The title of this post should really be: What Inspired You to Stain Your Front Door.
My friend Joyce makes these awesome wreaths.
They are beautiful and when she makes them, they sell really fast.
I let a few get by me, but this one was destined for my door.
But my door looked like this. It faces the west and the sun beats down on it really bad.
There was no way that wreath was going on this door!
One thing and being lazy that kept me from doing it last year was my house numbers. For that wreath, I was willing to sacrifice the numbers.
I used General Finished Java gel stain and I loved it! I ordered my from Amazon.
1. Here I am with a glove and sock on spreading the java gel, before work one morning.
2. You can see the difference and it looks better already.
3. Really looking good in photo 3.
I ended up putting two coats on.
I love the wood door and it looks great now.
All because I fell in love with that burlap wreath 🙂
I just need to use my silhouette and cut out new numbers.
This post contains my affiliate link to Amazon for the stain.
Leslie says
July 25, 2019 at 9:00 pmDo you have to sand a front door before gel staining it? I’ve never used gel stain before, I’m excited to use it. My door is Oak with polyurethane. I wanted a darker color more like a Moca color
Stacey says
September 14, 2017 at 8:10 amDid you have to sand the door first or do any prep work besides a wipe-down to clean it?
Debbie says
December 26, 2017 at 8:35 pmI didn’t sand my door. It worked great, yes just cleaned it first.
Jackie vaughn says
February 17, 2017 at 8:12 pmHow do you gel stain a metal door
Debbie says
February 21, 2017 at 12:55 pmHey Jackie, my friend did her metal garage door, see it here: http://www.domestically-speaking.com/diy-garage-door-makeover-stain/
Jacqui says
February 21, 2016 at 2:22 pmCan this be used on a painted metal door?
Debbie says
February 22, 2016 at 9:35 amI have seen a friend use it on her garage door!!
Claudia says
September 15, 2015 at 1:13 pmWould that stain only work on bare wood or would it be okay to use on a prefinished door? I’m trying to paint my front door without having to sand.
Christine Jolly says
February 11, 2015 at 12:17 pmTo those wondering – I talked to the gentleman at my woodcraft store about doing the java gel stain on my front door just this weekend. He said that the gel stain can go right over a previously painted door. Also, if the door is a laminate-style it can also take the gel stain. He also recommended the outdoor sealer 450. Additionally, General Finishes has an exterior 450 stain in lots of colors that you might want to look at.
Hope this helps anyone. I’m excited to do it myself!
Stacy says
January 4, 2015 at 9:23 pmLooks great! I’ve used the gel stain on my bathroom cabinets and I’m about to do my staircase. I’ve been trying to decide for awhile now about my front door! Did you do both sides of your door in the gel stain?
Cindy says
October 28, 2014 at 1:51 pmMy door is your size how many gallons of paint do I need
Debbie says
October 28, 2014 at 7:22 pmI didn’t use all of the quart. There’s no way you will 🙂 Thanks!
Johni says
October 23, 2014 at 2:13 pmI have this exact same door in about the same condition as your before picture. Thank you for the great idea. I can’t wait to do this!
Ellen says
October 9, 2014 at 10:13 pmI know your post was a long time ago but I hope you see this. After the gel stain was that it? No poly or varnish? They look terrific! I had to sand my doors down to almost bare wood and now need to finish them. Looking at gel stain but don’t know what to do afterwards, if anything.
Thanks!
Debbie says
October 9, 2014 at 10:18 pmThanks Ellen! I copied this from their site: Optional:
Due to the high content of urethane in Gel Stains,
they may be used by themselves as a one can
finish. We recommend applying 2-3 coats.
However, for maximum durability apply Gel
Topcoat over Gel Stain.
I didn’t use a topcoat, but you can if you want!
Debbie
Dorcas Bess says
August 31, 2014 at 9:09 pmThe wreaths are beautiful. Does your friend sell them online?
Pam Whittaker says
September 28, 2017 at 3:01 pmI was wondering the same thing….fell in love with the wreath as well!
Barbara says
January 13, 2014 at 1:54 amHi there, I just brought the java gel into stock, at my Sacramento area sbop. Great product! I highly recomend the High Percormance Top Coat. It will look better longer and has uv protection built in. (Would love to know how to make the wreaths!!)
Laura@linenandoak says
October 18, 2013 at 7:40 pmYour door looks brand new! I Love it. The wreath is very pretty too~
Crista Zirkelbach says
October 17, 2013 at 10:25 amIs there someway of seeing more of the wreaths you have on your door ? Gorgeous. Also hot on the trail to get some of this gel. Thanks. crista
Deborah Winger says
October 16, 2013 at 10:50 pmlooks fabulous.. unfortunately I don’t have a wood door. so wish I did!