How to Stain Pre Hung Doors
Staining pre hung doors is a great way to add finishing touches to your home. By following a few simple steps, you will find this staining process to be a task that you can undertake without assistance and can be completed in a relatively short period of time.
Step #1 – Up or Down?
While some people find it easier to stain a pre hung door that has already been fixed to the door jamb, it is more prudent to take it down first. This will ensure that you are able to access every part of the door and not end up with drip marks.
Step #2 – Remove Door
If the door is already hung, it will need to be removed and set aside. Do this by using a hammer to remove the hinge pins. If you find that the hinge pins are not removable, remove the screws that fix the hinge in place to detach the door. Carefully set the door aside, laying it down flat rather than leaning it against a wall where it can fall or damage the wall’s surface.
Step #3 – Sand Jamb and Trim
With the pre hung door removed, you will be able to sand the door jamb and trim if it is required. Initially, examine the door surround for any blemishes, defects or depressions and rectify them with Spackle in accordance with the instructions. If you need to use Spackle, let it dry fully before sanding the door to make it uniform. Wipe away the residual dust with a cloth, as a brush may not do the job well enough.
Step #4 – Stain the Jamb
The quickest way to stain the jamb is to soak a cloth in an oil-based stain and rub it into the wood, using a clean cloth to even out any overlaps or drips. Once this is complete, it can be left to dry while you stain the doors themselves.
Step #5 – Stain the Door
Set up the pre hung door on a pair of sawhorses or any other stand that will remain stable for the duration of the task. If possible, do this in a spacious and ventilated area such as a garage. As with the door jamb, examine the door for any defects that need to be rectified and take care of them before proceeding. Sand the door if necessary and thoroughly wipe away the residual dust. When staining the door, make sure that you pay careful attention to edges that might otherwise be overlooked.
WARNING: Wood stain is flammable and toxic to touch or breathe in. Wear nitrile gloves and long-sleeved clothing while applying wood stain, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Step #6 – Finalize Job
Since the door jamb will dry first, return to it while leaving the door to dry. When the stain is completely dry, apply a coat of sanding sealant in accordance with the instructions on the packaging and leave this to dry before applying the varnish. Follow the exact same process with the door. When the jamb and the door are completely dry, screw the door back into place.
