Finish Exterior Front Doors
Properly finishing an exterior door can include either painting or staining the wood, depending on the look you are going for. A stained exterior door allows the beauty of the natural wood grain to show through, while painting adds color and vibrancy to the exterior of your home. No matter which method you choose to finish your door, it is important to make sure that the door is properly sealed against the elements.
Instructions
1. Remove the door from its frame. No matter if you are painting or staining the door, it is recommended that you remove the door from its frame before getting started. This makes it easier to ensure even and thorough coverage and prevents runs. To remove the door, place the head of a flathead screwdriver against the bottom of the hinge and tap gently upward. This will coax the hinge pin out of the hinge assembly and allow you to remove the door.
2. Clean the surface of the door. In order to get an even coat of stain or paint onto the surface of the door, the door face should be free of any dirt, oil, lint or other contaminants. This can be accomplished by rubbing the door's face down with mineral spirits or acetone.
3. Tape any areas that should not be painted or stained. To keep from accidentally painting or staining areas like the hinges, apply a layer of masking tape to the surface.
4. Prime the door surface. This step only applies if you are painting the door. Apply a coat of primer to the door surface with a brush or roller and allow time to dry. Applying primer will ensure better, more even coverage of the paint.
5. Paint or stain the door. Apply paint to the door with a roller or brush in much the same way you did the primer. Allow the paint to dry and apply another coat. It is important to mention that you should use a good quality exterior paint for this process as other, less durable paint products will not stand up to the elements as well. If you choose to stain, you will wipe the stain onto the door surface with a clean rag and then wipe over the stained area with another clean rag. Continue the process until you have reached the desired color.
6. Seal the door. This step only applies if you have stained your door. Apply a good quality polyurethane coating over the top of the stained door. Make sure that the door is thoroughly dry before beginning. Roll the clear polyurethane coating over the entire door surface with a roller or paintbrush and allow time to dry. This is the coating that will protect the stained door from the elements much like the exterior paint. Apply a second coat.
7. Remove the tape and re-hang the door. Gently pull the tape away from the door so as to keep from peeling the paint or polyurethane coating from the door. Line the hinges up and reinsert the pins. You may need to tap them back into place with a hammer.
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