How to Stain / Varnish an Interior Door

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Need to Stain or Varnish your Door?

Woodie's DIY will show you how to Stain / Varnish an Interior Door. This method is a great way to revitalise any wood in your house.

How to do it

Step 1

Prepare your area. Wedge the door in place. Put dust sheets or newspaper under where you will be painting to avoid damaging the flooring.

Step 2

If possible remove the door handle, if not cover with masking tape to avoid damaging with paint. Make sure you have plenty of space to work in and that the area is well ventilated.

Step 3

Ensure all surfaces of the door are free from wax, grease and oil by wiping with a cloth dampened with white spirit.
a. Bare wood: Sand first with a medium grit sandpaper and then finish off with a finer grit sandpaper before dusting down the door.
b. Varnished wood: Sand with a medium grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections from the old varnish and to give the new varnish a base to adhere to. Sand the door and dust off with a brush or cloth. Wipe down with white spirits and leave to dry.

Step 4

There are many options at this stage you can either treat the door with a stain or use a clear or stained varnish. A stain can be used which will soak into the timber and then covered with a matt, satin or gloss varnish to finish. An interior clear or stained varnish is a quicker method as it stains and varnishes in one step and can be used on any bare or previously treated wood. Two coats are normally enough, but untreated wood may need three.

Step 5

For best results: Apply in a warm and well-ventilated room. Use a good quality brush to apply 2 or 3 coats. Brush out evenly and apply the varnish in the direction of the grain.

Step 6

Follow the same order of work whether you’re painting or varnishing.
1. Any mouldings first
2. Then panels
3. Then central verticals and horizontals
4. Then top and bottom horizontals
5. Then inner and outer verticals, edge and frame
6. And remember to paint the rim of the door to match the room that it opens into so that it blends with the decor.

If varnishing a door in a bathroom, make sure you varnish the base also as it will be subject to moisture.

Step 7

Leave one hour between coats, although in certain conditions, the varnish may take slightly longer to dry. Before applying the ﬁnal coat lightly rub down using ﬁne sandpaper and wipe with a damp cloth.