Staining glazed internal doors - how to keep the glass clear?

[lizzy]

I've got 3 engineered oak glazed doors to stain with Johnstones satin wood stain (oil based). a professional decorator friend of mine says he masks the glass prior to ever coat but he says its important to remove after each coat before it dries. But 3 coats on each side of the door means I'd have to mask the doors up 18 times! It will take me longer to mask than to do the staining. I will do it if I have to but has anyone got any other tips? I reckon the stain is too thick to try and cut in against the glass as there is only a small lip on the door. But if I try and do that and maybe scrape off any stain from the glass afterwards would that work?

 

[geraldthehamster]

You might find that if you mask for the first coat and get a good edge, you can cut in subsequent coats leaving a mm or two margin for safety. Are you sure you need 3 coats?

Cheers
Richard

 

[cjard]

Surely applying a non porous tape as masking (screwfix sell an electrical tape that is 2 inches wide, intended for sticking plastic sheeting together) then it doesn't matter how many times you stain the tape..

 

[Robbie uk]

If you mask the doors and you all 3 coats on, then when dry use a very sharp bladed utility knife you can cut around the tape back to the glass and it will come off clean. No point masking 3 times !

 

[lizzy]

If you mask the doors and you all 3 coats on, then when dry use a very sharp bladed utility knife you can cut around the tape back to the glass and it will come off clean. No point masking 3 times !

That sounds like it might be a plan. Thanks.