Another great,video, Jeff, thank you! You asked about other finishes - I'm currently refinishing all our old interior wood trim and doors and sealing with an oil-based lacquer finish. It's like happy hour every time I start breathing the fumes but probably not too good for my brain. It leaves a beautiful glow but smells to high heaven and requires a lacquer thinner, which smells even more, to clean the natural bristle brush between uses. One nice aspect is it doesn't require sanding between coats as each new coat partially melts and bonds with the prior coat. Keep up the great videos, I'm learning a lot.
Thank you for keeping it simple! That’s why you’re my favorite. :) I want to see it done right and with minimal headache, not how the professionals do it quickly with all the tricks clipped out.
I have used polys on exterior wood, but frankly it just never lasts very long. I work in the marine industry, and always come back to using something like Epifanes Marine Varnish. Yes it takes a lot more work initially, but the results are really worth it. First the finish simply looks better, less like plastic and more like piece of fine furniture. Second, if you do even a minimal amount of maintenance the finish will last forever, with a half day of work every two years you will never have to strip the poly off and start from scratch, you just do a light sand and apply another coat. When it comes to cosmetic woodwork that will be abused, the Marine world really has the best products, they are expensive, and a little labor intensive, but really are worth it.
I have to say that after watching your "How to paint vid" & this one, I think I may like "painting" a lot better. Learned long time ago & been using that method ever since & ABSOLUTELY LOATHE painting/staining (& the cleanup isn't fun either😉) & cutting in the trim, etc etc.. But after watching your vids, you make it look easy & actually simple. Like I've woken up from long sleep; no wonder I've always hated to paint/stain.... I just wasn't taught a great method like yours👍🏻👍🏻 Since watched your Painting vid, I've actually gotten much faster & also, my back/neck thank you!. You changed my life with that video & I greatly appreciate it👊🏻💙 Especially when used to have to hire out that part of the job to another company; as hated doing it. No matter how careful I was, at end of a painting job, had paint in hair, on clothes, but never had on shoes etc...(probably cuz like wearing the "booties") but that doesn't happen anymore. May have couple drops here & there, but nothing like it used to be. Also, did a 10,000 square foot office/private school & they had 51 wood doors. OMG, what a pain staining/finishing etc... Never used the gel stain product before & next time have a project, will definitely give a try(of course will use water based). But yeah, know for sure the doors don't come finished, lol, would be great if they did; cuz felt like there wasn't an end😄 Door looks great & just love that colour! Cheers, A👍🏻👍🏻
I've done quite a few refinishing outdoor projects over the last few years. Cedar accents on a house, and a few wooden benches to name a few. I've come to prefer using a gloss spar varnish. Yes it's marine grade. Yes it's oil based. Makes sense to me since the items will be exposed to all sorts of weather including rain, and snow (northeast U.S.). After almost 3 years, the cedar accents still look great. A pro had done them a year or so before I did with urethane but missed an important step. He failed to sand everything to unfinished wood. His "new" finish peeled within a year or so because he went over the existing failing finish. I even learned something from your video. Don't shake oil. I'll admit I've done that because I didn't know...and kept getting little air bubbles. Now I know why and won't do that again. For the record, I'm not an amateur.
Thank you for putting the steps as i have just started staining my door also and this would help me. My door is an old one meaning i have to do lot more sanding before I can start applying the stain. It would be helpful to also demo on the application of steel wool to polish it.
00:10:50 Learned longtime ago that common sense to some ppl, doesn't mean it's common sense to others😉 I've used Minwax, Ronseal, & some others before...but have never tried Verathane brand. After watching this & seeing the finished product; the next time need to stain anything, am going to give this brand a try!
To keep the stain from contaminating the whole can, pour a small amount into a disposable container & work from the disposable container. That way, you don't waste most of the can!!!
Hi Jeff...there r a couple things I'd like to see...exterior pre-primed metal door finished...exterior door resealed (weatherstripping)-old removed & replaced-door & jamb...old, exterior, out of square door resquared...thanks Bonnie Also I'd like to know how to, or see how to connect two concrete pieces together...ie 4" square 16x16 paver to a 4x4 or 6x6 concrete post holder so the top (post holder) can't slide around on the paver...thanks again Bonnie
HANDY TIP Hammer two 4 inch nails in the top and bottom edges of the door, support the nails on a saw horses at each end. When you have done the first side ask her indoors to help flip the door over while still wet. Pre drill nail holes to stop splitting and easy removal.
Thank you for great tutorials, just a quick question, can I put neutral wood colour , what do I need to put first. I just bought 7 doors , preparing myself for this project, your video is a great help. Many thanks. Abul & Shakira , from London.
Love your videos but yes you can put oil based stain in a paint shaker. Maybe not the gel or polyurethane because of the air pockets but I personally have never had a problem
your videos are so good, I fisrt watched them to actually do thing I had to do... now I do things because you do videos about it and make me want to do it lol
As usual great video. My wife wants me to refinish out birch dinning room table and chair set. Any suggestions on what and how to get the best and long lasting finish? Thanks
Hi Jeff! Great video as always. Question though. How would you go about securing your front entrance if you are working on a exterior door doing a few oil coats which could take 3 days of drying all the coats? Please let me know your thoughts buddy. I don't have a temporary door.
I have an exterior door made of mahogany wood. It has been installed for some time as the house is new and we are finally going to stain it. How do I prepare it for staining? It looks like there are some watermarks on it. What type of wood conditioner would you suggest that I use? Thank yu. Loved your tutorial!
Love this! I just stained a front door & am trying to figure out why there is a milky, white film in places? I've followed steps for refinishing to the tee. Am wondering if you think this would be because I live in Houston where it's hot & humid? I thought that only changed the dry time? ..but living here [where this humid weather is 9 months of the year] there has to be a way to work outside? How can I fix this or will the poly coat cause the film to disappear [which was suggested]? Just don't want to start all over :(
Hi could you please answer my question...., What is the best product for repaint staircase handrail...I have tried oil based stain but I didn’t get the dark shade so wiped off everything...Then I tried varathane gel stain but still I wasn’t happy with the colour (colour was not uniform ) .. so wiped off everything... Now I am planning to paint the handrail...(bought primer and paint) ... I haven’t tried yet.... I am super confused what product should I use to get the dark brown colour on my handrail?? Please help me I’m new to Canada 🤞🏻
Thanks for replying me.... Yesterday I finished sanding the handrail...now it’s bare wood....So....stain or paint?? Which one would be better?? And If I paint, should I put primer? Could you recommend a good paint....please...
Hey idol - will you make a video showing a smart way to reframe a closet door opening. Specifically, old homes come with closets doors that do not extend to the ceiling. The stupid header makes closet access and organization inefficient, and needless to say, less appealing to today's taste.
I have a SOLID mahogany front door that needs LOVE desperately. Too heavy to move myself. Is it at all possible to refinish it without taking it off the hinges?
I love your channel. Thank you so much for your clear instructions. I do have a question - I am installing a maple butcher block counter in my kitchen, and I am trying to decide how to finish it. The counter will not be used for cutting, but it will have a sink in it. My main concerns are durability and water resistance. Would you recommend one of the Varathane products or something else for this project?
I have a quick question: I'm trying to refinish the exterior side of an entrance front door. Its a six panel door with molding strips installed in the panel edges. There is now some gaps in the molding. I'm plkanning on stripping it and sanding it before applying a new stain and finish. What product is best for filling in the gaps in the molding if I plan to stain?
HI Jeff. Another great video. Always find your content thorough and easy to follow. A question I have for a stain project. I need to replace a door in our home (and I am I sure I have seen a video on hanging it) . I think I can source a door with a similar laminate grain, but I would like your thoughts on how I would match the stain to the other doors in the house. I am not sure of the actual stain color.
Question? I live in South Carolina area, any ideas on getting solid interior doors for bath,bed closets area, but not breaking the bank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help. Enjoy your vids keep them coming have helped me alot so far.
Alex London i would recommend you go with water based Bona finish! And stain a bit different! Sand a top with sander at least with 120 grid and apply some water on it with wet cloth! Let it dry completely and apply stain! Dry it with cloth thoroughly and let dry for 24 hours! Applying water based finish requires some experience because of fast drying time! Why apply water? Because it will spread wood and let stain soak in and not stay on the surface! That why you can dry it very good without affecting color!
Great. I hope you answer my question I sanded, vacuumed, cleaned with towel. stained with water based. Right after I apply the oil polyurethane, the door surface is not smooth. still no matter what I do, my doors are not smooth.
I know you said we don't need a paint brush when applying the stain but if I already have the cheap brushes and no towels, technically it doesn't matter? Or it does matter because the cheap brush will leave streak marks or what? Elaborate on that for the Non- Picassos in the room. Thank you.
Hi Sandi, you might find that with a gel stain it will be difficult to do this at all without the towels. There is a definite need to remove the extra product after it sets up.
Hey Jeff. All of that makes sense. I don't make good sense first thing in the morning. I should wait until midday to watch your videos if I really want to learn anything. lol Thanks.
Can you tell me where to buy the exterior gel stain as I can only find the interior? I am doing an exterior unfinished entry door which gets lots of sun and heat so I need the exterior Varathane Gel Stain. Thanks.
This is not a question, I just wanted to say thank you for making these videos. Love them!
After i got scammed by my contraxtor i started doing a lot of the work my self thanks to you i done thing right
Thx for the pro tip using the gloves for later use of the brush 👍
Another great,video, Jeff, thank you! You asked about other finishes - I'm currently refinishing all our old interior wood trim and doors and sealing with an oil-based lacquer finish. It's like happy hour every time I start breathing the fumes but probably not too good for my brain. It leaves a beautiful glow but smells to high heaven and requires a lacquer thinner, which smells even more, to clean the natural bristle brush between uses. One nice aspect is it doesn't require sanding between coats as each new coat partially melts and bonds with the prior coat. Keep up the great videos, I'm learning a lot.
Thank you for keeping it simple! That’s why you’re my favorite. :)
I want to see it done right and with minimal headache, not how the professionals do it quickly with all the tricks clipped out.
You just can't teach good practice in 7 minute videos.
I have used polys on exterior wood, but frankly it just never lasts very long. I work in the marine industry, and always come back to using something like Epifanes Marine Varnish. Yes it takes a lot more work initially, but the results are really worth it. First the finish simply looks better, less like plastic and more like piece of fine furniture. Second, if you do even a minimal amount of maintenance the finish will last forever, with a half day of work every two years you will never have to strip the poly off and start from scratch, you just do a light sand and apply another coat.
When it comes to cosmetic woodwork that will be abused, the Marine world really has the best products, they are expensive, and a little labor intensive, but really are worth it.
I have to say that after watching your "How to paint vid" & this one, I think I may like "painting" a lot better. Learned long time ago & been using that method ever since & ABSOLUTELY LOATHE painting/staining (& the cleanup isn't fun either😉) & cutting in the trim, etc etc.. But after watching your vids, you make it look easy & actually simple. Like I've woken up from long sleep; no wonder I've always hated to paint/stain.... I just wasn't taught a great method like yours👍🏻👍🏻 Since watched your Painting vid, I've actually gotten much faster & also, my back/neck thank you!. You changed my life with that video & I greatly appreciate it👊🏻💙
Especially when used to have to hire out that part of the job to another company; as hated doing it.
No matter how careful I was, at end of a painting job, had paint in hair, on clothes, but never had on shoes etc...(probably cuz like wearing the "booties") but that doesn't happen anymore. May have couple drops here & there, but nothing like it used to be.
Also, did a 10,000 square foot office/private school & they had 51 wood doors. OMG, what a pain staining/finishing etc... Never used the gel stain product before & next time have a project, will definitely give a try(of course will use water based). But yeah, know for sure the doors don't come finished, lol, would be great if they did; cuz felt like there wasn't an end😄
Door looks great & just love that colour!
Cheers, A👍🏻👍🏻
There is a lot of money to be made if you can finish the project yourself. It also keeps you in charge of the final result.
Pro tip: two lag screws in top. One in bottom. Sit on sawhorses. Work on one side, flip, work on other side.
That works fine if you are in a hurry. Cheers!
As usual you guys have done an awesome job. Eating dinner and watching one of my all time favorite UA-cam channels with the hubby.
Excellent work! And explanation!
I've done quite a few refinishing outdoor projects over the last few years. Cedar accents on a house, and a few wooden benches to name a few. I've come to prefer using a gloss spar varnish. Yes it's marine grade. Yes it's oil based. Makes sense to me since the items will be exposed to all sorts of weather including rain, and snow (northeast U.S.). After almost 3 years, the cedar accents still look great. A pro had done them a year or so before I did with urethane but missed an important step. He failed to sand everything to unfinished wood. His "new" finish peeled within a year or so because he went over the existing failing finish. I even learned something from your video. Don't shake oil. I'll admit I've done that because I didn't know...and kept getting little air bubbles. Now I know why and won't do that again. For the record, I'm not an amateur.
Excellent as always!!
You’re preparing me to do just about everything I need to do on my house 😁
You’re wonderful!!!!
THANK YOU!!!
Glad we can help. Cheers!
I watch these at 2x speed, it's like Jeff's had way too much coffee!
^^^THIS!!! LMAO!
Thank you for putting the steps as i have just started staining my door also and this would help me. My door is an old one meaning i have to do lot more sanding before I can start applying the stain. It would be helpful to also demo on the application of steel wool to polish it.
00:10:50 Learned longtime ago that common sense to some ppl, doesn't mean it's common sense to others😉
I've used Minwax, Ronseal, & some others before...but have never tried Verathane brand. After watching this & seeing the finished product; the next time need to stain anything, am going to give this brand a try!
I love how it is so forgiving. Cheers!
To keep the stain from contaminating the whole can, pour a small amount into a disposable container & work from the disposable container. That way, you don't waste most of the can!!!
I would say that pouring the finish into a separate container would save material if you wanted to use that finish on another project.
good idea. Cheers!
Hi Jeff...there r a couple things I'd like to see...exterior pre-primed metal door finished...exterior door resealed (weatherstripping)-old removed & replaced-door & jamb...old, exterior, out of square door resquared...thanks Bonnie
Also I'd like to know how to, or see how to connect two concrete pieces together...ie 4" square 16x16 paver to a 4x4 or 6x6 concrete post holder so the top (post holder) can't slide around on the paver...thanks again Bonnie
HANDY TIP
Hammer two 4 inch nails in the top and bottom edges of the door, support the nails on a saw horses at each end. When you have done the first side ask her indoors to help flip the door over while still wet. Pre drill nail holes to stop splitting and easy removal.
ThAT IS ONE WAY TO SAVE SOME TIME.
Thank you for great tutorials, just a quick question, can I put neutral wood colour , what do I need to put first. I just bought 7 doors , preparing myself for this project, your video is a great help.
Many thanks. Abul & Shakira , from London.
stain then poly always, or no stain and then poly. Cheers to London.
Love your videos but yes you can put oil based stain in a paint shaker. Maybe not the gel or polyurethane because of the air pockets but I personally have never had a problem
You said the steel wool is great for buffing out oil finish. What would you recommend for a water based finish?
Jeff you are best Canadian renovator! I'll meet you when in Ottawa! Thank You Bro! Beers on me :)
your videos are so good, I fisrt watched them to actually do thing I had to do... now I do things because you do videos about it and make me want to do it lol
Hooray hooray! Can't wait to see the shed with the painted door.
Red, It is really starting to look awesome, in spite of all the problems we faced filming this series. Cheers!
I thought conditioner was best used on porous wood like pine and not as necessary for denser hard wood.
It is but gel stains you might be able to get away with. Always test a piece
I hate you Jeff, you make it look so easy that my wife has decided I will be staining our living room doors this weekend!! Jerk!! ;-)
LOL, let me know how that goes.!
James Bond wouldn't like this project. It's stirred not shaken....LOL (Wahh wahhh)
Very helpful teaching....thanks much!
Cheers!!!
Awesome video and channel, thanks for the home DIY tips
Thanks for commenting. Cheers!
Great video. I learned a lot!
Does the steel wool polishing trick also work on oil based paints?
Another great video that makes me want to try it.
Thanks Larry, would love to see your work some time. Cheers!
2 coats of gloss and final coat of satin works best for me.
Like for the glove baggy. Have always tossed the brush in a baggy or rapped around a trash bag.
You could use a brush to apply the stain. And wipe the stain off.
As usual great video. My wife wants me to refinish out birch dinning room table and chair set. Any suggestions on what and how to get the best and long lasting finish? Thanks
When in doubt use polyurethane. It lasts forever. Cheers!
Thanks. I don't want to do it any time soon. OH! should I sand it all down to bare wood or can I just sand to a dull finish?
Hi Jeff! Great video as always. Question though. How would you go about securing your front entrance if you are working on a exterior door doing a few oil coats which could take 3 days of drying all the coats? Please let me know your thoughts buddy. I don't have a temporary door.
Good job like always 🎺🎶🎶🎶😎👍👍🎷
Thanks Ramon, Always loving your comments!~ Cheers!
+1 for the glove tip:)
Glad you liked that. Cheers!
I have an exterior door made of mahogany wood. It has been installed for some time as the house is new and we are finally going to stain it. How do I prepare it for staining? It looks like there are some watermarks on it. What type of wood conditioner would you suggest that I use? Thank yu. Loved your tutorial!
Great Video as always!!!
Thanks Bill. Cheers!
Hey, so when is sanding required? or is that the level of detail you want to put into the door? Thanks! :)
sanding is optional for those who want a glass like finish. this door is for a shed. Cheers!
Love your videos, thanks
Thank you!
Love this! I just stained a front door & am trying to figure out why there is a milky, white film in places? I've followed steps for refinishing to the tee. Am wondering if you think this would be because I live in Houston where it's hot & humid? I thought that only changed the dry time? ..but living here [where this humid weather is 9 months of the year] there has to be a way to work outside? How can I fix this or will the poly coat cause the film to disappear [which was suggested]? Just don't want to start all over :(
I suggest using the latex version of the product in humid environments. Cheers!
Hi could you please answer my question...., What is the best product for repaint staircase handrail...I have tried oil based stain but I didn’t get the dark shade so wiped off everything...Then I tried varathane gel stain but still I wasn’t happy with the colour (colour was not uniform ) .. so wiped off everything... Now I am planning to paint the handrail...(bought primer and paint) ... I haven’t tried yet.... I am super confused what product should I use to get the dark brown colour on my handrail?? Please help me
I’m new to Canada 🤞🏻
Sounds like you need to go back to bare wood first. stain shouldn't just wipe off unless you are applying it on the original finish.
Thanks for replying me....
Yesterday I finished sanding the handrail...now it’s bare wood....So....stain or paint?? Which one would be better?? And If I paint, should I put primer? Could you recommend a good paint....please...
Hey idol - will you make a video showing a smart way to reframe a closet door opening. Specifically, old homes come with closets doors that do not extend to the ceiling. The stupid header makes closet access and organization inefficient, and needless to say, less appealing to today's taste.
Can you use this procedure exactly for a hollow Luan door? Or if not what changes would you need to make? Thanks
I have a SOLID mahogany front door that needs LOVE desperately. Too heavy to move myself. Is it at all possible to refinish it without taking it off the hinges?
I love your channel. Thank you so much for your clear instructions. I do have a question - I am installing a maple butcher block counter in my kitchen, and I am trying to decide how to finish it. The counter will not be used for cutting, but it will have a sink in it. My main concerns are durability and water resistance. Would you recommend one of the Varathane products or something else for this project?
best to consult with the manufacturer of the block. They will have a warranty process in place for finishing. Cheers!
I put my used brush in the freezer after covering with plastic.
Cool vid, thanks. As a contractor - what pack size/price point of Painters Tape do you usually buy?
hardly use it.
I have a quick question: I'm trying to refinish the exterior side of an entrance front door. Its a six panel door with molding strips installed in the panel edges. There is now some gaps in the molding. I'm plkanning on stripping it and sanding it before applying a new stain and finish. What product is best for filling in the gaps in the molding if I plan to stain?
HI Jeff. Another great video. Always find your content thorough and easy to follow. A question I have for a stain project. I need to replace a door in our home (and I am I sure I have seen a video on hanging it) . I think I can source a door with a similar laminate grain, but I would like your thoughts on how I would match the stain to the other doors in the house. I am not sure of the actual stain color.
find a peice of wood that is the same and do a series of tests on it. most stain company's sell test packets!
Thanks Jeff. You're a champ
I like to use Brushable lacquer
Very nice!
im here again... what you think about using flame for surface texture ? is this good or bad for future ?
not a technique I am acquainted with.
Question? I live in South Carolina area, any ideas on getting solid interior doors for bath,bed closets area, but not breaking the bank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help. Enjoy your vids keep them coming have helped me alot so far.
For interior areas of the home you can get laminated doors that look like solid wood. Cheers! Or try habitat for humanity and refinish something.
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY thanks for info.
Thank you
You, are very welcome. Cheers!
Hi Jeff
can I use the same products/technique for dinning table top?
Thanks
Alex London i would recommend you go with water based Bona finish! And stain a bit different! Sand a top with sander at least with 120 grid and apply some water on it with wet cloth! Let it dry completely and apply stain! Dry it with cloth thoroughly and let dry for 24 hours! Applying water based finish requires some experience because of fast drying time! Why apply water? Because it will spread wood and let stain soak in and not stay on the surface! That why you can dry it very good without affecting color!
Hi Alex, this technique can be used on any piece of wood , large or small.
Put two strong screws in each short side of the door - and when you turn it you can rest it on those screws without waiting the drying time?
I have heard of this method. Fortunately I was not in that much of a hurry!
I would have been really surprised if you had not ... ;)
Great. I hope you answer my question
I sanded, vacuumed, cleaned with towel. stained with water based. Right after I apply the oil polyurethane, the door surface is not smooth. still no matter what I do, my doors are not smooth.
Im sorry both are oil based, no water based
Great Video's
Glad you like em. Cheers!
I know you said we don't need a paint brush when applying the stain but if I already have the cheap brushes and no towels, technically it doesn't matter? Or it does matter because the cheap brush will leave streak marks or what? Elaborate on that for the Non- Picassos in the room. Thank you.
wipes gives a smoother clean look,i tried a brush in my early days and the streaks etc were so bad, and a roller causes air bubbles
Lenny Rossa I was wondering if that was the case. Thank you.
Hi Sandi, you might find that with a gel stain it will be difficult to do this at all without the towels. There is a definite need to remove the extra product after it sets up.
Hey Jeff. All of that makes sense. I don't make good sense first thing in the morning. I should wait until midday to watch your videos if I really want to learn anything. lol Thanks.
Can you add product details or description of the material used,
Great job you are doing
gel stain and sealer and rags were in the video. Cheers!
is the sanding functional or just cosmetic? I would like to said my rough cedar door but would love to avoid sanding if possible
May I have the link for Varsol?
When you say "use it liberally" does that mean I should apply it as if someone else paid for it?
THAT'S FUNNY!
What is a good way to protect glass on an exterior door?
don't hit it. Cheers!
IF HE EVER QUITS HIS DAY JOB (HEAVEN FORBID) I'M FAIRLY CERTAIN HE'D HAVE A LUCRATIVE CAREER IN COMEDY.
Can you tell me where to buy the exterior gel stain as I can only find the interior? I am doing an exterior unfinished entry door which gets lots of sun and heat so I need the exterior Varathane Gel Stain.
Thanks.
If this was more than just a shed door then would you probably use a second coat of the stain to make it a more solid finish?
If I want a solid finish then I use a solid stain. Only 1 application necessary of either product. Cheers!
Home RenoVision DIY ok cool, didn’t realise there was different versions. Cheers for the reply 👍🏻
Is that panel behind you meant to prevent certain types of comments? ;-)
I try my best to keep the weird crap to a minimal. Cheers!
Home RenoVision DIY lol 😜
i though conditioner was more important for soft woods...it it because you are using oil based ?
soft or maple. cheers!
I just don't get the gel stain
Why not basic stain?
Why grey color for wood?It don’t show color of wood.It very uncommon to for wood furniture,door,floor
It goes with the style of the finished project. You can stain it any color you prefer. Cheers!
Legendary status
Is that a picture of roudy rodney piper?
Its The nature boy Ric Flair. Piper was awesome
Wax on, wax off RenoNinja son....next you'll be catching flies with chopsticks i bet.lol
Been working on that one. Not as easy as in the movie. I am no Pat moriarty!
Wax on...wax off JeffSan.
ALWAYS SAND WITH THE GRAIN or you’ll scratch ya shit up 💯
👍👌
Cheers!
Drink every time his nose whistles
Pros don't store their wet brushes in a glove...