A stained door can look beautiful if done right. Whether using a dark mahogany stain or natural light, staining a wood door is quite simple. If you do it yourself, you’ll be happy to know that it can be done in 5 steps or less.
Materials you will need: wood conditioner (optional), stain, brush, primer, topcoat
All of these materials can be found at your local paint store, hardware store, or home improvement store.
Step 1: The first step is choosing a spot color. If you have a piece of exact wood, you will stain it, bring it to the store, and ask if they will put any stain on your wood samples. This will provide a very true idea of what color it will be.
Step 2: Very easily put the doors on 2 locks. If you paint the doors already covered with varnish, be sure to remove the varnish by sanding. You want to be sure that the door is completely free of any traces of paint, or the door will not accept stain in some areas and will look stained. After sanding, wipe the doors with a clean cloth or a seating cloth.
Step 3: Some species of wood do not stain evenly. In these cases it can be applied to the wood door conditioner. Check ahead of time whether the type of wood you are staining is suitable or not. Apply conditioner to the wood and let it soak for at least 15 minutes (but no longer than 2 hours).
Step 4: Open your spot. Remember to stir often, especially if it has been dyed, for the pigments often settle to the bottom. You can use a brush or a polishing cloth or apply a stain. I always work with wood grain – never against. Let the stain sit on the door for the desired amount of time, then wipe the clean cloth. In most cases, the longer it sits, the darker the door will be. If it is not as dark as you would like, apply a 2nd coat. Once dry, flip the door over and stain the other side.
Step 5: Wait the recommended amount of time (check the label on the cham), then apply the topcoat with a good quality brush. Possible topcoats include water- or oil-based polyurethanes, spar- urethanes or lacquers. The type of topcoat depends on whether the door is interior or exterior. Dry Lightly sand and apply a second coat.
Be aware, however, that these steps do not apply to fiberglass doors. Fiberglass doors are stained using gel stain because they do not take regular stains well.
If you follow these steps, you will have no problem staining your wood doors. Staining the door is quite easy. If you do it right the first time, you’ll end up with a nice bloody new door.
References: Personal experience
