Staining Doors (hardwood floors, laminate, color, master bedroom)

[recuerdeme]

Well I've finished staining the door to the master bedroom and I'm loving it.

The whole idea came about because my stair banisters are stained so I figured matching the inside doors to the banister would be a good idea.

I think the bedroom door turned out great so now should I stain the trim? Pics attached.

I got my work cut out for me though... This one door was two days and it's still "curing"

Meanwhile I don't know if this has lasting power because it's not a wood door (although the banister and trim are wood), what's a good sealant? I used to work at a restaurant and they waxed (preserved) ice cream and other desserts so I'm sure there has to be something to make this stick (it is drying rather nicely though and I dont have kids or pets so I don't anticipate much wear and tear).

Thoughts? Stain trim?? Good sealant for these laminate doors?

Grr I have about 8 more doors to go.

[mcorrales]

I just did the opposite at my house. Redid the original hardwood floors which are cherry, but the trim (including baseboards and doors/trim was a light maple), so we painted the four inch baseboards and doors/trim white, but left the stained stairway (was more red). I would say that if you do the door trim, then you would have to do the baseboards too. Just my opinion. By the way, I now even like this house, which is more than I did when I bought it LOL.

[BillyC64]

I'm just curious....is the color from a true "stain" or is it a toned/colored finish (one step type system). If it is a stain did you strip the paint down to the surface first. It shouldn't take that long to dry is why I'm asking.

[glxyman21]

I remember Minwax had a commercial years ago where they showed someone adding a wood like finish to those metal doors with a special tool and their normal stains, then sealed with a waterbased sealer. I'm sure it would be the same for your door, no? I wouldn't do the trim around the door. I think it looks good with the door stained only. My paren'ts house had the same style- stained doors but painted woodwork, though their house was much older.

Good luck!