Entry System Finishing Instructions

Our door and frame systems have been sanded. However, due to changes in temperature and humidity while en route to installation, the wood fibers on the surface have probably been "shocked" somewhat and have most likely raised. All wood surfaces will need additional sanding to prepare for finishing. Coating manufacturers recommend that you use a progressive approach...ie. start with 100 grit, then sand again with 120 grit, and finally complete the sanding process with 150 grit. All wood components should be sanded equally in order to achieve the most consistent color from your stain.

No finish available today will provide 100% long-term protection from moisture penetration and breakdown by the effects of the sun. We currently recommend finishing all wood components with 1 coat of oil-based stain (if a color is desired) followed by a minimum of 3-4 coats high quality exterior sealant. 

We currently suggest Sikkens Cetol Door & Window, available in Gloss or Satin. This product features High Solids Alkyd, Translucent Iron Oxide pigments and UV absorbers, Excellent Microporosity & Flexibility. Sikkens products can be found at Virginia Paint.   This is very important!   Do not substitute for other sealants -- only Sikkens!

Applying at least 3-4 coats of finish is extremely important. Research has proven that the first coat of a finish often provides little more than 10% protection from moisture penetration; the second coat can increase this between 30% and 80%; the third coat will result in protection above 90%. Always apply the finish in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on the label, as bonding to the wood surface and bonding between coats is critical to adequate protection for your entryway.

Lightly go over the wood surfaces between coats with very fine (0000) steel wool.  Each coat must be totally and fully dry before steel wool is applied.   The steel wool will help to even the finish, giving a smooth feel to the wood.   (The surface is supposed to turn white as you steel wool -- it will be gone when you add the next coat of poly).

If you want to paint your entry system, we recommend an oil-based premium quality exterior paint. Three primer coats followed by three final coats should suffice.

We recommend that you use Color Putty Brand wood filler to putty all nail holes and imperfections. This is applied after the stain is applied. Do not fill first and then stain over the putty. Color Putty is designed to match the exact stain color selected, and several different colors of Color Putty can be combined to achieve the exact color desired. Once the nail holes and imperfections are puttied, the Polyurethane is applied.

All six sides of the door must be finished. The top and bottom end grains are like sponges and will absorb moisture continually if not sealed properly. We have attached the door bottom with screws to make it easy to remove for finishing. The weatherstripping is removable to allow finishing, and to allow the door to be closed without the weatherstripping sticking to the finish.

Once the finish is completely dry and cured we recommend the application of a small bead of clear caulk around the inside of any exterior molding where the molding touches either glass or wood (see drawing below). This caulk will still allow the panel to move (as the relative moisture content of the panel changes), yet continue to provide an excellent weather seal between the various door components. 

This clear silicone caulking will fully seal the exterior surface. It is not unusual to have water work itself around the glass or mouldings from the exterior when directly exposed to wind and rain before the wood has been finished

On going maintenance of your entry system depends on its exposure to the sun, wind and rain and the condition of the protective finish. The greater the exposure to the sun, the greater the probability of oxidation and breakdown of the protective finish. The greater the exposure to the sun from any direction, the more frequently additional coats of protective finish will be required.

Wood Products with "clear" finishes WILL REQUIRE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE to insure proper performance and a long life.

This maintenance is not able to be scheduled and is entirely dependent on variables unique to each installation. A good rule of thumb is to add additional coats to the exterior surfaces as soon as they start to feel the least bit "rough" to the touch when compared to the interior surface. INSPECT YOUR DOOR OFTEN. When your finish begins to feel rough, the oxidation process has already begun to allow moisture to penetrate. Don't wait...act immediately to add protective finish.

You simply add additional coats a needed -- do not "strip" the door or remove any of the prior coats.  Simply keep building-up the coats!

High temperature (due to direct sunlight) develops in the space created by using a storm door. Storm doors are not recommended, and will cause problems with the wood & finish.