Staining Fiberglass Doors

A Few Basics

• Thoroughly read and follow all the instructions as printed in this brochure and carefully read through product labels.
• Review contents contained in kit and gather other needed supplies.
• Provide a good working environment, one that is free of dust and has adequate lighting and ventilation. Ventilation is important in the application of stains and finishes. Please read product cautions carefully.
• Remove the door from its hinges and place on a flat padded saw horses or substitute supports.
• Remove all hardware (hinges, doorknobs, locks and weather stripping).

Surface Preparation

• Trim or scrap the factory sealant that has seeped out between window trim and the glass, if applicable.
• Mask off any glass and weather stripping that was unable to be removed as well as the door jam.
• Using one of your extra cleanup rags, wipe the entire surface with either the provided mineral spirits or an all purpose cleaner. Wipe clean and allow to dry thoroughly.

Practice

We highly recommend practicing the technique before you attempt to stain the entire door.

• Stir the stain well. Obtain a feel for the staining process by picking a small, flat are on the door to practice.
• Apply stain liberally in this small area with the sponge brush and remove excess stain gradually until the depth of color is satisfactory. When finished practicing, remove the stain in this test area with the provided mineral spirits and extra cleanup rags.

Let’s get started on your project!

Stain all door panels following the order indicated on this diagram.

1. Raised panels and surrounding recessed areas.
2. Inside panels with a vertical grain
3. Inside panels with a horizontal grain
4. Outside panels with a vertical grain
5. Outside edges of the door

Note: Door designs may very from the door illustrated in this diagram. The sequence in staining panels, however, is much the same.

Protect with Polyurethane

Wait at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours or longer depending on drying conditions before topcoating the stained door. (Refer to the instrcutions on the back of the Polyurethane label). Using the 2” bristle brush or equivalent, brush in the direction of the grain. Apply in the same sequence as the stain application.

A minimum of 2 coats is recommended, waiting 6 hours between coats. Brushes should be cleaned with mineral spirits.

Helpful Hints

Keep in mind as you are staining that it is better to start light on the stain application. If a darker color is desired, apply a second coat of the stain in the same manner as the first coat. When recoating, allow a minimum of 8-12 hours depending on drying conditions. Low temperatures and high humidity will increase drying time.

Cleanup

We suggest using mineral spirits to clean up. To avoid spontaneous combustion during temporary storage, soak soiled rags and waste immediately after use in a water-filled, closed metal container.

Staining the Doorjamb/Door Frame

The Gel Stain can also be used to stain the doorjamb, door frame and mullions. Apply stain with the foam brush and use the 2” bristle brush to soften and blend stain to match door and trim.