I just used general finishes gel stain on some Baltic birch ply and wow is this stuff amazing! I felt like I knew what I was doing for once! I didn't know ply could look this stunning. This is on the cheap birch from HD (which I'm told is crap) and all I did was sand to 120. This is literally my 3rd time staining something so clearly no technique necessary. I went with the gel to avoid a conditioner and it's super even. Previously I tried minwax gel and in comparison I think calling it a "gel" is a stretch. The price kind of scared me but the coverage is so good the price difference isn't even that bad. I only need one coat. I'm going to try their urethane on top. Not sure how much wow factor a quality urethane will be but I'm sold on this stuff!