gel stain or oil stain to get this oak dresser dark? also do we have to strip it
This is my first refinishing project and I’m not doing the work myself — a friend’s brother is handling it, and I don’t think he’s done many pieces. So I’m trying to make sure the plan is solid before anything starts.
What I’ve been going back and forth on:
1. Gel stain vs. penetrating oil stain for getting oak this dark without blotching. And which of these I’m considering would be the best fit for what I’m going for. I chose these all mostly because of what the color looks like online!
https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/oil-based-wood-stains-sealers/gel-stains
https://www.minwax.com/en/wood-stain-color-guide/browse-color-stains/brown/dark-walnut-mw2716-solid
2. Whether a piece like this needs to be stripped or whether a scuff-sand and gel stain is acceptable
Photos attached. Any advice on process, products, or things to check first would be really appreciated.
1st photo is the piece I bought, 2nd and 3rd photos are references.
Thanks for any help!