How to Stain Window Panes
- 1). Protect the glass from the stain with good quality painters tape. Be sure to work carefully and get a firm seal because the stain will stain the glass. Place protective tarps or rags under the area you are working to protect your floor.
- 2). Sand the pane with fine grit sandpaper to remove rough areas and imperfections in the wood. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Brush away dust with a dry paint brush.
- 3). Stir the stain well with a paint stirrer. Saturate the window pane with a thick even coat of stain, working in the direction of the wood grain. Follow the manufacturer's directions as to how long to leave the stain on.
- 4). Remove the stain with an absorbent cotton rag wiping areas in the same order you put the stain on. This is to ensure all areas of wood receive the same stain time, which will result in an even stain. Look closely to ensure no stain smudges are left on the window pane, as they will become much more evident after you varnish the pane.
- 5). Apply sanding sealer to the pane in the direction of the wood grain. Since the window pane is upright, the sealer may have a tendency to drip, so keep the coat light enough to prevent this. Allow the pane to dry completely.
- 6). Sand the whole pane again with extra fine sandpaper, working in the direction of the wood grain. Sand carefully to achieve a uniformly smooth surface. Brush away dust with a dry painting brush or a cloth.
- 7). Apply oil based wood varnish to the window pane in the direction of the wood. Again, since the pane is upright, apply an even coat that is thin enough to prevent drips. If a higher gloss finish is desired, allow the first coat to dry, sand with extra fine grit sandpaper and apply an additional layer.
- 8). Wait for the window pane to dry completely. Remove the painter's tape from the glass. Carefully clean up any areas of the glass which were accidentally stained by wood varnish with paint remover and a cotton swab.