Giani Wood Look Paint Kit for Front & Interior Doors (Honey Oak)

Absolutely love how they turned out!!! The product itself was fantastic! However, the application and time needed, I don’t feel was accurate. I am a perfectionist so I took a lot of extra steps. I didn’t use the mitt; instead I used a 1.5 Purdy angled brush to paint on the stain and a then a dry 3 Purdy angled brushed to add in grain strokes. I tried free handing the cuts on 2 panels and that took forever (I’m not super skilled and slow at cutting) and I found that taping I liked better and was quicker. I would recommend working in small sections to get the stain to look how you want it, as it does dry fast. I also went with 1 thicker coat rather than 2 coats. I painted the base coat on both doors rather quickly, then worked on staining the panels for days, mainly to avoid the sun per the directions. Each panel took approximately 2-3 hours to stain. For both doors I had literally just enough product for the base coat, and a little left over from the stain. With that said, considering the price and results, you can’t beat this product and it was well worth the time and effort! My only slightly negative comment would be the color overall. In some lighting it looks exactly like what I wanted, English oak, and in others it looks as though it has a reddish tint.

Very happy with this product. First time using this, and was very skeptical after reading reviews, looking at pictures, and watching videos. But we are very pleased with the outcome. I do not have a before picture, as I really thought this was going to turn out bad. It was a solid white door, with no grain. I followed the instructions and didn't have any problems. The hardest part was taping off and making sure everything was straight. There was only enough in the kit to do one side, but maybe that's in the description. The only thing you need that isn't in the kit is scissors to cut the tape straight and a roller pan. Just very time consuming, but we are happy with the results.1. Take your time when taping off and make sure it's straight. Tape off three rows of tape on the sides of the part you are using the mitt on in order to make longer, straight strokes without touching the other part you're not putting using the mitt on.2. The first coat of the stain where you are using the mitt is the most important. The lines made in this step will be the main ones you see in finished product. Make sure they are straight when you use the mitt.3. Follow the instructions exactly as they are.4. In between coats of the stain, wrap your paint tray with brush in plastic. This will keep it ready for the next coat. I did this door over a two day period, and the stain and brush were good to go on the next day by doing this.

This stuff is the best! Very easy to use the company has great videos that help you understand the steps. I’ve done two garage doors and now my front door. And no matter how many times I tell the neighbors no it’s just paint. They think I got a new garage door and front door. In terms of bang for your buck this is the cheapest way to totally change the appearance of your home. I cannot believe how well this stuff works. And what really sealed to deal with me when it comes to Gianni is their customer service. Their team answers the phone. They’ll walk you through any questions and they know the product very well. Also, the kit has everything you need in it. Literally everything you need. It’s very thoughtful.

I love the way it turned out but now my fear is that it will scratch off easily. Is there anything I can use to make it durable?

I honestly wasn’t expecting this to work. Despite all the other reviews, I was certain I’d screw it up somehow. I had an interior plain white swinging door with zero trim, panels, or anything remotely interesting, so I gave it a shot anyway. And…HOLY COW I’m obsessed!!I ordered the Honey Oak and I also got one of those rubber “stamp” kits that you drag and tilt because I wanted more pronounced wood grain. I have no idea what wizardry these paint folks have up their sleeves but the color is incredible. Trust the process: the first coat is sort of a bland tan, but once you apply the second coat…oh goodness. I applied one coat of the gel stain (darker color), dragged my stamps, let that dry, then did one additional coat with no stamps. I’m so pleased with how this turned out!! First pic is after the first coat of stain and stamps, second pic is after second coat of just stain. It’s a bit lighter in person.

Great product easy to use just (follow directions), there is no set look it’s to your artistic taste.After the initial application I went over it with 2” brush by hand to make a more natural uneven texture pattern w/ leftover final coat.

Golden Oak is much darker than pictured. I ordered to lighten my metal Copley Gallery wood grain doors and this color is about the same color. If you are familiar with stains, this about the color of Provincial or Red Oak.I attached a picture of the sample I did with Giani "Golden oak" on the right, and a different golden oak gel stain on the left.Although I only tested this small sample they won't accept a return and I'm out $80 for something the color is way off. If you're just wanting any wood look and aren't particular and the color you chose you could create a wood stain look with this.A couple notes:-The kit does come with supplies that would be handy- I can see how the mitt wouldn't be helpful, using a 2" brush you can create grain and knots. - For knots, twist brush in a circle then lightly brush over it with the grain when it dries slightly.- This kit is water based, which could be good or bad. For an exterior garage door I feel oil based would provide more durability and is my preference. For interior projects easy clean up might be a plus.

I bought this to refinish the white columns on my front porch and love the end result. Super easy to use and looks great. I’m so pleased I plan to work on my garage door next.