ascend Water Based Finish for exterior available in Gloss, Matte, Satin, and Semi Gloss.Â
Cabinet shops running production work typically spray lacquers or conversion varnishes in sheens like Satin for a clean professional look on modern cabinetry.
Contractor Support, Bulk Orders, and Fulfillment
Most orders ship the same or next business day via UPS. Curbside pickup is available at all three Michigan locations in Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, and Macomb, with free local delivery within the service area. 48+ gallon orders qualify for additional discounts and drop shipping to your site. Call 248.598.0311 ext. 2 for a bulk quote, or ext. 6 for online order support.
The monthly ProSaver program rotates contractor deals on frequently used products, worth checking each month if you run a cabinet or refinishing crew. Shops working on custom and specialty finishing systems can call for guidance on pairing stain, sealer, and topcoat.
Shop the Old Masters Oil Based Wood Stain Collection
PaintOutlets is a Benjamin Moore authorized dealer and part of the ALLPRO family of independent paint stores. We carry the full Old Masters line alongside Benjamin Moore, Lenmar, and the finishing brands woodworkers rely on. Order online, pick up curbside, or call 248.598.0311 for help identifying the right stain and topcoat system for your project.
Safety 101 - Oil Based Stain Rag DISPOSAL
Oil-based wood stain rags pose a severe spontaneous combustion fire hazard because curing oil releases heat. Rags balled up or piled together can trap this heat, ignite days later, and destroy homes. To prevent fires, spread rags flat outdoors to dry completely, or seal them in a water-filled metal container.Â
Key Safety Measures & Disposal Procedures
- Never toss stain-soaked rags into the regular trash in a pile.
- Dry Properly: Lay rags flat on a non-combustible surface (like concrete) outdoors to dry until stiff.
- Water Method: Submerge rags in a metal bucket filled with water for disposal.
- Ventilation: Allow rags to cure fully in a well-ventilated, shady area away from direct sunlight and building structures.
- Stay Vigilant: The hazard applies to oil-based stains, polyurethane, varnishes, and linseed oil
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Based Wood Stain
