Preparation for Finishing
Woodgrain doors are crafted with only the finest materials, you can choose from a wide variety of stain or paints to finish your door. Paint dealers have a broad selection of color chips on hand to demonstrate the look you can achieve when finishing Woodgrain doors.

Apply either oil-base or latex resin-base paints over an oil-base primer. (Latex or water base primer may contribute to raised grain). Take care in following the finishing instructions provided. Be sure to evaluate the conditions your Woodgrain door must endure, such as direct exposure to severe climates, before deciding on the specific finish to use.

  • Before applying the first coat of finish, sand the entire surface with 5/0 sandpaper (180 grit). This is to remove fingerprints, handling marks, and any raised grain and will help insure a more uniform finish.
  • Adjust or align components if necessary before finishing. Wood panels and other components “float” and may be moved. Be careful not to damage the door.
  • Clean door thoroughly with a cloth after sanding to remove all dust or foreign material. Avoid using compressed air to blow off door as moisture or oil in the air may cause spotting. Avoid using caustic or abrasive cleaners.
  • Hang door before finishing it, then remove it to finish properly.
  • When staining, a wood conditioner may be used to help achieve a more uniform finish. (Be sure to follow the wood conditioner manufacturer’s instructions closely).
  • All surfaces of the door must be properly finished. The edges (top, bottom and sides) should be coated with each and every coat of finish that is applied to each face of the door.

Exterior Finishing
1. Stain-and-Clear Finish

When staining, a wood conditioner may be used to help achieve a more uniform finish. (Be sure to follow wood conditioner manufacturer’s instructions closely.) The first coat of stain may be a stain-and-sealer, a combination of stain and sealer which colors the door and seals the surface. It is available in a wide range of colors. The stain-andsealer should have an alkyd-resin base. Under no circumstances should a lacquer-based toner or any other lacquer-based finish be used on exterior doors.

The second and third coat (two top coats minimum) may be a solvent-borne (oil-base, alkyd resin-base, polyurethane resin-base) or a water-borne (latex resin-base) clear finish. On doors that are glazed, the finish used should be flowed from the wood slightly onto the glass. This will provide assurance against water leakage and protect the glazing compound from drying out. See note (1) and (2) below.

The advantages and disadvantages of solvent-borne vs. water-borne clear finishes are as follows:

Solvent-Borne Advantages:
Faster drying, harder and more water resistant. May be applied under variable weather conditions.

Solvent-Borne Disadvantages: Subject to ultra-violet degradation and not as flexible or durable as water-borne clear finish.

Water-Borne Advantages
: Very flexible, greater ultra-violet resistance, and good exterior durability.

Water-Borne Disadvantages: Cannot be applied below 50º F, long drying period required, and may not fully cure for several weeks. Watersensitive until cure is complete. Note: Do not sand between coats of latex clear.

All stain-and-clear finishes will perform better if protected from the direct effects of sunlight and weathering, and refinishing will not be required as frequently. www.woodgraindoors.com 34 35 www.woodgraindoors.com

2. Paint Finish

Either oil-base or latex resin-base exterior grade paints may be used. Oil-base paints offer more resistance to the passage of water (liquid and vapor) than latex resin-base paints. Latex resin base paints have better durability and color retention.

Doors should be sealed with a good quality oil-base primer followed by two topcoats of either an oil-base or latex resin-base paint. Both primer and top coat should be made by the same manufacturer and be designed to be used as a combination.

Note: Where possible exposure to direct sun or rain is a factor, doors should be sealed with a premium quality oil-base primer followed by two top coats of a premium quality oil-base paint.

3. Caution

Woodgrain Doors cannot evaluate all the available paints and stains, nor the customers’ specific application requirements. Your paint dealer should know of suitable finish systems that give satisfactory results in your region. It is highly recommended that top quality finishes be selected, and the application instructions on the container be followed explicitly.

Please do not use metal objects, (razor blades etc.) to remove caulking compound or paint and varnish residue, it is known to scratch the tempered glass. Please do not use compressed air to blow off wood doors, as condensation in the air lines may cause irregular finishing results.

Interior Finishing

1. Stain -and-Clear Finish

When staining, a wood conditioner may be used to help achieve a more uniform finish. (Be sure to follow wood conditioner manufacturer’s instructions closely.) A solventborne finish system is recommended for interior doors and may be a lacquer-based system. For best performance, a minimum of two clear top coats should be used over stains.

2. Paint Finish

Doors should be sealed with a good quality oil-base primer followed by two top coats of a solvent-base or latex enamel.