MAINTENANCE 1. Simple, periodic maintenance is required to keep your door looking fresh and operating properly. There is no set schedule for maintenance including refinishing, but here are signs that can be seen in the finish that indicate maintenance is needed: a. Hairline cracks b. Color changes c. Flaking or scaling d. Dullness or chalkiness e. Cracked paint or varnish at component joints f. Darkening areas of the wood grain g. Scratches, mars or physical damage of the finishing
FINISHING, USING STAIN 1. Staining should be done in three phases: application of wood conditioner, stain (if desired for color) and 3 layers of or topcoat. These should be performed using wood conditioner, stain, and topcoat from a national brand that are selected so that they are designed to work together and by following the instructions for each product. For exterior applications, a spar varnish topcoat with UV protection is strongly recommended. 2. Other requirements for your Masonite Wood Doors: a. All six (6) sides of the door must be finished.
The edges (top, bottom and sides) should be coated with each and every coat that is applied to the face of the door. b. Doors must be lightly sanded with the grain of the wood, cleaned, and allowed to dry before each step in finishing. c. Make sure stain gets into all joints, including around lites and panels.
2. General timing guidelines follow:
a. Penetrating oil stains are easy to apply with a wipe-on application but will provide a maximum of 1-year protection before these will need to be reapplied even with additional top coats of varnish. b. Pigmented stain exterior varnishes (spar varnishes) will take 2 – 4 coats but may last two to three years. c. The life of an exterior paint or varnish will depend on its exposure to high humidity, precipitation, and direct sunlight. Exterior finishes may last 2-3 years under ideal conditions and protection, but if exposed to frequent direct sunlight the finish can start to deteriorate within the first year.
d. Closely inspect doors for consistent color after applying stain and before applying topcoat. Note that wood is a naturally occurring substance so no color match will be perfect. This is not a defect. e. Immediately remove tape or protective film on glass after applying final layer of topcoat. Do not use razors on glass as this may scratch the glass. f. Masonite Exterior Wood doors should be cap beaded with silicone around all panels. FINISHING, USING PAINT 1. Painting should be done in two phases: application of two (2) coats of primer and two (2) coats of paint. These should be performed using primer and paint from a national brand that are selected so that they are designed to work together and by following the instructions for each product. For exterior applications, a marine-grade paint is strongly recommended. 2. Other requirements for your Masonite Wood Doors: a. All six (6) sides of the door must be finished.
REMINDERS AND TIPS 1. Do not use dark colored stains or paints on doors exposed to sunlight, as some expansion and contraction of doors may occur and accelerates the breakdown of finishes causing
more frequent maintenance. Doing this will void any manufacturer warranty.
2. Wood is a naturally occurring product. Color and grain variations are part of the beauty of wood and are not defects. Wood doors will also fade in color over time. This will be accelerated with sun and water exposure and will be most apparent on dark wood types. Finishing with UV resistant finishing will help delay, but not completely remove, this effect. 3. Glass cleanup. Do not use a razor blade to clean glass. Standard glass cleaners can be used to clean smooth surfaces. For textured surfaces, paint thinner or a melamine sponge eraser can be used.
The edges (top, bottom and sides) should be coated with each and every coat that is applied to the face of the door. b. Doors must be allowed to dry before each step in finishing. c. Make sure primer and paint gets into all joints, including around lites and panels. d. Immediately remove tape or protective film on glass after painting. Do not use razors on glass as this may scratch the glass. e. Masonite Exterior Wood doors should be cap beaded with silicone around all panels.
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