Microfiber and gel stain

Has anyone had this problem?
I was using minwax gel stain, applying and removing with cotton cloth. All was well no problems. I switched to a microfiber rag from HD and the stain got very sticky as soon as I began wiping to remove. This was happening if I started removing as soon as I got done applying or if I waited a minute or two. I went back to cotton and the problem went away. My theory is that the microfiber fiber is pulling the solvent out of stain causing it to dry rapidly.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Adam

I think the problem was do to the microfiber cloth allowing air to pass through it more. With a gel stain I think you would have better luck brushing it on thinner and not wiping it off or wipe very little.

Thanks, I’ve gone to very thin coats and wiping immediately with cotton cloths it’s working fine now.
Adam😀

A gel stain is more like thinned down enamel than stain. It was developed to finish a textured fiberglass door so it could be made to look more like real wood. For that application it was never intended to be wiped off.