Steel Staining Application Instructions for SteelHouse™ Garage Doors

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Required Materials for Staining 8 x 7 Steel Door

• 1 Qt Minwax Gel Stain (Check your local paint supplier for available colors)
• 1 Qt Exterior water based polyurethane (satin or semi-gloss)
• 4" or 6" x 1" small nap roller to apply first coat of the Gel Stain to the door.
• Good quality 2 and 4 inch angled oil-based paintbrushes.
• Mineral Spirits, masking tape, drop cloths, and paint rags
• Paint roller pan
• Stir stick

The following steps are required for staining a Steelhouse garage door. Please keep in mind that the steps we are providing below are a result of our own tests. Whenever possible we made every effort to follow the paint/stain manufacturer's directions. We make no implied warranties as to the stain's performance or application. This process requires a minimum of three coats: optional primer coat for lighter stains, two stain applications and a minimum of one clear coat, preferably two.

Steps

1. To prepare your pre-finished steel garage door for painting, it is important to give the door a good cleaning. But first, you must lightly rough up the entire surface of the door with a Scotts™ pad or steel wool to ensure proper adhesion. Once complete, wipe the door clean with one part vinegar to 5 parts water, removing any dirt and/or debris. Allow the door to dry before going on to the next step.
2. The choice of stain color you use, will determine whether you need to pre-coat the door with a flat latex paint. Darker stains generally do not require a primer coat. Lighter stains, like a cherry, will require the door to be pre-painted with an almond colored paint to bring out the grain like finish. If you choose to leave the door white, the likelihood of the white coming through the stain is very strong, requiring multiple coats and ultimately a darker finish with every additional coat.
3. Pay special attention to the Minwax application instructions. Gel Stain sets up fast, so be prepared to work fast, have everything you need to complete the job (drinking water, latex gloves, rags, thinner, etc.).
4. The initial coat of stain (base coat) should be applied lightly using a 4 inch wide by 1 inch diameter small nap (do not use foam) roller. Try not to make your first coat perfect, The idea is to just cover the entire door with a base coat of stain that will provide you with the groundwork for applying your subsequent coat(s) of stain. It is the secondary coat that will give the door the look of wood. If your door has additional steel overlays (Steelhouse) you will need to use a 1" to 2" inch wide angled brush to apply stain to the edges and corners of the boards.
5. We recommend applying the stain to the boards first. Roll the stain on to the boards in the direction of the wood grain and on all three sides of the board, filling in missed spots with the brush. The stain will set up and begin to dry quickly, so it is important that you apply the stain some expediency. Working in approximately 4x2 foot segments will help you control the drying process. If you attempt to work or go over the stain too much with the brush or roller once it has begun to set up, the stain will lift up and will not adhere to the steel.
6. Upon applying the stain to the entire door, allow the door to dry overnight, approximately 24 hours before you begin to apply the top coat of stain. The second coat will be applied using only a brush. The color and texture will depend upon the person staining the door. We recommend that the second coat of stain be applied to the flat portion of the door going against the grain on the steel door, in other words, vertically. This seems to hide the brush marks while giving the look of real wood. Apply the stain to the boards the same as you did previously. You can make them as dark or light as you prefer.
7. Allow your final coat to dry for a minimum of 48 hours before applying the polyurethane clear coat to protect the finish. The water based polyurethane can be sprayed or applied with a brush. We recommend a minimum of two coats on lighter colored doors an three coats on darker colored doors. Apply the top coat according to the manufacturer's instructions.

IMPORTANT: First United Door Technologies has no control over recoating, we do not warrant this product against peeling of the subsequent coats of paint where recoating has occurred.