How to Stain a Garage Door

A stained and finished garage door will protect it for years

A wooden garage door is not only a sturdy closure for your garage, but it also adds a warm touch to your garage's appearance. To ensure your garage door withstands exposure to dirt and moisture, it needs to be finished. You can stain your garage door by sanding and preparing it, then adding a coat of stain.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Cloth
• Stain
• 120-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Stain conditioner

Instructions

1. Sand the entire garage door with 120-grit sandpaper. Ensure that the wood is sanded clean of any imperfections and scratches. Wipe the wood clean of sawdust with a tack cloth.

2. Sand the entire garage door with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand until the wood is completely smooth to ensure the stain absorbs at an even rate. Wipe the wood clean with a tack cloth.

3. Wipe the entire garage door with a damp cloth to raise the grain of the wood. Sand the wood smooth again with 220-grit sandpaper, and wipe it clean with the tack cloth.

4. Brush a coat of stain conditioner onto the garage door to prime the wood for the stain and ensure it absorbs evenly. Allow the conditioner to completely dry.

5. Brush a coat of stain onto the garage door with a clean brush. Brush with the grain of the wood. Allow the stain to absorb into the wood for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer, and wipe off any excess stain with a clean cloth. Allow the stain to completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Sand with the grain of the wood.

• Apply more coats of stain to achieve a darker finish.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands.

• Wear goggles to protect your eyes.

• Work in a well ventilated area.

References

• Home Depot: How To Stain Wood