Therma-Tru Same Day Stain

Specially formulated for Therma-Tru® fiberglass doors and Fypon® stainable polyurethane, this kit contains everything you need* to create the authentic look of real wood, including:  

Complete Kit Includes:

Everything needed to stain a double door system, a single door with two sidelites or approximately 50 sq. ft. of stainable polyurethane. Actual coverage may vary based on product selected, application method and desired appearance.

  • (1) Foam Brush for Stain   
  • (1) Pair of Gloves 
  • (1) 3" Natural Brush for Stain 
  • (1) 2" Synthetic Brush for Topcoat 
  • (1) Staining Rag • (2) Cleaning Rags 
  • (1) 4 oz. Bottle of Mineral Spirits 
  • (1) 16 oz. Can of Stain 
  • (1) 20 oz. Can of Topcoat 
  • (2) Stir Sticks 
  • (2) Fiberglass Test Samples 
  • Step-by-Step Instructions Para obtener instrucciones en español, visite www.samedaystain.com. Pour obtenir des instructions en français, veuillez visiter le site www.samedaystain.com.

Read carefully before staining. 

Before You Start DO: •

  • Apply stain when temperatures are between 50° and 90°F and relative humidity is below 80%. These are optimal conditions for staining. 
  • Apply stain to all exposed edges and ends of your fiberglass door / stainable polyurethane product. All wood surfaces exposed to weather should be finished within two weeks of exposure. 

DO NOT: 

  • Apply stain or topcoat while dew is present. 
  • Apply stain in direct sunlight. 
  • Sand stainable polyurethane product.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Prior to staining, be sure to clean and prepare surfaces. Use a cleaning rag dampened with mineral spirits to wipe the entire surface, removing all contaminants. Stainable Polyurethane

Tip: Compressed air can be used to blow dust off of deeply grooved products. Refer to troubleshooting on the back of these instructions to repair any scratches, if necessary.

Additional Preparation for Therma-Tru® Fiberglass Doors Skip to Step 2 for other products. 

It is recommended that you clean the glass of any debris before staining. Mask off any glass and hardware. 

Tip: The weatherstrip may be removed from the jambs by gently pulling it out. Re-insert the weatherstrip by pushing it in after the door is completely finished and dry.

Steps for Cleaning Excess Sealant on Glass

  1. Spray the area with a standard glass cleaner. 
  2. Scrape off the excess sealant with a new razor scraper, holding it at a 45° angle. Be careful not to scratch the glass. 
  3. Wipe the area with a clean, dry rag. 

Tip: Check for gaps between the glass frame and glass. Refer to Troubleshooting Before Staining section on the back of these instructions for directions on how to fill gaps before staining, if necessary.

Step 2: Color Test and Apply Stain 

Stir the stain well with a stir stick. Improperly mixed stain will not dry correctly.

Color Test: Practice staining prior to applying stain directly to your fiberglass door / stainable polyurethane product.

Fiberglass Door: Use the fiberglass test sample that best matches your door to practice applying the stain. Set the remaining fiberglass test sample aside to be used later to test for dryness.

Stainable Polyurethane: If the product can be trimmed, practice applying stain on a scrap piece. If the product cannot be trimmed, practice applying stain on a hidden area of the product.

Tip: Should you want to start over, the stain on your color test can be removed with mineral spirits and reapplied until you reach your desired color.

Apply the Stain: Using the staining rag or foam brush, work the stain into the surface in a circular or cross-grain motion.

Fiberglass Door 

Tip: For best results, apply the stain to one section of the door at a time as indicated:

  1. Glass frame, if applicable. 
  2. Deep grooves in door panels, using the tip of the foam brush. 
  3. Interior panels. 
  4. Interior flat sections.
  5. Exterior flat sections. 
  6. Door frame, wood door edges, brickmould, mullions and astragals, if applicable. 

Use the staining rag or foam brush to even out the color, wiping the stain in the direction of the grain. Allow the stain to dry for 10–15 minutes.

Use a cleaning rag to achieve the desired shade, wiping in the direction of the grain. For lighter shades, wait a few minutes, then rub off the excess stain. For darker applications, first allow the stain to dry 2–4 hours, then apply an additional coat or coats.

Step 3: Blend

Tip: To reduce bristle loss during the blending process, periodically tug on the bristles with a rag. This will help remove loose bristles so the strands do not fall off and stick to the product. 

To ensure an even application, blend the stain using the 3" natural brush. Remove excess stain from the brush. Lightly brush stained areas, paying special attention to the deep grooves and corners

Step 4: Test for Dryness

To determine if the stain is dry enough for applying topcoat, stain the unstained fiberglass test sample. Allow to dry for at least 6 hours before testing for dryness and applying topcoat.

Tip: The fiberglass test sample can be used to test for dryness for both fiberglass doors and stainable polyurethane products.

Place a piece of masking tape on the fiberglass test sample. Rub the tape down firmly and then remove. The stain is completely dry when the tape can be removed without taking any of the stain off the sample. If it is not dry, test again every hour until dry.

Step 5: Apply the Protective Top Coat

Stir the topcoat well with a stir stick. DO NOT SHAKE. Shaking causes bubbles in the topcoat and can cause improper application. The topcoat is milky in appearance but will dry clear. 

Tip: To reduce bristle loss during the topcoat process, periodically tug on the bristles with a rag. This will help remove loose bristles so the strands do not fall off and stick to the product. 

To apply the topcoat, wet the tips of the 2" synthetic brush to apply a single, very thin first layer of topcoat.

Fiberglass Door Tip: Apply the topcoat in the same order in which you applied the stain in Step 2. After applying the topcoat, clean the brush with water. Wait 2–3 hours for the first layer to dry. Apply a second thin layer of topcoat with the 2" synthetic brush. Surfaces should look wet, but not milky.

After applying topcoat, clean the brush with water.

Tip: Apply topcoat in a smooth and even motion. Do not use excessive brush strokes, as this may cause the topcoat to bubble or loosen the stain. Should this happen, wait until the topcoat is dry and remove the flawed topcoat by gently wiping with a cleaning rag. Touch up the area with a thin layer of fresh topcoat.

Tip: Apply both layers of topcoat to the sample used for the color test. You will use these for long-term maintenance. This does not apply if a hidden area was used to color test.

Long-Term Maintenance 

  • • To check for loss of gloss or roughness of your product’s topcoat over time, save your color test sample and compare it periodically to your fiberglass door or stainable polyurethane products. Store your sample in a cool, dry place, away from light. 
  • All exterior finishes are affected by exposure to sun, weathering, moisture and air pollutants. Typical durability of the topcoat is 3–5 years, but may be less, depending upon site-specific conditions. When the gloss has decreased or the topcoat feels rough, it’s time to reapply a new layer of topcoat. 

DO NOT: 

  • Reuse topcoat more than 3 years old. 
  • Use topcoat that has been frozen. 

Same-Day® Stain and topcoat may be purchased from Grand Banks  online or in our store at 7 Crafts Rd., Gloucester, MA 01930. 

Stripping to Refinish 

  1. Choose a standard paint stripper. Paint or stain and topcoat can be removed with most methylene chloride based strippers, such as:
    • Savogran® SuperStrip® 
    • Savogran® Kutzit® 
    • Dad’s Easy Spray® Paint, Stain & Varnish Remover 

    Follow the paint stripper manufacturer’s directions and cautions for correct use. Check with the product manufacturer of your fiberglass door / stainable polyurethane product for details. 

  2. Apply the stripper, working on small areas at a time. 

    3. Tip: For a fiberglass door, apply the stripper to the (A) glass frame first and (B) the raised panels second (see illustration), before moving on to the rest of the door.

  3. Remove the stripper within 2–3 minutes. If your fiberglass door / stainable polyurethane product has a factoryapplied primer, it might be removed with long exposure to paint strippers.

    4. Tip: Use a nylon bristle brush for easier removal of paint and stain from the wood-grain texture. For fiberglass doors, grade 000 steel wool can also be used.

  4. Wash off the remaining stripper. After the stain or paint has been removed, clean with mild soap and water to completely remove any stripper residue. Rinse well and wipe dry. Make sure the product is completely clean and dry before refinishing.

Troubleshooting Before Staining

Fine white scratches: Wipe the surface with mineral spirits and scratches should disappear. 

Light scratches or scuffs: 

  1. Lightly spray scratched area with a matching primer or smooth the area by buffing in the direction of the grain. A 3MTM Scotch-BriteTM pad is recommended for buffing. 
  2. Clean the repaired area and allow to dry before finishing. 

Deep scratches: 

  1. Fill the scratch with a wood crayon or scratch pencil. Body filler, wood filler or epoxy fiberglass filler may also be used. Lightly sand. Grain detail may have to be manually etched into these fillers. 
  2. Wipe off any excess filler with a cleaning rag dampened with mineral spirits. 
Fiberglass Door Gaps Between the Glass Frame and Glass: 
  1. Apply a sealant that is recommended for use with paint and / or stain to the area where the glass frame meets the glass. Follow the sealant manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. 
  2. Scrape off the excess sealant. A caulk finishing tool, such as DAP® CAP™, is recommended. 
  3. Allow the sealant to cure per the manufacturer’s instructions before painting or staining.

Troubleshooting After Staining 

Fine scratches: 

  1. Wipe the surface with mineral spirits. 
  2. Apply the stain to the scratched area with a cotton swab or an artist brush. 
  3. Blend the stain until color match is achieved. 
  4. Wait until the stain is dry before applying topcoat. 
  5. Apply a fine layer of topcoat over the repaired area with a clean cotton swab or small brush (approximately 1/2" width or less). 

Tip: Fine scratches can be touched up by daubing stain onto the area even if topcoat has already been applied.

CAUTION – Please Read! 

To avoid inhaling any fumes when using stains, paints or topcoats, it is extremely important to use adequate ventilation. Keep all materials out of the reach of children. Close all containers after use. 

Same-Day® Stain
Danger: Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Vapor harmful. Skin and eye irritant. Read all cautions on product.
Notice: Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal.
First Aid: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call a physician immediately. In case of skin or eye contact, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation continues, see a physician. 

Topcoat for Same-Day® Stain
Warning: Vapor harmful. Skin and eye irritant. Read all cautions on product.
Notice: Contains small quantities of biocide / fungicide. Avoid pollution of waterways and sewers by proper handling and disposal of container.
First Aid: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call a physician immediately. In case of skin or eye contact, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation continues, see a physician. 

WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD, or log on to www.epa.gov/lead/.