Another stain question

[Steven Croney]

I bought 4 sample minwax stain colors to test out the shades.
After deciding which color I wanted, I went back down to Home Depot and bought a gallon.
The problem I have is this, the sample I was testing were very liquidy in texture, the gallon I bought is thick, about as thick as motor oil. Is this normal?

[ray vile]

Are they both the same stains, is one an oil based stain and the other a gel stain?

[Steven Croney]

yep, same number and name.

Golden Oak 210B

[Mandodad]

the 210B is definetly oil based stain, the gels don't have number designations

http://www.minwax.com/products/color-guide

I have seen stain that has set for long periods of time thicken up.  but the thickness usually settles to the bottom and it is really thin on top, a good stirring (not shaking) will bring it to an even consistancy.  maybe your sample had settled that way.  being as thick as motor oil i would question & it would probably work ok.  but for peace of mind i would take it back to the store and check another can.