Water-Based Gel Stain (20 fl oz | 591 mL)

Rich, curated wood color with the ease and control of a gel finish.

Mélange Artisan Woods is a collection of eight water-based gel stains created to transform raw wood while allowing its natural grain, movement, and character to remain visible.

Unlike traditional penetrating stains, Artisan Woods has a creamy, controlled consistency that makes it easy to brush, wipe, layer, and manipulate. The collection moves from softly limed natural woods through muted neutrals, warm traditional browns, a (green undertone) corrective stain, and deep smoky finishes.

Apply a single coat for a lighter, more transparent effect or build the color with additional coats for greater depth and opacity.

Eight curated finishes: Pale Oak · Linden · Honeywood · Ashwood · Briar · Olivewood · Walnut · Ironwood

Why You'll Love Artisan Woods

Artisan Woods combines the visual character of stained wood with the control and easy use of a water-based decorative finish.

• Water-based

• Creamy gel consistency

• Designed for raw, unfinished wood

• Preserves visible wood grain

• Buildable from 1–3 coats

• Easy soap-and-water cleanup

• Low odor compared with traditional solvent-based stains

• Excellent control on vertical and horizontal surfaces

• Can be brushed on and wiped/manipulated to customize the effect

• Eight coordinated, mix-and-match wood tones

• Designed to be sealed with a protective topcoat

Because Artisan Woods is semi-transparent, the wood underneath becomes part of the final color. The same stain can look noticeably different on pine, oak, maple, mahogany and other species.

That variation is part of the beauty of a true wood finish.

Choosing Your Color

Pale Oak

A softly limed, pale finish for lightening raw wood while retaining its natural character.

Linden

A clean, light natural wood tone with an understated raw-wood appearance.

Honeywood

A warm, softly golden natural wood finish without the heavy orange cast associated with many traditional stains.

Ashwood

A cool, softened neutral that brings a muted, weathered sophistication to raw wood.

Briar

A deep, earthy brown with a subdued, organic character.

Olivewood

A muted olive-brown created not only as a decorative color, but as a useful corrective stain. Its olive undertone can help neutralize excessive red coloration in woods such as mahogany and other naturally red-toned species.

Walnut

A rich, classic deep brown designed for the look of traditional dark walnut.

Ironwood

The deepest shade in the collection: a smoky, near-black brown for dramatic dark wood finishes without completely obscuring the grain.

Before You Begin

Artisan Woods is recommended for raw wood only.

For the most predictable performance, remove existing paint, stain, wax, oil, polish, topcoat or other finish before application.

Previously finished furniture should be completely stripped or sanded back to clean, absorbent raw wood.

We do not recommend applying Artisan Woods directly over sealed or previously finished surfaces.

Always make a test sample.

Wood species, porosity, sanding, natural coloration and grain all affect the finished appearance.

Whenever possible, test Artisan Woods on an inconspicuous area or scrap of the same species of wood before completing the project.

Digital images should be considered a color guide rather than an exact representation of the final result.

Preparing the Wood

Begin with clean, dry, bare wood.

Remove dirt, grease, wax, polish and other contaminants.

Sand the surface evenly in the direction of the grain. Uneven sanding can cause stain to absorb differently across the surface and create unintended light and dark areas.

Remove all sanding dust before staining.

Important: very fine sanding can close the wood grain and reduce absorption, while coarse or inconsistent sanding can increase absorption and exaggerate scratches. Prepare the entire project consistently for the most uniform result.

How to Apply Artisan Woods

1. Shake or stir thoroughly.
Pigments may settle during storage. Mix the product completely before beginning and periodically during use.

2. Work in manageable sections.
Apply a thin, even coat using a quality brush, staining pad, lint-free cloth or other appropriate applicator.

3. Work with the grain.
Distribute the stain evenly in the direction of the wood grain.

4. Manipulate the finish while wet.
For a more transparent stained appearance, remove or soften excess product with a clean lint-free cloth. Leaving more material on the surface will produce a fuller, more opaque color.

5. Allow the coat to dry thoroughly.

6. Add additional coats if desired.
Artisan Woods is designed to build from approximately one to three coats. Additional coats increase color depth and coverage.

Some colors naturally provide greater coverage than others.

7. Allow the final coat to dry completely before sealing.

One Coat vs. Multiple Coats

Think of Artisan Woods as a buildable wood-color system rather than a one-result stain.

1 coat: lighter, more transparent, maximum grain visibility
2 coats: richer color with increased depth and consistency
3 coats: deepest expression of the color with greater opacity

The exact result depends on wood species, application amount and how much product is removed during application.

Working Time

Because Artisan Woods is water-based, temperature, humidity, airflow and wood porosity influence working and drying time. Average open time is 5-8 minutes, depending on variables.

Work in manageable sections and avoid repeatedly brushing areas that have begun to set.

For larger surfaces, maintain a wet edge to reduce lap marks.

Recoating

Allow each coat to dry before applying another, approx 10-30 minutes.

Sealing & Protecting the Finish

Artisan Woods should be sealed for protection.

After the final coat has dried completely, apply an appropriate clear protective finish suitable for the intended use of the piece.

For furniture and other frequently handled surfaces, we recommend a durable water-based topcoat such as Mélange Armadillo.

Apply your topcoat according to its directions.

Keep in mind that virtually every clear finish can deepen or slightly alter the appearance of stained wood. Testing the complete stain-and-topcoat system before finishing the entire piece is recommended.

Cleanup

Clean brushes, applicators and tools with soap and water while the product is still wet.

Do not allow stain to dry in brushes or application tools.

Storage

Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Store indoors in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Protect from freezing.

Do not store in vehicles, garages, sheds or other locations subject to extreme temperatures.

Before each use, shake or stir thoroughly to reincorporate any material that may have settled during storage.

For storage, replace the application nozzle with the included solid storage cap. Clean the dispensing tip thoroughly after use before storing.

Important Things to Know

Artisan Woods final appearance will be influenced by:

• wood species

• natural wood color

• grain pattern

• porosity

• sanding

• number of coats

• amount applied

• amount removed during application

• application method

• chosen protective topcoat

Natural variation is expected.

If exact color is critical, sample first.

Product: Water-Based Gel Stain
Recommended Surface: Raw, unfinished wood
Application: Brush, staining pad or lint-free cloth
Coats: 1–3
Cleanup: Soap + water
Topcoat: Recommended
Interior Use: Yes
Storage: Cool, dry location; protect from freezing
Available Colors: 8
Size: 20 fl oz / 591 mL

FAQ

Can I use Artisan Woods over existing stain?

We recommend Artisan Woods for raw wood only. Existing stain, paint, clear finish, wax or oil should be removed before application.

Do I have to wipe it off?

Not necessarily. Artisan Woods can be manipulated depending on the desired effect. Removing more product creates a more transparent appearance; leaving a controlled thin layer creates greater color saturation and coverage.

Can I apply more than one coat?

Yes. Artisan Woods is specifically designed to be buildable from one to three coats.

Will the color look exactly like the website?

Not necessarily. Stain is affected substantially by the underlying wood. Our photography represents the color as accurately as possible but monitors also vary. Always sample on your actual wood when color is critical.

Does Artisan Woods cover the wood grain?

It colors the wood while allowing grain and natural variation to remain visible. Additional coats provide progressively greater coverage.

Which color should I use on red wood?

Olivewood was specifically developed with an olive undertone that can help visually neutralize excessive red in woods such as mahogany.

Does it need a topcoat?

Yes. We recommend sealing Artisan Woods after it has dried completely, particularly on furniture or surfaces that will receive regular handling or wear.