Use and Care Manual

3.
The more care taken in preparing the surface
before the stain is applied, the better the
results. Fill any nail holes and blemishes with
wood filler. These fillers MUST NOT contain
stearates or waxes and should be stainable or
color matched to the wood stain.
4.
Remove handling marks by sanding lightly
with 120 grit sandpaper before applying
finish. Surface should be clean and dry, free of
all dirt, grease, glue stains and machine
marks. Sand again with 320 grit between
coats.
5.
Use a pre-stain conditioner to help prevent
blotching and streaking. The wood conditioner
penetrates the wood, preparing the surface so
that the stain is absorbed evenly.
6.
Wipe down with a tack cloth to ensure a
dust-free finish.
7.
Apply a thin coat of stain with a 3"-4" brush.
Use a wiping cloth to remove excess stain.
When wiping stiles and rails, use long strokes to
prevent stain from pooling where the horizontal
rails and the vertical stiles meet. Only work on
one area of the door at a time.
Start by the door panels, then stain the
horizontal rails and finish with the vertical
door stiles. We recommend finishing with
the door laying horizontal on a bench or
workhorses for better results.
Always finish in the direction of the grain.
8.
Remove any excess stain from the
corners of the panels or lite by feathering with
a dry 1" brush.
Stain all four edges last (top, bottom, left and
right.
9.
Allow door to dry completely for 24 hours. Apply a minimum of two layers of topcoat.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for topcoat compatibility with the stain used.
Ensure each coat is dry before applying the next: Sand with 320 grit between topcoats. The entire
door (all 6 sides) must be completely sealed with two coats minimum to restrict moisture absorption.
Apply topcoats over one area at a time, per step 8.
10.
After finishing is completed, install all hardware.
For door with glass, use a sharp blade or utility knife to cut away the protective plastic film leaving
clean edges around the lites.