Another cool thing about gel stain, is that it doesn't have to get down into the wood to achieve a color change, which means is the best option for DIY-ers who want to transform their kitchen cabinets ...

If you want to add more colors to this simple combination ... We're talking deep with those stains — think Dixie Bell No Pain Gel Stain in Espresso ($33.95 for 16 ounces) or Minwax Dark Walnut ...

Which you choose has much more to do with your color and application technique preferences than anything else. Wood stains are a collection of liquid or gel products designed to color and protect wood ...