Staining ftberglass doors provides the f*rishing touch

It /TOST customers choose fiberIVlglass doors for their performance and durability. Figuring out how to make them look great is secondary.

Fiberglass doors typically come with an embossed woodgrain pattern, but often require staining to achieve a realistic wood look. Yet fiberglass has a different cell structure than wood, so it doesn't absorb stains as well and can leave streaks and drips. Drying times also differ between the materials.

Fiberglass door manufacturers suggest homeowners use gel stains, which-unlike regular oil-based stains-have a thicker consistency, preventing drips, runs, lap marks, and grain raise and providing up to twice the coverage. The benefits are ideal for vertical interior and exterior applications, such as doors and windows.

Several manufacturers now offer specialized stain kits that provide everything needed to finish their fiberglass door. "Finishing a fiberglass door is simple when you have the right tools," said Sue Mclaughlin, technical service rep for Therma-Tru. "We designed the stain kit to make it simple for homeowners to create beautiful looks for their fiberglass doors. The kit includes stains, sealer, stir sticks, and practice samples, along with easyto-follow tips."

Mclaughlin suggests homeowners follow only three basic steps:

First: PreV the door,

Using a clean, dry rag, clean the entire surface with the mineral spirits provided in the kit or an all-purpose cleaner. After rinsing, allow the door to dry completely. Then use masking tape to cover any glass and remove or mask hinges, lock hardware, and weatherstripping. Do not use turpentine and do not sand the door.

Second: Stain the door.

Dip the staining cloth in the stain and rub the stain on the door in a circular motion.Apply the stain to the panels. Next, stain the rails (the short, horizontal sections). Finally, stain the long vertical stiles that run along the left and right sides of the door.

To obtain a light stain, wait about five minutes and then brush the stain out strongly with the tips of a natural bristle brush. For a dark stain, wait about l0 minutes and brush the stain lightly. Feather the stain in the direction of the grain to obtain a uniform color. Wipe any excess stain from the brush onto a dry cloth.

If, after staining their door, homeowners discover any mistakes or decide they don't like the color, all they have to do is wipe the door clean with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. There's no sanding, no dangerous paint or stain removers, and no lifted woodgrain. Some contractors practice on a flat, easily correctable area first, to make sure they're going to get the look they're after, before committing to stainine the entire door.

Stains for Fiherglass

Bartley Gel Stain www.bartleycollection.com

Codet Stain Kit www.codel.com

GF Gel Stain www.generalfi nishes.com

KTM-Wood Grain Finishing System www. graftedcoatings.com

MinwaxGelStain www.minwax.com

Old Masters Gel Stain www.oldmashs.com

Olympic GelStain www.ppg.com

Therma-Tru Stain Kit www.thermahu.com

Varathane Gel Stain www.rustoleum.com

Wood Kote Jel'd Stain www.woodkote.com

ZAR WoodStain www.ugl.com

Third: Seal the door.

Allow the stain to dry for 48 hours. Then apply a very thin coat of protective topcoat/sealer. Wet only the tip of the brush and brush in the direction of the grain. Cover all door surfaces, working in the same order in which you applied the stain. The surfaces should look wet, but not milky.

Wait three hours for the first coat to dry. Then apply a second, very thin, even coat.

Mclaughlin notes that fiberglass entry doors don't expand or contract with temperature changes. As a result, they keep their'Just stained" appearance years longer than wood doors.

Therma-Tru and other manufacturers also offer prestained fiberglass doors for select models and finishes.