Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Stain types (1 step, water based, etc.) for doors

Hi,

I just finished a bathroom re-hab project - I gutted everything & built back up. As a last step I am installing a new door - frame and all. I had to custom order the size from HD - it's a solid core luan door. I was ready to paint it when my wife said she wanted it stained instead.

Outside of small projects, this is my first staining project. I see there are several different types of stain - some are water based, some are petroleum based - both of which need a poly coat after staining. I also see there is a 1 step - a petroleum based stain (I assume) with a pre-mixed poly finish. So (in theory), you just stain/sand & stain & you're done.

Being the lazy (& guilable) guy I am, I bought the 1 step. I am not happy with the results, some blotching & uneven staining & a few drip marks. I know that the the luan door may be a factor, but I also suspect the 1-step stain is playing a role. Anyone have any opinions on this or the best type of stain? I'm going to take my sander to portions of the door, hopefully I can fix my mistakes.

This is important to me because I will be replacing about 8 other doors in the house over the next year or so. So related to the stain question - does luan take stain well or should I go w/ a solid wood door, like birch or something?

Thanks!
Bob

Luan doors are generally simple to stain. The wood is uniform and takes stain well. I suspect inexperience in applying the one step product was your undoing. You can strip the door and start over.

One step products are akin to the all-in-one cd, dvd, vhs, tv unit. If one thing goes wrong, it all goes bad.

I like water - based stains as being somewhat simpler to apply. With either, make sure the application is uniform, the waiting time is observed, and it is wiped off evenly. Wait for the drying time to pass before applying the finish. You may find is simpler to stain and finish the door, if it is lying flat on a couple of sawhorses.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info, Chris. Yes, I'm sure some in-experience didn't help the project! I'll start over and use water based. I used foam brushes while the door was hanging, I'll put it on saw-horses & re-try after sanding it down. Do you recommend a particular method of apply the stain (i.e. foam brush vs. cloth vs. traditional brush)?

No matter how you apply the stain, make the coverage uniform. I use a brush, cloth, or spray, depending upon the piece, its size, and complexity. Use a brush or a cloth on a door.

Hope this helps.