How To Treat Your Door

How To Treat Your Door

By Hazel Wigg

    External doors and frames with factory applied primer or base coat stain should have at least one of the finishing coats applied as soon as possible after delivery or installation. The back of external frames should be coated before installation.

Use good glazing practice

    Glazing rebates and backs of beads should be sealed with an appropriate sealant. Ensure surfaces and edges are in good condition before applying finishing coats. If the primer or base coat stain has deteriorated it should be re-coated before further finishing coats are applied. Finishing of external doors and frames should be carried out in dry weather using good exterior quality materials in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. On external doors, the finish should be an exterior quality paint or a 'high build' stain. ('Low build' types of stain should not be used on external doors.)
    It should be noted that the use of dark coloured paint or stain finishes on external doors, particularly if located on the south or south west elevations of buildings, will result in high surface temperatures on the door and can increase the risk of distortion and of resin exudation through the finish.

Ensure that all Surfaces and Edges are Finished  

     It is important that all surfaces of doors are painted or stained. For external doors or other doors subject to wetting or take up of moisture it is especially important that the full finishing system is applied to the top and bottom edges of the door leaf. The bottom edge should be coated before fitting the door. Factory finished doors should be checked and any small areas of bare wood made good in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The door manufacturer may disclaim responsibility for any defect or failure that may subsequently occur which is attributable to non-compliance either wholly or in part with the advice given in this copy.
    In addition to the recommendations of the British Wood Working Federation given above, the following points regarding achieving a long lasting finish to doors should be noted:

Getting the Best Finish

    The secret to a smooth finish is a series of sanding stages (either work by hand or use an electric sander). Always work with the grain and progressively change to a finer sandpaper. Make sure that sharp edges are slightly rounded, especially on doors designed to endure weather conditions, as these areas are where breakdown of any coating usually begins. Note: Recommendations from the manufacturers of wood stain and preservatives differ, for example some recommend a different base coat preservative. It is essential that the manufacturer's instructions are followed closely. Below is a guide to ensuring the finished door is fully protected and sealed. However, our recommended number of treatments is the minimum required, irrespective of manufacturers' recommendations. Also ensure both sides of the door have the same number of coats. Our doors are not suitable for treatment with varnish, wax, polishes or oils.

Preparing and Cleaning

    Ensure all carpentry enabling the door to be fitted is completed, remove any hinges or door furniture. Remove all dust and grease, by wiping all surfaces with either white spirit or cellulose thinner, (check the recommendations from the manufacturer of your preservative, stain or wood stain). A vacuum cleaner with a small brush or nozzle will help you get into all areas. Remember to wipe down again after rubbing down

Base Staining/Priming Untreated Surfaces

    Use TWO coats of a clear base stain or primer for all exterior woodwork, one coat for any interior woodwork that requires protecting. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding application closely.
Applying Wood Stains/Paints Most wood treatments are toxic and/or flammable -Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely and consider the ventilation aspects of the location where you will be working. Choose the type of product you wish to use carefully. Consider the product you will be applying the wood stain to. Do not use an interior wood stain on an exterior door.

Important

    Always treat the end grain and ensure that a good treatment is applied to all surfaces. Pay close attention to top and bottom edges, cut areas for lock and hinge housings and holes for letter plates.
Coat all Areas
    Always apply the correct number of coats of stain or paint at the right time intervals as recommended by the manufacturers of the treatment. Always sand the door lightly between applying coats, and remember to re-clean all surfaces.

Staining or Dyeing the Surface

    A number of differing treatments are available to change the colour of the wood. If possible, save any off cuts to test the colour on, if this is not possible, always test a less conspicuous small area before applying the full covering. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding application and ensure that the requisite amount of recommended coats is applied. Remember the final colour is dependent on the type of wood being treated.

Maintaining the Door

    Inspect the condition of all external joinery, especially the decorative and glazing systems, at maximum intervals of one year and carry out remedial work as required. Care should be taken to also follow the recommendations on maintenance inspection from the manufacturers of the stain or paint. Always foUow the inspection regime that has the shortest interval of inspection.

Overall

    The golden rules in achieving a fine long-lasting surface for your door are to ensure you have enough time to do the job; consider where you will be working, the weather conditions (if applicable) and be fully aware of the manufacturer's instructions before starting work.

Glazing

    To comply with British Standards, all our toughened glass is marked to show that it is toughened - this mark is etched in white and is as unobtrusive as possible.