Andersen® products with an unfinished wood interior surface must be finished for the longevity of the product and Andersen® Owner-2-Owner® Limited Warranty  coverage. Proper care, finishing, and maintenance are essential. Unfinished wood surfaces must be prepared prior to painting or staining; for instructions see Painting and Staining Information.

If you need information on matching Andersen® Window and Patio Door Stain and Paint Colors, see Matching Andersen® Window and Door Stain and Paint Colors.

Guidelines and Recommendations

All wood surfaces must be dry and free of dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Application of a wood conditioner is recommended prior to staining to help reduce the color variations that are natural in all wood. We strongly recommend following the stain manufacturer's recommendations and instructions based on the species of wood on the interior of your window or patio door. Wood species vary in how the stain is accepted. Naturally occurring variations in grain, color, and texture make each wood product one-of-a-kind. The first finish coat should be a thinned clear sealer or a combination of stain and sealer. This will seal the wood surface and help promote a more uniform stained appearance. Some very porous woods such as Alder may require an additional sealing coat. Use a product with high-quality ultraviolet blockers in it. Avoid using transparent or semitransparent stains on exterior wood surfaces. Solid color stains are made with a higher pigment concentration and will better protect wood against ultraviolet damage from the sun.

Do Not

Use orbital or belt sanders when preparing surfaces.

Use stains, lacquer or polyurethane finishes on the exterior of wood doors and windows.

Use creosote-based stains.

Staining Instructions 

Tools/Supplies Needed

Painter's Tape

Dry Rag

Tack Cloth

Wood Stain

Plastic Scraper

Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Steel Wood or 240 Grit Sandpaper

High-quality stainable Putty (if the component is held in with nails)

Wood Sealer (any conventional lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane)

Please read and follow these instructions completely. If your abilities do not match this procedure’s requirements, contact an experienced contractor. You may direct any questions about this or other products to your local Andersen dealer, or Contact Andersen® Windows and Doors directly. 

Open or remove the component you are staining.

Fill any nail holes with a quality, stainable putty, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Lightly sand the interior unfinished wood surface with steel wool or 240-grit sandpaper.

Wipe the dust off with a tack cloth between each sanding.

Apply painter's tape to the glass for protection.

Apply the pre-stain wood conditioner, following the manufacturer's instructions for application and dry time.

Apply wood stain following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to finish all hidden wood surfaces.

Clean any excess stain from the glass using a dry rag.

Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer's guidelines before further finishing is attempted.

Apply wood sealer following the manufacturer's instructions. For a clear topcoat finish, use a solvent-based finish with an ultraviolet inhibitor. A Spar or Marine Urethane is recommended. Apply a minimum of three clear topcoats.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dry time and sanding between coats using 220 grit sandpaper. Remove dust between each application.

If needed, wipe the sanded area with the tack cloth.

Apply one last coat of sealer. Most professionals recommend three (3) coats for a lasting finish.

Remove the painter's tape from the glass.

Clean excess sealer from the glass using a plastic scraper.

Let the sealer fully dry before reassembling or closing the window sash/patio door panel.

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