How to Apply Finish to External Doors
Exterior doors should always have at least one of the final coats applied as soon as possible after delivery or installation. The back of external frames should be coated before installation. 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.)
The use of dark coloured paint or stain finishes on exterior doors, particularly if located on the south or south west elevations of buildings, will result in high temperatures on the door and can increase the risk of distortion. 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 lower 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 recommendations.
The trick 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 sever weather, as these areas are where breakdown of any coating usually begins.
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. 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.
Remember to always treat the end grain and ensure that a good treatment is applied to all surfaces. Pay close attention to top and lower edges. 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.
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. 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.
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