How to Stain Therma-Tru Doors

Clean the door thoroughly to remove any accumulated dirt or grease marks, using a rag soaked with mineral spirits. Be sure to wear rubberized safety gloves to protect your hands.

Slide off the weather-stripping and put it aside for re-installation after the finish has been applied.

Mask the handle, hinges and other hardware, plus any glass surfaces, using a bleed-resistant painter's tape. These tapes are typically royal blue in color and are designed to peel off cleanly after you have finished the project.

Stir the stain slowly with the supplied mixing paddle until the material achieves uniform color and consistency. Be sure to blend in any sediment at the bottom of the can.

Plan to apply the stain and finish coat in segments, from the top one-third, to the middle, to the bottom one-third, including the door's edges.

Apply the stain using the supplied foam applicator, taking care to poke the applicator into all the molded curves, grooves and embossed areas. Follow up by rubbing the applied stain into place with the staining cloth, using a circular motion to avoid excessive build-up in the embossed grain. Take care that the color is evenly applied without any swirl marks.
Finish blending the stain with the supplied three-inch paint brush.

Allow three to four hours for the stain to dry before moving to the next step. You can perform a touch-test in an unobtrusive portion of the hinged edge of the door. Although the kit is designed for same day completion, if you are unsure that the stain has dried, you can also allow it to dry overnight before moving to the next step.

Open the can of topcoat and stir carefully with the supplied stirring paddle. Apply a thin coat of the topcoat with the supplied three-inch brush. Clean the brush with dish washing detergent and water, while allowing three to four hours for the topcoat to dry. Then apply a second thin coat of topcoat and wash the brush as before while the topcoat is drying.