When it comes to transforming furniture and home decor, the right stain can make all the difference. Dixie Belle Paint Company offers two exceptional gel stains: No Pain Gel Stain and Voodoo Gel Stain. Both deliver stunning finishes, but their unique characteristics make them suited to different project needs. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which one is perfect for your DIY goals.

No Pain Gel Stain: Oil-Based Excellence

Two open cans of No Pain Gel Stain sitting on a table

No Pain Gel Stain is an oil-based stain that’s designed for effortless application and a flawless, professional-looking finish. Here’s what makes it a favorite among DIYers and furniture refinishers:

  • User-Friendly Application: The thick consistency of this gel stain ensures smooth and controlled application, minimizing drips and blotches. Even beginners will find it easy to achieve great results.
  • Rich, Durable Finish: Oil-based formulations like No Pain Gel Stain penetrate deeply into the wood, enhancing the natural grain and providing a long-lasting, rich color. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas such as dining tables, cabinets, and floors.
  • Wide Variety of Shades: From classic wood tones to deeper, more dramatic hues, No Pain Gel Stain offers a range of colors to complement any style.
  • Low Odor: Unlike many oil-based stains, No Pain Gel Stain has a surprisingly low odor, making it a more pleasant option for indoor projects.

A brown wooden coffee table on top of a wooden floor covered with a black and brown rug A round wooden kitchen table with white painted legs and a brown stained tabletop A dresser with black frame and handles with the drawers stained with Picklin' White No Pain Gel Stain sitting on a gray wooden floor in front of a white painted wall

Voodoo Gel Stain: Water-Based Wonder

Bottles of Au Naturel and Tobacco Road Voodoo Gel Stain sitting on a circular wooden platform

For a different take on staining, Voodoo Gel Stain is a water-based product that offers incredible versatility and unique finishes. Here’s why it might be your go-to:

  • Fast Drying and Easy Cleanup: Being water-based, Voodoo Gel Stain dries quickly and cleans up easily with just soap and water. This makes it perfect for quick projects or layering effects.
  • Matte, Chalky Finish: If you’re after a distressed, vintage, or farmhouse-style look, the matte finish of Voodoo Gel Stain pairs beautifully with Dixie Belle’s Chalk Mineral Paint.
  • Versatile Application: Unlike traditional stains, Voodoo Gel Stain works beautifully on both bare wood and painted surfaces, making it an excellent choice for adding dimension to previously refinished pieces.
  • Eco-Friendly: The water-based formula is low in VOCs, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

A brown stained wooden dresser with the Vintage Post transfer applied to the front, sitting on a brown rug in front of a white wall A wooden stained dresser sitting on a white floor, in front of a white wall A staircase cabinet stained with voodoo gel stain sitting on a wooden floor in front of a white painted brick wall

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature No Pain Gel Stain Voodoo Gel Stain
Base Oil-based Water-based
Finish Rich, glossy Matte, chalky
Application Surface Bare wood Bare wood or painted surfaces
Drying Time Slower Quick
Clean-Up Solvent-based Soap and water
Odor Low for oil-based stains Minimal
Best For Traditional wood finishes, durability Distressed or vintage looks, versatility

Choosing the Right Stain for Your Project

  • Go with No Pain Gel Stain if:

    • You want to enhance the natural grain of the wood with a rich, deep finish.
    • You’re working on high-traffic furniture or woodwork that requires durability.
    • You prefer the timeless appeal of an oil-based product.

A small wooden stool stained with No Pain Gel Stain and the Leaf Me Alone stencil applied to the front sitting on a tan and grey striped rug with books on the floor around it  An oval shaped end table stained with No Pain Gel Stain sitting on a blue and white rug A coffee table with pillar legs that have been stained with No Pain Gel Stain and a marble tabletop sitting on a brown rug in front of a gray couch

  • Choose Voodoo Gel Stain if:

    • You’re looking for a fast-drying, easy-to-clean stain.
    • You want to add character to painted furniture or achieve a distressed, vintage aesthetic.
    • You’re environmentally conscious or sensitive to strong odors.

A shelving unit that has been stained brown with Voodoo Gel Stain that has several knick knacks on the various shelves sitting on a white floor in front of a white wall A tv stand cabinet stained with Voodoo Gel Stain sits on a brown wooden floor in front of a gray painted wal with candles on top of it. A wooden blanket box stained with No Pain Gel Stain sitting on a brown rug in front of a white wall

Final Thoughts

Both No Pain Gel Stain and Voodoo Gel Stain offer stunning results tailored to different styles and needs. Whether you’re a fan of the deep, elegant finishes of oil-based stains or love the versatility and quick drying time of water-based options, Dixie Belle has the perfect product for your next DIY masterpiece.

Visit our website or stop by your local retailer to explore our full range of stains, paints, and finishes. Let’s bring your vision to life—one project at a time! To learn about the differences in our paint lines, check out our blog Dixie Belle Controversy: Which Paint to Use.

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Dixie Belle Paint Company

Dixie Belle Paint Company provides a line of chalk mineral paint that is high quality, easy to use, and most importantly priced so every DIYer can create and discover the joy of painting.

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