FROM GF UNIVERSITY, HOW TO APPLY GENERAL FINISHES GEL STAIN TO A LARGE RAW WOOD SURFACE. Please SHARE THIS 1.5 MINUTE VIDEO with your friends that paint! As you can see, Christine Adams' technique to prevent lap marks when working with Gel Stain is to apply liberally and always keep a wet edge as shown in second :40 of this video. It also important to use an absorbent cotton TERRY towel or rag to wipe away excess stain when working on a surface this large. On small projects, shop towels are fine