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Stesso

Dry and Test Stain for Curing

6:39
10:27
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At 6:39 in

Gel Staining Fiberglass Doors. How to use Gel Stains.

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What happens here

After staining, allow the doors and jambs to dry for 6 to 8 hours, or ideally overnight, before proceeding to the clear coating stage. To test if the gel stain is sufficiently dry and cured, take a rag dampened with mineral spirits or paint thinner. Gently rub the rag onto an inconspicuous area of the stained door. If any stain comes off onto the rag, the stain has not dried and cured properly and is not ready for clear coating. If no stain transfers, the surface is ready for the next step.

Goal: Ensure the stain is fully dry and cured before clear coating.

Tools and materials

  • Heaters — To warm the area for proper drying in cold weather
  • Rag — Testing the dryness of the stain
  • Mineral Spirits — Dampening the rag for the dryness test

What they say

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Once we get this door gel stain, it's got to dry 6 to 8 hours and then we'll actually test it to make sure it's ready to be clear coated. We're going to test it by just taking some mineral spirits on a rag or paint thinner. And then you'll just rub that rag onto the door. And if it takes off any of the stain, then the stain hasn't dried and cured properly and it won't be ready to clear coat. But should be able after about 6 to 8 hours, just wipe it with paint thinner and none of the stain should come off on your rag. Then we'll clear coat it with our Helmsman Spar urethane. And we're using a water-based satin urethane on these doors.

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