Maggieb515, I wound up using the gel stain only around the bath cabinet to date. I seems to be much better, but did take forever to dry involving coats, and I are in a extremely dry weather. Here is a photo demonstrating the method used to fill the grain with http://jasperfyomp.jiliblog.com/55581686/a-simple-key-for-can-you-stain-over-painted-cabinets-unveiled