Finishing Instructions for Internal Doors

⚠ Important: Failure to follow these instructions may void the warranty.

🟩 Before You Begin
• Complete all machining (hinges, locks).
• Hang the door to test fit and function, then remove it for finishing.
• The top and bottom edges are factory-sealed with two layers of UV protection.
• If you cut the edges, you must sand and apply sealer (for varnish) or primer (for paint).

🛠 Surface Preparation
• Place the door horizontally on sawhorses.
• Remove handling marks and imperfections with sandpaper:
 – #320 for unfinished doors
 – #400 for primed doors
• Always sand in the direction of the wood grain (including sides and slats, if present).
• Wipe with a tack cloth.
• Do not use steel wool or abrasive materials.
• Do not finish the door during or after periods of high humidity.

🪟 Glass Protection
• Glass comes with a factory-applied protective film.
• If damaged, use painter's tape.
• Remove the film right after finishing to avoid stains or difficult removal.
• Peel carefully to avoid scratching the glass.

🌲 Varnish or Stain Finish (Unfinished Pine Doors)
• Wood may react to certain finishes — test beforehand.
• Pine stains easily — apply a sealer/conditioner before varnishing.
• This ensures a more uniform appearance and reduces contrast in the grain.
• Use oil-based polyurethane varnish or one with low water content.
• Not using a sealer may cause cracks or raised grain.

🎨 Painting

For unfinished doors:
• Apply solvent-based primer and let it dry completely.
• Sand with #400 grit sandpaper.
• Apply two coats of high-quality paint.
• Allow full drying between coats.
• Avoid thick layers — opt for several thin coats.

For pre-primed doors:
• Sand with #400 grit sandpaper.
• Apply two coats of high-quality paint, allowing drying between coats.

🖌 Recommended Painting/Staining Order by Door Type

French Door

• Grilles

• Horizontal rails

• Vertical stiles

• Front and back faces + edges

Louver Door

• Louvers

• Horizontal rails

• Vertical stiles

• Faces + edges

Wood Panel Door

• Panels

• Center rails

• Horizontal rails

• Vertical stiles

• Faces + edges

Bifold

• Panels and louvers (if any)

• Horizontal rails

• Vertical stiles

• Faces + edges of each leaf

🧰 Required Materials

• Protective gloves
• Eye and respiratory protection
• Cloths and tack cloth
• Sandpaper (#320 / #400)
• Sanding block
• Painter’s tape
• Brushes (1" and 3"-4")
• Wood conditioner
• High-quality varnish, paint, or primer
• Sawhorses, putty knife, utility knife, mixing sticks
• Wood filler, rags, brush, etc.

🧼 Care and Maintenance

• Perform regular inspections on the doors (wear, damage, moisture).
• Periodically adjust and check hardware to ensure proper operation.