Use and Care Guide

ManualsBrandsMasonite ManualsEntry Doors740748

STEEL & FIBERGLASS ENTRY SYSTEMS

How to Paint

painting:

Put on gloves, safety glasses and prepare your materials. Before starting,

and occasionally throughout the project, stir the paint using smooth

strokes until the texture is creamy – avoid creating bubbles.

finishing with brush application:

Dip the brush into the paint, then use the rim of

the container to release any excess paint. Apply

paint as evenly as possible while still wet.

Brush strokes should follow the grain direction of the

selected area. Start working on the panels and sticking

(moulding profiles), then the vertical center mullion, next

the horizontal rails, then the vertical stiles, and finally, the outside edges (stiles and

top rail, see figure 1 for details). Doors that are outswing or have adjustable surface

mounted sweeps will need to have the sweep removed and the bottom rail painted.

finishing with spray applicator:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thinning the

paint; (i.e. thin latex paint with water or oil-based with

solvent for better atomization and spraying results).

Strain paint before lling the spray pot.

The door can be painted in horizontal (recommended)

or vertical position; however, the paint should be applied

in continuous strokes extending six inches past the

edges of the door. This will ensure uniformity across the entire surface

of the door. Multiple light coats are better than one heavy coat.

Avoid runs as a result of over-spraying.

drying:

IMPORTANT: Let the paint dry completely, following the manufacturer’s recommended

drying time before handling the painted surface or applying a second coat. If

possible, allow the door to dry in a horizontal position to minimize paint runs.

High humidity and/or low temperatures may extend your drying time.

WARNING: Doors painted with dark colors or doors with attached storm

doors may become very hot to the touch in direct sunlight.

Do not paint the weather strip and do not close door until paint is dry

(see paint manufacturer’s specifications on minimum drying time).

To maintain product warranty: Paint the door, frame, header and brickmould within

45 days of installation. Repainting every 1 to 7 years will

be required, depending upon weather exposure.

1) how to start

Doors can be painted 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. To remove the door from the frame, use a

center punch and hammer. Strike the hinge pin from the bottom until it pops up (for

outswing & self closing units – hinge leaf must be removed from the door). Drive the

hinge pin as far as possible with the punch. Using a pair of pliers, grasp the hinge pin

and, while twisting, pull the pin out. Remove all door hardware.

2) materials required

Find a well-lit painting location that is dust-free, well-ventilated and within the climate

conditions recommended by the coating manufacturer. Recommended temperature

should be between 50°F-90°F (10°C-32°C).

coatings and accessories:

mineral spirits

one pair of rubber gloves

soapy water (mild detergent in warm water)

stir sticks

masking tape

safety razor blades

paint

– High-quality, oil-base or 100% acrylic water-based latex paint of desired color

– Lacquer paints are not recommended

2-1/2" wide brush appropriate for type of paint (a natural bristle brush should be used

with oil-based paint and a synthetic bristle brush should be used with latex paint.)

220 grit sandpaper

tools:

hammer

center punch

Phillips screwdriver

pliers

safety glasses

air-less sprayer (optional)

These painting instructions apply to the following Masonite products:

Masonite Steel and Belleville

Fiberglass.

Note: Painting instructions specifically refer to the door and sidelite panels. Oil-based

paint should not be used on wood frame components (frames & brickmould).

3) preparing the door surface

IMPORTANT: For adequate paint adhesion, the door surface must

be free of dust, debris and other surface contaminants.

Steel doors should be wiped clean with a solvent such as

mineral spirits. Allow the cleaning solvent to dry completely

– until there is no residual odor. Once wiped clean, the

door must be lightly sanded with a 220-grit sandpaper.

After sanding, the door must be washed with a mild

detergent in warm soapy water, rinsed and then dried.

Fiberglass doors should be wiped clean with a solvent such as

mineral spirits. Allow the cleaning solvent to dry completely – until there is no residual

odor. Next, the door must be washed with a mild detergent in warm soapy water, rinsed

and then dried. Mask (tape) off all surfaces that will not be painted, including all glass.

4) painting the door

Use exterior, high quality, oil-based or 100% acrylic water-based latex paint of desired

color. High quality interior paint can be used on the interior surface of the door only.

Lacquer paints are not recommended. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for paint

application by using either a brush or a handheld sprayer.

grain direction:

Figure 1: For textured door finishing with brush.

#1 Panels and sticking (moulding profiles)

#2 Vertical center areas (mullions)

#3 Horizontal areas (rails)

#4 Outside vertical areas (stiles)

#5 Edges of door (includes both sides and top of door)

Note: To maintain the product warranty,

paint all exposed surfaces.

IMPORTANT

Please read and understand the entire painting procedure before attempting to finish the door.

Be sure to follow the paint and top-coat manufacturers detailed application instructions on the product label.

LWS-15503-9

1-800-663-DOOR (1-800-663-3667)

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