How to Stain an Interior Wood Door?

Staining a door will not only enhance its beauty but also increase its longevity. We hired professional painters for staining the interior doors and it was worth it. They executed the task with the utmost expertise and followed a series of steps. Let me share how to stain an interior door in brief here. 

How to Stain Interior Wood Doors?

To stain a door, you will have to make it clean, apply wood conditioner, satin the door and seal it. Here is a step-by-step method on how to stain interior wood doors:

• Prepare the Door: Remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on a pair of sawhorses or a workbench. Remove all hardware like handles and hinges. Sand the door's surface with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the wood is smooth and ready to apply the stain.

• Clean the Surface: Wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris from sanding and let it dry completely. 

• Apply Wood Conditioner: Use a pre-stain wood conditioner to ensure even stain absorption, especially on softwoods like pine. Apply it evenly with a brush or cloth, following the grain of the wood. Allow it to penetrate for the recommended time for a minimum of 15 minutes.

• Stain the Door: Apply the stain with a brush or cloth, following the wood grain. Work in sections to avoid streaks. Let the stain penetrate the wood for a few minutes, then wipe off excess with a clean cloth. Repeat for a darker colour.

• Finish with Sealant: After the stain dries completely, apply a clear polyurethane sealant to protect the door and enhance the finish. Apply at least two coats, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish.

This is how to stain an interior wood door. If you feel you can do it yourself, go for it but I will suggest you seek a professional’s aid. 

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Learning how to stain an interior wood door with wood stain helps in highlighting the door's inherent beauty. Wood stains with bolder hues, such as red, mahogany, and ebony, add drama to a door despite their usually neutral colour. Here is the step by step guide for your reference.

How to Stain an Unfinished Interior Door?

• Apply the initial layer of stain with a brush, making sure to use long, uniform strokes. Ensure that you stain the wood on the door's sides as well as its upper edges.

• Apply the stain evenly across the surface using a rag while it's still wet for a more polished appearance. 

• After the manufacturer's suggested drying time, lightly sand the first coat of stain using 220-grit sandpaper.

• Sand the door again with 220 grit sandpaper after applying the second coat of stain.

• Apply the stain's third coat. If you want a more pronounced colour stain, feel free to apply additional coats while following the above procedure.

• Now, let the door dry according to the stain's suggested drying time.

• Coat the stain with a polyurethane finish to seal and protect it. Different finishes would have different manufacturer-specific instructions, much like when painting wood doors. Be sure to adhere to those instructions.

• After the door has dried fully, replace the hardware.

Now that you know how to stain an interior door, you will be able to improve the display of your house.

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