Using the "regular" stuff is like trying to control a runny nose on a sub-freezing day. I guess it can be done but not by me.Yes! I've bedded barrels with both the gel...which is kinda the consistency of soft butter...and the liquid. Way easier to use the gel version. Have had great results with Acraglas. Had one kit that came with a rather poor barrel inlet...too wide in some spots. Colored Acraglas gel bedded and it's completely unnoticable.