Also post to rec.woodworking where many use gel stains albeit on wood.
Visit www.homesteadfinishing.com and use the search capability, also
www.refinishwizard.com

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 06:01:56 GMT, lid (bby) wrote:

I have a few brand new "wood-grain look" fiberglass doors that we want
to gel-stained to preserve a wood-type look. I am not a trades guy,
but am pretty handy. Did cedar siding with someone last week and can
pretty much get the hang of most things quickly.

However, I've been hesitant to gel-stain the doors myself as i've
heard that it can be tricky. I've called paint stores and painters.
Some paint stores have told me that they dont' know what gel staining
is! Most painters have not done it and others have not shown up or
seem too unreliable. We have just finished a new house and there is
so much that work to be done. I am at my wits end with respect to the
gel-staining.

I really need to get this done (temp ugly doors still up and people
with blinds are calling to finish on hte french doors) as we've been
waiting far too long. Is this something I could do myself? I would
really appreciate some tips on how to do it and whether it can be
done, what to watch out for etc. I am staining one front door
completely flat and three other outside french doors.

I have tried doing a bit of net searching, but run mostly into
gel-staining as part of a science lab. I have also seen suggestions
that it is easy cause it is a gel and does not run like other stain.
I've stained wood with a brush before no problem. But do you put it
on with a brush and then wipe it down with a towel? With the
completely flat panel door. Do I wipe down horizontal or vertical
sections. Do I put it all on the whole door, then wipe down the whole
door? I don't want to ruin the doors. I am gel-staining black.

I want to have the inside of the fiberglass "wood-grain look" doors be
white. Any suggestions on what the best thing is for this, paint,
stain? etc.

Finally, silly question, but if the outside of hte door is black and
the inside white, is there a standard as to what color the edge
should be.

Sorry for the long post, Appreciate any feedback.