Instructions / Assembly

These instructions apply to the following:
Single Single Single & Double Patio
Outswing Inswing Sidelite Units Units
Doors Doors
The following steps should be taken to ensure a
successful installation of your exterior door.
• Preparing the Rough Opening
• Pre-Caulking Subfloor for Sill
• Position Unit in Rough Opening
• Shim and Secure Hinge Jamb
• Ensure Consistent Margins
• Applying Hinge and Lockset Hardware
• Adjust Sill and Check Corner Pads
• Caulking Sill
• Weatherproofing
• Finishing
Recommendations
Coatings and Accessories:
•
One pair of rubber gloves
• Lint-free rags or cheese cloth
• Stir sticks
• 2” wide foam brush
• Masking tape
• Safety razor blades
• Stain
~ High quality opaque (non-transparent) heavily
pigmented oil-based stain (recommended).
~ Gel stains can also be used.
~ Semi-transparent stains are not recommended.
• High quality exterior grade UV stabilized
polyurethane sealant (satin or low gloss).
• 2-1/2” wide china bristle brush.
T
ools:
•
Hammer
• Center punch
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliers
• Safety glasses
Finishing
How to Start
Doors can be stained either hanging in the opening or
removed from the frame (recommended). Should you
remove the door, take care to protect it from damage.
Sidelites will need to be finished vertically. Remove all
door hardware.
Preparing the door surface
IMPORTANT: Dust, debris and other surface
contaminant's can accumulate on the surface of the door.
Therefore, to achieve best results and maximum coating
adhesion, wipe/clean all surfaces of the door panel(s) and
sidelite(s) thoroughly.
Staining the door
Use a high quality, heavily pigmented oil-based stain
(recommended). Gel stains can also be used. Before
starting, and occasionally throughout the project, stir the
stain until the texture is creamy. We recommend that
before starting, you try staining a small inconspicuous area
of the door to achieve the desired color.
One coat of stain is required with the recommended dry
time needed between sides (per manufacturer’s
instructions). The stain should be applied in the following
order working on one small section of the door at a time.
Finishing Order:
#1 Panels and sticking (moulding profiles)
#2 Vertical center areas (mullions)
#3 Horizontal areas (rails)
#4 Outside vertical areas (stiles)
#5 Edge of door or stiles
Staining
1. Put on gloves and prepare your materials.
2. Stir stain thoroughly using smooth strokes, avoid
creating bubbles and do not shake the stain container.
3. Working in the specified order and individual section,
dip the foam brush into the stain then use the rim of the
container to release any excess. Use
the foam brush to apply the stain onto
the section. Using a cloth, rub the
stain into the wood ensuring complete
and even coverage. Stop between
sections to tidy up the perimeter with
a rag and mineral spirits. Clean edges
will help define the individual components of the door.
If preferred, the subtle color variation found in wood can
be replicated by selective removal of the stain. Using a rag
or cheese cloth, gently rub the surface
removing very small amounts of
stain. Apply varying levels of
pressure and work in the direction of
the grain. Excessive pressure will
remove too much stain.
4. Once the door has been completely stained, check for
any drips.
While the stain is still wet, lightly
brush the entire surface of the door
with a china bristle brush. Use long
strokes and work in the direction of
the grain to even out color and
achieve consistency.
5. Let the first stained surface dry, per the stain
manufacturer’s recommended drying time, before
proceeding to the second side.
6. If you prefer a darker appearance, repeat staining steps
one through five only after first coat is completely dry. Do
not sand between staining coats.
Sealing or applying the top-coat
The top-coat or sealant for your door is very important and
required for weatherability. It protects the stained door
from the elements and makes the door surface washable.
Be sure that the stain coating is completely dry and then
apply a high quality UV stabilized clear exterior
polyurethane coating (stain or low gloss) - used for any
normal exterior wood application.
1. Stir top coat thoroughly using smooth strokes, avoid
creating bubbles and do not shake the
container.
2. Do not overload the brush. Dip the
end of the brush into the coating and
gently slide the flat side of the brush
against the edge of the container to remove the excess.
Note: We recommend that all 6 sides (front and back faces
plus all four edges) be sealed to eliminate moisture
absorption. The bottom of your door panel(s) may contain
a factory installed weather stripping (sweep) which is
sealed prior to installation. Failure to observe this
recommendation can void the warranty.
3. Apply with even gentle strokes. Press hard enough to
flex the bristles just a little and then pull the brush gently
along the door’s surface.
4. As you apply the sealant, pull the brush quickly along
the area two or three times lightly to even out the brush
strokes.
5. Allow the first coat to dry completely (follow
manufacturer’s recommendations) and apply at least one
more coat using the same steps as above. A minimum of
two coats is required for complete protection and the door
should be resealed annually to ensure lasting protection of
the finish.
6. After both sides of the door have been top-coated
(twice) and are completely dry, remove the paper and tape
from the glass and protected surfaces.
7. Clean the glass with window cleaner and remove any
finishing materials from the glass with a safety razor.
8. Replace the door back into the frame.
Painting Recommendations:
Use a quality solvent-based primer, followed by three
coats of a good exterior paint recommended by the
paint manufacturer to be compatible with the primer.
When finishing glazed doors (doors with glass) apply
top coats generously to bridge wood and glass. To
protect against moisture, lap paint onto glass 1/16 of
an inch.
Find a well-lit painting location that is dust free, well
ventilated and within the climate conditions
recommended by the paint coat manufacturer.
Avoid dark colored paint if the door is exposed to
direct sunlight to reduce the chance of warping,
veneer cracking or fading.
You will need the following: