It took me several paint color selection fails to finally learn that buying paint samples before painting an entire space is definitely worth it!  I can attest to the fact that many color disasters have been avoided this way.  But with all of those little paint jars comes the after-the-fact question of what to do with leftover paint samples?  Here are 5 ideas for leftover paint samples that will have you even happier you bought them in the first place!

1.  Donate Sample Paint Pots

If you don’t want the clutter associated with keeping sample paint containers, donate them!

Some organizations will accept donations of sample paint pots.  Certain Habitat For Humanity ReStore locations collect latex paint and recycle it into new paint colors offered for sale to the public.  Before heading out to any donation spot, make sure to check their requirements first.

School art departments may also be grateful for your donations of paint sample pots.  Check with the teachers or administrators first.

And finally, neighbors, friends, or people in your Facebook resale group may want the paint samples!  I am always amazed how people would scoop up paint sample pots from me when I’d list them in my old town’s Facebook group.  This was an incredibly easy way to get rid of paint samples and do good for others.

2.  Make Chalk Paint with Leftover Paint Samples

Another great idea for sample paint is to turn it into chalk paint!  (In case you don’t know what chalk paint is, it’s thick, fast-drying paint that doesn’t require you to sand or prime before use.  Check out my post on how to update cherry furniture with information on when you might want to prime a piece before chalk painting it.)

Did you know that you can make your own chalk paint?  It’s really easy!  Here’s my favorite recipe for homemade chalk paint:

• I cup of paint
• 2 tablespoons of calcium carbonate powder
• 1 tablespoon of water

Watch my TikTok video to see how easy the process of making your own chalk paint is!

Mix well and apply! I refinished this two-tone dresser with homemade chalk paint.

3.  Paint an Accent Wall with Sample Paint 

Patterned accent walls and handpainted “wallpaper” are a huge trend in decor currently.  It’s not surprising as these accent walls are an easy way to add some personality to a space, they don’t take a lot of time to do, and they’re inexpensive as compared to the cost of some wallpapers.

Painting an accent wall with leftover paint samples is a brilliant use of these paint pots!  I painted a grid accent wall in my foyer with craft paint, but this same project easily could have been done with paint samples.

There are so many patterns you can paint on a wall with paint samples: dots, stripes, crosses, sponge painted shapes, arches . . . the list goes on and on!

4.  Create DIY Art with Leftover Paint

As I say over and over and over again, art is so expensive!  I wish I could have “real” artwork for my home, but I’ve got too many other things to spend money on.  Because of that, I like to make my own artwork, and it’s totally doable with leftover paint!

Update a thrift store painting with paint samples, or create new artwork with paint samples and fancy wrapping paper.  Those are two easy ways to get custom art without any talent – ha!

5.  Update Home Decor with Paint Samples

Finally, a perfect idea for using up paint samples is to update home decor with them.  These tiny pots of paint give you just the right amount to try things like painting a mirror frame to give it a new look, giving baskets a fresh new color with paint, or even painting a lampshade like I did in my son’s bedroom makeover!

Using up sample paint pots is a great way to save money and it’s also better for the environment than pouring it down the drain (don’t ever do that!).  Let me know if you have any other great ideas of ways to use leftover paint samples in the comments below.

-Bre

Seven months.  SEVEN MONTHS! That’s how long my DIY Kitchen Makeover took from start to finish.

Last year I painted my oak kitchen cabinets and did a whole bunch of other stuff to update my 1990s oak kitchen (I’ll walk you down that memory lane later in this post).  Once those projects were completed, I outsourced things like electrical, countertops, and tile work, serving as my own general contractor/project manager.  Also more on that later in this post.

But now the second phase of my kitchen remodel without a renovation is complete, and I am so glad this project is finished.  (*Almost complete.  More on that later, too!)

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

The Kitchen Before: Golden Oak Cabinets, Brown Countertops, and Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash

Any good reveal post is incomplete without the before photos!  So let’s have a flashback to what this kitchen looked like when we purchased the home in late 2019.

The kitchen was in great condition, but it wasn’t really our style, so I set out to make it look more like us in the late summer of 2020.  I got a crazy idea to paint the kitchen tile backsplash to tone down the look.  The painted tile held up great and gave me the calmer look I was after.

Kitchen Makeover Part 1: Disguised Soffits, Converted Kitchen Desk, and Painted Oak Cabinets

Then, in the fall of 2020, things really got moving in my 1990s-style kitchen.  

Kitchen Soffit Makeover

First, my husband and I gave the kitchen soffit a makeover, and attempted to help blend the soffit with the cabinets by adding lots of trim to them.  You can read more about that project and how to disguise a kitchen soffit in the post I wrote about it.

Kitchen Desk Conversion to Trash

Then, we converted the kitchen desk area to pull-out trash, which was a better use of that space for our family.  

DIY Painted Cabinets

Once those projects were finished, I got to work painting the oak cabinets.  I painted, and painted, and painted.  It took me weeks of work because I only had a little bit of time each day to devote to the project, but I got it done.  I painted the cabinets Hampshire Taupe by Benjamin Moore, and you can read more about my process for painting oak cabinets in that post.

The first part of this DIY kitchen makeover made a huge difference in my family’s enjoyment of our home, and we were glad to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in our refreshed kitchen!

Check Out All of the Posts in This DIY Kitchen Makeover Series

• How to Paint a Tile Backsplash
• DIY Kitchen Soffit Makeover
• How to Convert a Kitchen Desk to Pull-Out Trash
• DIY Under Cabinet Lighting
• DIY Painted Oak Cabinets

Kitchen Makeover Part 2: New Electrical, New Tile Backsplash, and New Countertops

Once the New Year hit, it was time to get back to work on this kitchen makeover!  

Kitchen Remodel Electrical

First up, we had new LED recessed lighting installed in the ceiling, and we eliminated the large light fixture that once hung in an odd spot in the middle of the kitchen.  The recessed lighting added so much light to the kitchen – it was amazing!  The kitchen was very dark prior to this.

We also swapped the can light over the kitchen sink for a cute little semi-flushmount light.  I wanted this change for cosmetic purposes only.  Since I have recessed lighting throughout the rest of the kitchen, I wanted there to be a cute light fixture somewhere.  

Previously I added wireless under cabinet lighting (you can read about it in that post), and I still loved it so I didn’t feel like adding the expense of hardwired under cabinet lights.

Painted Tile Backsplash Removal

Once we started shopping for countertops, it became clear to us that we were also going to need to replace our tile backsplash.  The painted tile backsplash was holding up great, but it would be damaged during the countertop removal and installation process.

Because of that, it made sense to rip it out before the new countertops went in, and replace with a new backsplash once the countertops were installed.

We did the tile backsplash removal ourselves, and honestly – it was a horrible job.  It was such a mess!  I’m sure there are better ways to remove a backsplash, but we did the best we could.  

Once that was out, I hired drywall professionals to hang new drywall.  I’ve tried drywall in the past and it did not go well.  Ha!

Countertop Installation

At the beginning of March, our new quartz countertops, sink, and faucet were installed.  We chose MSI Blanca Statuarietto quartz because the creamy white shade with the subtle veining in browns, creams, and grays was perfect with the taupe cabinets.

We also chose quartz because of its reputation for durability and ease of care.  I will be writing a post on my experience with quartz countertops so far because I think there’s a lot of false or misleading information out there about this product.  I love the look of these countertops in my kitchen, but I feel a bit deceived.

New Tile Backsplash Installation

Finally, in mid-April we were able to get our new backsplash installed!  Since everyone in the world is renovating right now, it was hard to find a professional who could do this job for us in a reasonable timeframe!  Thankfully we found a great company and they did amazing work.

I chose a very simple and inexpensive white rhombus ceramic tile, which we laid in a chevron pattern.  The second I saw this tile I knew it was what I wanted!

The grout, on the other hand, was a totally different story.  I could not, for the life of me, make a decision.  Choosing between white grout, off-white grout, brown grout, and more was making my head spin!  Thankfully my mom came with me one day to pick something.  I chose Laticrete Permacolor grout in River Rock.  It is slightly darker than the cabinet color, and really helps that chevron pattern pop!

I was nervous to pick something that would stand out, but in the end, it’s what made me happy so I went with it. I’m really glad I did because it gives my kitchen a little personality and doesn’t look like everything else on Pinterest.

DIY Kitchen Makeover Reveal

It feels so good to finally be FINISHED with this DIY kitchen makeover! 

Doing the work yourself and finding/managing professionals to help you with the parts you can’t (or don’t want to) do yourself is a lot!

We have one issue left to resolve surrounding some scratches on our new quartz countertops, but once that’s taken care of with the installer, I will be glad to consider this project totally done!

I hope this project shows you that you can update spaces in your home without a gut renovation. 

It may take you a lot of time, but you’ll get there eventually!  And when you do, you’ll be very proud of yourself!  And . . . you will have saved yourself a lot of money over a gut renovation or hiring out all of the steps.

Please let me know what you think of this makeover, and also let me know if you have any questions at all!  I’m always glad to help.

Pretty planters are a great way to add style to any space, but have you seen the price tag on the good-looking ones?  YIKES!  To save some cash and get a trendy look, why not make a DIY modern planter of your own?  I’ll show you how!

A current trend for indoor and outdoor planters is a handcrafted and timeworn look.  Think sculptural elements-like bowls, pedestals, and fluting-and natural materials like concrete and clay.  Not surprisingly, details like these add to the cost.

The good news is that we can definitely get the look for less (YES!!!), by using smart materials that let these modern planters work indoors or outdoors.

Supplies Needed to Make a DIY Modern Planter

This post is sponsored by DAP Products, Inc.  The project and opinions are all my own.  Also, this post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

• RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator (check out the helpful “Where to Buy” button on the product page to find it in a store near you)
• Optional: RapidFuse Plastic Primer Kit (in case the plastic you’re working with is proving difficult to bond, DAP makes this primer kit, which will solve that problem!)
• Plastic serving bowls in a variety of sizes.  For each planter you will need two plastic bowls: one larger than the other.  I used this large plastic bowl, these medium plastic bowls, and this fluted serving bowl.
• Masking tape
• Electric drill
• Plastic beaded necklaces
• Gloves
• Spray paint (I used a base color spray paint, stone finish spray paint, and matte finish spray sealer)
• Multi-surface acrylic craft paint in gray
• Artist paint brush

How to Make a DIY Modern Planter for Indoor or Outdoor Use

I feel like I say this a lot, but you’re not going to believe how EASY it is to turn plastic serving bowls into beautiful, modern planters.  You’re going to wish you did this sooner!

Step One: Drill Drainage Holes in the Plastic Bowls

Even those of us with the blackest thumbs know that drainage holes are a must in any planter.  Drilling through plastic can be tricky though – especially if it’s the hard plastic like my serving bowls are made of.  

To help drill through plastic without cracking it, put a piece of masking tape on the spot where you want to drill, and then put another piece on the opposite side.

Slowly drill through the tape with a small drill bit.  Once you’ve drilled a hole all the way through, slowly go through that hole with a larger drill bit to make the drainage hole bigger.

Repeat this drilling process on the other bowl that you’re using for the planter, and make sure to drill in the same spot(s) as the first planter so that the holes line up and water can flow through from the top bowl to the bottom bowl.

Step Two: Glue the Bowls Together

To create the modern pedestal planter look, glue the bottoms of the bowls together.  For this step, it’s extremely important to use the right adhesive.  Otherwise your planters will look messy or quickly fall apart.

RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator is exactly what you need.  Unlike many glues, RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator bonds plastic, has a controlled application that doesn’t run or squish out where you don’t want it, and it is safe for indoor or outdoor use.  That is KEY for these DIY modern planters! 

Flip one of the bowls over, and with gloves on, run a thin line of RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator around the bottom rim of the bowl. 

Then carefully press the bottom of the other bowl on top, making sure to line up the drainage holes you drilled in step one.

Gently apply pressure to the top bowl, pressing it onto the bottom bowl, and hold it in place for a few moments.  RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator sets up very quickly, so you don’t have to hold the bowl in place for long – just long enough to ensure that a bond has formed between the two bowls.  Once that happens, let the bowls sit for at least thirty minutes.

Step Three: Glue on Decorative Detailing

To up the style quotient on your DIY modern planter, consider adding some decorative detailing.  I used RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator to glue plastic bead necklaces around the middle of one planter, and around the top of the other.

And in case you’re wondering . . . no, I didn’t earn these necklaces at Mardi Gras.  Ha!

Working one small section at a time, I ran a line of RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator along the bowl, pressed the beaded necklace down, and held it there for a couple of minutes until the glue set up. 

The precise applicator tip made this step very easy, as I didn’t have to contend with too much glue coming out.  The no-drip gel formula also made it clean and easy to apply these beads to a vertical surface!  Can you imagine doing this with regular glue?  No thanks.

These beaded necklaces were great for adding consistent detailing, but if you prefer a more random look, you could use RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator to apply items like wood beads, buttons, dowels, and more.

Step Four: Paint the Planters

Once the adhesive has dried on the decorative details, it’s time to add the finishing touch to the DIY modern planter – the color. 

First, I sprayed the planters with two coats of spray paint formulated for use on plastic, and also for use indoors or outside.

After that layer of spray paint dried, I top coated the planters with a stone texture spray paint.  Again, I made sure that this spray paint works on plastic and that it was also good for both indoor and outdoor use.  (In this photo you can see that the stone texture has been applied to the planter on the left, while the planter on the right has not yet been top coated.)

To really make the fluted detailing and the beaded elements pop, I brushed on a light coat of soft gray multi-surface acrylic craft paint.  I was careful to touch just those raised areas in order to accentuate them a bit.

The stone texture spray paint with the added darkening of the raised details went a long way toward making these planters look like cement or natural clay.

After that paint dried, I sealed the planters with spray sealer in a matte finish.  This is important to make sure that the DIY planters’ finish will hold up if used outdoors.

Modern DIY Planters: The Finished Product

After filling them with potting soil and a beautiful sedum sod mix, these DIY Modern Planters are ready to be the star of my patio!  They’re going to look great paired with my DIY Glass Jar Lanterns, too!

You would never guess that these beautiful indoor / outdoor planters are made from plastic serving bowls and Mardi Gras beads, would you?

If you agree, I’d love for you to pin this post or share it with your friends.  And make sure to tag me and DAP Products on Instagram when you make this project!

How to Make a DIY Modern Planter for Indoor or Outdoor Use

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $20

Learn to make a DIY modern planter that works inside or outside. Create a pedestal bowl planter with plastic serving bowls and embellishments.

Print

Materials

• RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator
• Plastic serving bowls (two in different sizes)
• Masking tape
• Drill
• Plastic beaded necklaces
• Gloves
• Spray paint (base color, stone texture, and sealer)
• Multi-surface acrylic craft paint
• Small paint brush

Instructions

1. Drill drainage holes in the bottoms of each of the plastic bowls. Make sure to drill them in the same spot on each bowl so that the holes line up when the bowls are glued together.
2. Run a thin band of RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator adhesive along the bottom of one of the plastic bowls.
3. Press the other bowl onto the bowl with the adhesive, making sure line up the drainage holes, and hold the bowls together for a few moments until the adhesive sets up.
4. Let the adhesive cure for 30 minutes.
5. Use the RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator to attach a beaded necklace around the top or the middle of the planter. This will add detail and interest to the planter.
6. Spray paint the planter with the base color spray paint. Let it dry, and repeat another layer of base color spray paint. Let it dry.
7. Spray paint the planter with the stone texture spray paint. Let it dry.
8. If desired, use multi-surface acrylic paint in a darker color to add highlights to the raised areas of the planter. Let the paint dry.
9. Use spray sealer to protect the paint on the planters.
10. Add soil and flowers or greenery and enjoy your DIY modern planter.

Notes

In order for this planter to be suitable for outdoor use, make sure to use the recommended adhesive, RapidFuse Fast Curing Gel with Gel Control Applicator, and spray paints that are indicated for outdoor use.

One of the biggest challenges in my Office and Guest Room Combo Makeover was modernizing a mirrored wall that screamed “hello, it’s 1980.”  OK, obviously it didn’t really scream that, but it might as well have!

Of course I thought about removing the mirrored wall altogether.  But when I researched how to do that, I decided it was too much work and that the wall repairs would be too expensive for what I wanted to spend at this time.

So then, for months, I brainstormed other creative ways to updated mirrored walls.  I had already updated mirrored bookcases with removable wallpaper, and antiqued a large plate glass wall mirror in my dining room . . . so what could I do here?

I considered covering the mirror wall in fabric, but knew I would not have good luck getting any pattern straight.  I also considered painting over the mirror, but I had slight concerns about the durability and look of that option.

Then, one night, I was cooking dinner and an idea popped into my mind: create a mirrored accent wall with tape!

I could see it in my brain, and it was the perfect solution!  I patted myself on the back for this stroke of originality and genius. 

Then I hopped on Pinterest and found out that this has been done before.  Among others, Caroline at Food52 added electrical tape grids to her mirrored closet doors, Chelsea at Making Manzanita also used black tape on mirrored closet doors, and Hometalk created a gold fretwork mirror with washi tape.  

Womp womp.  I am not a pioneer in adding tape to mirrored walls after all.

Despite that, I’m sharing this tutorial because it’s a huge part of my office and guest room makeover, and because IT LOOKS COOL!  🙂

Supplies Needed to Modernize a Mirrored Wall with Tape

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

• Mirrored wall or mirrored closet doors.  Really, any mirrored surface that you don’t want to be so “mirror-ey” anymore.
• Black vinyl tape.  For this project I used 3/4″ vinyl pinstriping tape and 1/4″ vinyl pinstriping tape.
• White or silver crayon
• Level
• Scissors

How to Update a Mirrored Wall With Tape

First things first, I took down all of the artwork my kids had taped on the mirrors, and then I scrubbed it with Windex.  Even if you don’t have kid art tacked onto your mirrored wall, you should definitely clean it before starting.

Step One: Cover the Mirror Wall Frame with Tape

For this part of the project, I used the 3/4″ vinyl pinstriping tape because the frame around the mirrors was just about 3/4″ wide.

If you decide to do this project, measure the mirror frame before ordering tape.  You may need a different tape width than I used, depending on the width of your mirror frame.

Starting in the far left corner, I worked my way across the top of the mirror frame – covering it in the black vinyl tape. 

Once I reached the end, I cut the tape, and then started a new piece to go down the right side of the mirror.  I repeated this process until the entire mirror frame was covered in black tape.

Step Two: Cover the Vertical Mirror Gaps with Tape

Then, I covered each of the vertical spaces between the mirror wall panels with the same black tape.

The mirror was looking better already!

Step Three: Create the Secondary Tape Lines

Now here’s where things get a little more interesting: creating the secondary tape line on the mirror.  First I tried measuring several inches down from the top tape line, drawing a straight line across, and then covering that line with tape.  It did not work AT ALL!  It was really difficult to get anything straight.

So, working one mirror panel at a time, I took the level and placed it directly underneath the piece of tape on the top of the mirror frame.  I made sure that the top of the level was lined up with the bottom of the tape, and then I drew a line with the crayon along the bottom edge of the level.  I then covered that line with the 1/4″ vinyl tape.

I then moved on to draw a vertical line with the crayon in the same way that I drew the horizontal line.  Once that line was drawn, I also covered it with the 1/4″ vinyl tape.

I repeated this process for every panel, until each panel had an inner border of 1/4″ vinyl tape.

All in, this took me around 3 hours to complete and under $15.  Absolutely worth it – no doubt in my mind.

The Finished Modernized Mirror Wall

I mean, I don’t know about you, but I actually LIKE this mirror wall now!  I don’t even think I’ve tricked myself into thinking it looks good.  I’m pretty sure it actually looks GOOD!  It’s amazing what breaking up those panels did for this thing.

Plus, with the dark color of the room, having this mirror wall helps bounce some light around and also makes it feel larger than it is.  (It is really tiny!)

Well anyway, let me know what you think of my mirror wall in the comments below.  And if you wouldn’t mind pinning this post to Pinterest or sharing it, I’d appreciate it.  Remember: friends don’t let friends live with mirror walls or mirrored closet doors they don’t like!

Nothing makes as much of a curb appeal impact as a beautiful front door.  If your wood front door has seen better days and needs to be refinished, do not fear! It’s so easy to restain a front door with gel stain, and the best part is that you can refinish it without removing it from the hinges!

This post was originally published on July 7, 2014.  It has been updated and republished in March 2021.

My home had a very sad and neglected wood front door.  My husband and I believe that the door is original to the home (built in 1927), and that it had been unloved since that time.  

It was dull, scratched, worn and making a very bad first impression.  Not a very welcoming entrance to the home that we’ve put so much time and effort into!  This “before” photo actually makes the door look better than it should.

Since our door was in such bad shape, we really wanted to replace it with a new, craftsman-style wooden door with windows.  But after researching the cost of replacement doors, we decided that refinishing the door was better for our budget.

We weren’t sure if I could get a wooden door that looked THIS bad to look better, but we figured it was worth a shot.  (Spoiler Alert: it TOTALLY WORKED and I’m going to show you how to get the same results!)

What Is Gel Stain?

In case you’re unfamiliar with it, gel stain is different from traditional stain because it does not penetrate the wood.  It sits on top of the wood, much like paint does.  

When applied, it has a pudding-like consistency and looks rather opaque.  But when you wipe off the excess gel stain, it has a translucent finish that lets the wood grain show through, just like regular stain does.

Since originally publishing this post, I have used gel stain on LOTS of projects.  I even have a helpful blog post on Helpful Gel Stain Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Finish.  I recommend reading that post after this post to give you even more information about the process of refinishing a door with gel stain.

Can You Restain a Door That’s Already Stained?

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, I want to answer the number one question that I get on this topic: can you stain a door that’s already been stained?

The answer is YES!  You can use gel stain to restain a door that’s already been stained.  That is exactly what I show you how to do in this post.  

The key to restaining a previously stained door with gel stain is sanding just enough to remove any protective sealer that’s left on the door.  You don’t need to sand down to bare wood, but you do need to remove that shiny layer of protection before staining again.

Can You Use Gel Stain on Exterior Applications?

Throughout the years, many people have asked me if it’s okay to use gel stain on an exterior door.  Some people have told me their cans of gel stain say the product is for interior use only. 

My can of gel stain says nothing about it being for interior use only, and my door’s finish stood up wonderfully! I moved out of this house in 2019 so I haven’t seen it since then, but from 2014 – 2019, my restained door was in excellent condition.

Also, in my new home, I painted the front door to look like wood with gel stain!  This is another exterior use of gel stain that is working out just great.

So, you may be nervous to refinish your front door with gel stain, but I assure you that it’s going to look fantastic!  

Supplies Needed to Restain a Wood Door with Gel Stain

These are the supplies I used to refinish my wood front door as shown in this post.  Obviously you can use a different color of gel stain to refinish your door.  Pick a shade that works best for your home!

This post contains affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

• General Finishes Gel Stain in Brown Mahogany  (Other colors are available here.)  
• Foam brushes in varying sizes
• Cheesecloth
• Spar Urethane in Satin (formulated for exterior finishes)
• Sandpaper (I used 100 grit)
• Disposable gloves
• Painters tape

How to Restain a Wood Front Door with Gel Stain

This is the complete process of how I restained my wood front door with gel stain, and without removing it from the hinges.  

STEP ONE: Clean the Door

STEP TWO: Sand the Door

STEP THREE: Apply Gel Stain to the Door

STEP FOUR: Remove Excess Gel Stain

I repeated this process until I finished restaining the entire door.  I breathed easy because I hadn’t ruined the door.  

STEP FIVE – Repeat the Gel Stain Process

I then let it dry overnight, and repeated the staining process again.

STEP SIX – Apply Protective Topcoat

The Restained Front Door

I’d love for you to Pin or share this post to help others learn how to restain their front doors, too! 

 

How to Restain a Front Door with Gel Stain

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Active Time: 6 hours 5 seconds

Additional Time: 2 days

Total Time: 2 days 6 hours 30 minutes 5 seconds

Difficulty: Medium

Estimated Cost: $70

Learn how to restain a front door without removing it! Refinish a wood door with gel stain for an easy curb appeal update. Your front door will look better than ever!

Print

Materials

• Gel stain
• Protective topcoat (I used Spar Urethane in Satin finish)
• Foam brushes
• Cheesecloth
• Sandpaper
• Disposable gloves
• Painters tape

Instructions

1. Start by cleaning the door. Wash it to remove dirt and grime.
2. Once dry, use painters tape to protect any areas of the door that you don't want to get gel stain on.
3. Sand the door to remove any protective topcoat that is left on the door. The finish of the door should be as even as possible prior to restaining with gel stain. You do not need to sand the door down to bare wood; you just need to get off the shiny topcoat protecting the original stain.
4. Follow the directions on the can of gel stain and begin applying it to a small section of the wood door with a foam brush.
5. Let the gel stain sit for a few minutes, and then use cheesecloth to wipe off excess gel stain. Do not let the gel stain dry too much or it will become difficult to remove, resulting in an uneven finish.
6. Repeat this process until the entire door has a first coat of gel stain applied to it.
7. Let the door dry according to product instructions, and then apply a second coat of gel stain to the door.
8. Let the door dry according to product instructions, and then apply a protective topcoat to the door. I used four coats of Spar Urethane, following the product directions closely and ensuring to apply subsequent coats of product within the specified timeframes.
9. Let the door thoroughly dry before resuming normal use.

Notes

• Gel stain works best if you choose the same color as the original wood stain finish, or a darker color. It is almost impossible to make a wood door a lighter color with this refinishing process.
• I recommend that you wear gloves while restaining a front door with gel stain. If you do not and you happen to get gel stain on your hands, it is easily removed by rubbing your skin with cooking oil.