In fact gel stains are often applied to give steel doors the look of wood grain.
Gel stain metal door to look like wood.
Once applied they settle into the grain of the steel door to give it a textured look.
Use gel stain and a wood.
The best way to color a steel door is with a gel stain.
We chose this gel stain in mahogany.
Select a cheap brush.
Prime the door with a rust resistant latex primer even if the door is new and has been primed at the factory.
I then let it dry overnight.
If the door is new clean it with a mild degreasing household cleaner.
Gel stains are thick and designed to cling to and penetrate the surface.
The nice thing about gel stain is there is no drip.
And while i did have some evidence that this hack could serve my own needs i was still a bit concerned that it may not have the same effect on an aged not.
Clean your garage door first.
The next morning i went over it with my color choice of stain with just a rag.
The amount of gel stain left on will determine the depth of color.
Be sure to use your gloves.
Stain can be messy.
A tutorial from rachael of lovely crafted home gave me major hope when she successfully gel stained her fiberglass front door to make it look like a legit wood door.
Use an exterior primer if the part of the door getting the faux wood treatment faces outdoors.
You have to do your prep work before you paint a metal door to create the wood grain look.
For reference our door and current dark stain is 7 5 years old.
Transform your garage door to a gorgeous faux wood door with this easy gel stain diy garage door makeover.
Use long brush strokes in the direction of the grain and remove the gel stain from the brush as it begins to accumulate with paper towels or a rag.
We originally stained it with a gel stain since it s a fiberglass door with faux wood grain back in early 2012.
So it s been looking iffy for a few years now.
This thicker wiping stain or a similar gel stain is key for this project.
But i don t think we applied a polyurethane topcoat as is specified on the gel stain can.
Tips for a diy garage door makeover and how to gel stain a garage door to look like wood.
Allow the primer to dry.
Gel stain is easy to apply but it sets fast.
The door required two good coats of the gel stain.
However there is a traditional stain that i used to go over it.
Choose the right stain color.
While the gel stain is wet you ll want to use a clean dry synthetic brush to remove the excess stain and create a uniform look.
Regular stain will not adhere to painted pieces then i used a good paintbrush purdy is my all time favorite to apply a coat of the mixed stain to a small section of the door attempting to create a natural wood look.