# How to Prepare an Entry Door for Staining
Preparation of an entry door is a critical step in the finishing process. The surface must be sanded properly with the grain of the wood for the finish to adhere to the door, and remain durable for the life of the door. Wood and fiberglass are common materials for entry doors. The preparation process is slightly different for fiberglass and wood, however, both can be accomplished successfully with care and precision by the homeowner.
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper, 180-grit
- Tack cloth
- Roll, painter's tape
- Bucke
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Cloth rags
Instructions
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Preparing a Wood Entry Door for Staining
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1
Sand the entire door with 180-grit sandpaper until the wood surface is completely smooth. Always sand in the same direction as the wood grain.
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2
Clean the door with a tack cloth to remove dust from sanding.
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3
Tape off any areas of the door that you do not want stained, such as hardware, using painter's tape.
Preparing a Fiberglass Entry Door for Staining
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4
Prepare a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water in a bucket in the same manner as you would prepare a sink to wash dishes.
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5
Wash the door thoroughly with a cloth rag and soapy water.
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6
Rinse off the soapy water to remove all soap residue.
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7
Dry the door off with a clean rag. Allow the door to dry thoroughly.
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8
Use painter's tape to tape off any areas of the door that you don't want to stain.
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Previous:
Doors
- How to Prepare Found Wood for Turning
- How to Add Framing for a Wood Screen Door
- How to Prepare White Washed Cabinets for Staining
- How to Prepare Door Trim for Painting
- How to Prepare a Redwood Deck for Staining
- How Do I Refinish a Wood Look Fiberglass Entry Door?
- How to Install a Wood Replacement Entry Door
- How to Finish Wood Entry Doors
- How to Install an Entry Door for Hurricane Protection
- How to Measure For a Front Entry Doorjamb
- How to Trim a Wood Entry Door
- How to Prepare for a Garage Door
