Installation Instructions

22
Recommended Finishing Instructions – All Installations
Always follow chemical manufacturers’ safety instructions when using chemicals to avoid
injury or illness.
For Vinyl and Aluminum Surfaces
Vinyl and aluminum surfaces may be cleaned with mild soap and water. Hard to remove stains and
mineral deposits may be removed with mineral spirits.
• Do NOT clean with gasoline, diesel fuel, solvent based, or petroleum based products.
• Do NOT use abrasive materials against vinyl, aluminum, or glass surfaces.
• Do NOT scrape or use tools that might damage the surface.
• Do NOT paint vinyl or aluminum surfaces.
For Bare Wood Surfaces – [See Next Page For Additional Information About Doors]
For best results, wood should be sealed immediately upon installation or upon receipt, especially if
unit is being stored for ANY length of time.
1. Remove all construction and adhesive label residue with mineral spirits before finishing.
2. Lightly sand surfaces being finished with 180 grit or finer sandpaper. Be careful not to scratch the
glass.
3. After sanding, clean-off sanding dust using lacquer thinner applied to a cloth so the cloth is
slightly damp. Let surface dry completely.
-If a painted surface is desired:
• If a wood unit is delivered with factory-applied primer paint, it may be painted without
repriming, providing
the finish paint coat is applied within six (6) months of unit installation.
• If a factory-primed wood unit requires repriming contact your customer service
representative for help in selecting a primer compatible with the factory applied material.
• Factory-applied Accentials
TM
color system finishes in standard, designer or custom colors do not
require additional painting. For “touch up” paint specifications contact your customer service
representative.
1. An unprimed wood unit requires
priming. Use only oil-based primer. Use compatible oil or
water-based finish coats. Refer to the primer and paint manufacturers’ instructions.
2. When priming bare wood or repriming, cover all exposed wood surfaces. Priming all exposed
surfaces helps prevent end splitting, warping and/or checking.
3. Once primed, apply two (2) coats of paint (again on all exposed sides) to each item.
-If a stained surface is desired:
If no sealer is applied over stain, the wood will weather very rapidly
and defects will occur. Apply at least two (2) coats of sealer.
1. Use only oil-based stain. A gel stain is easier to apply as it does not easily run or drip. The clear
top coats may be oil or water-based. Apply at least two top coats of sealer or varnish.
• A pre-stain wood conditioner, applied before staining, will help softer woods like pine absorb stain
more evenly. Apply both wood conditioner and desired stain according to the manufacturers’
instructions.
2. Apply one (1) coat of sealer to the stained surface and let dry. Using a spar (marine) varnish as a
sealer provides extra protection against sunlight and moisture. Let sealer dry completely.
3. Before applying the next finish coat, make sure the previous coat is completely dry. Then lightly
sand previous finish coat with 180 grit or finer sandpaper. Clean off all sanding dust and wipe
surfaces with a tack cloth.
4. Apply next coat of desired finish to surface and let dry. Apply only one coat at a time.
5. For any additional coats of finish, repeat steps 3 and 4.
-For a clear (natural) finish: Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 under “Bare Wood” and Steps
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