The following are guidelines to help with your project. We encourage you or your contractor to utilize the easy to follow application instruction and advice available here.

It is essential to follow strict finishing guidelines and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to insure that your door or window will keep its structural integrity and beauty for many years to come.

We recommend either the use of Sikkens Cetol 1 and Cetol 23,
or the new Sikkens Door & Window finish finishing system.

With the proper application of this system, your door or window will be well protected from the elements and be easily maintained. We want to help you insure that your door or window will give you many years of durability and satisfaction.

Preparation for Wood Finishing

1.Consult all available finishing information for complete finishing instructions and other important information prior to beginning the project.

2. It is recommended that finish be properly applied to your door or window within the first five days of receipt and that particular attention is given to sealing the four edges, and the bottom and top of the door. Any concealed wood elements should be sealed before installation including outer framing and casement trim. Backside and end grain sealing will drastically increase wood protection. Where extreme ultraviolet exposure or weathering is likely, protective covering should be utilized until finish is applied. Exposure to weathering elements and moisture prior to finishing could cause splitting.

3. Before applying the first coat of finish, sand with appropriate sandpaper to remove any raised grain or rough areas due to wood nature. Follow with finer grits to final sand of 100-120g. Sand only in the direction of the wood grain, and final sand entire surface for thorough preparation. Sanding will open the grain of wood to properly accept stain.

4. Vacuum to remove dust from cracks and crevices, then vacuum across the grain on entire surface, then vacuum with the grain. Follow with a tack cloth to remove any fine dust remaining.

5. Apply recommended Sikkens product system based on your desired finish color.

All woods vary in color and texture. Color and product testing must be utilized to determine achievable results for your specific project. Some exotic hardwoods contain excessive natural oils that must be removed from the surface with an appropriate cleaner or solvent prior to applying finish.

Maintenance schedule

Wood will expand and contract with moisture content changes. Be sure not to build excessive finish in grooves around panels. Use a fine razor to score through any bridged finish where panels meet.
As wood reacts to changes in temperature and humidity, the interior panel may reduce in size during the winter, leaving an unstained area exposed on the panel. This unstained area should be spot coated during the first dry season to eliminate any further exposure of raw wood.

Coat all 6 sides of door when new, with particular attention to end-grain, and bottom edge of door. Interior side can be coated with a variety of finish systems based on desired finish and sheen.
Doors in full extreme weather exposure could require an exterior maintenance coat every 2-3 years. Annual visual inspection for discoloration, cracking or peeling of finish, or excessive dulling of sheen can determine when the maintenance coat is required.

Sikkens Exterior Finishing Instructions

Finish Instructions Cetol Door & Window
Finish Instructions Cetol1 and Cetol 23

Contact us for information on your required exterior maintenance coat approximately 36 months after the original 3 coat application to new wood.

Please follow maintenance schedule as directed. PaintSource cannot control application requirements or conditions. While we provide information to consider based on your project description, we can not control or evaluate your specific job requirements, preparation procedures, surface conditions, application procedures or quality of workmanship. Product choices and results achieved are solely the responsibility of the end user. We are here to help. Please contact us for solutions for your projects

Interior

Click here for information on Waterlox Tung Oil as an option for the interior surface of the door.

Other links of interest:

PaintSource.TV

Painting a newly constructed home

Deck Care

Fine Wood Finishing

Hardwood Floor Finishing and maintenance

Dust Free Drywall Finish and Repair

Exterior Wood Finishes

We hope this information is helpful. Please visit us before your next paint or wood coatings project. All the best for your project.