Use and Care Guide
©2017 Masonite International Corporation. MIC-16525
1-800-663-DOOR masonite.com
MATERIALS NEEDED
Rubber gloves
Other personal protective gear as
needed (eye protection/ventilator)
Drop cloth
Paper towels
220 grit sandpaper and sanding block
Tack cloths
Masking tape or painter’s tape
Stir sticks
1" High quality brush
3" – 4" High quality brush
Scraper
Putty knives
Utility knife or sharp blade
Wood filler (for wood doors or jambs)
Water based or oil based primer
(needed for sanded and unprimed
products to be painted)
Conditioner and wood sealer (to be
used when staining wood doors or
wood veneer doors for even color)
Water based or oil based top coat
(paint) – semi-gloss
Mineral spirits – for cleanup,
if oil-based paint is used
Sawhorses
BEFORE YOU PAINT/STAIN
1 Inspect the door and sand imperfections as needed. When sanding wood or veneer
doors always sand with the grain as seen in figure H. Use wood putty to fill holes and
wood imperfections. When using wood putty ensure it is dry and sanded prior to
painting or staining.
2 Doors with glass have a protective film on the glass. If any portion of the glass
is exposed, use masking tape or painters tape to cover the area. Do not remove
protective film until door is painted or stained. (See figure K)
3 Wipe door down removing dust and dirt with a tack cloth to ensure a dust free finish.
(See figure I)
HOW TO PAINT
Pre-Primed Doors. Light sanding of
pre-primed doors prior to painting
is recommended. If primer has been
removed or damaged from any part of
the door during shipping or handling,
lightly sand and re-prime the exposed
areas. Follow the primer manufacturer’s
instructions for application. If additional
primer is used, ensure the primer meets
the desired finished door results. Ensure
the primer is compatible with both the
paint and primed door.
Unprimed Doors. Fill any holes and
blemishes with color matching wood filler.
All doors will require a light sanding to
ensure a uniform finish. Remove handling
marks by lightly sanding before applying
finish. Surface should be clean and dry,
free of all dirt, grease, glue, stains and
machine marks.
Paint. Masonite recommends a high
quality semi-gloss, water-based or
oil-based paint. Consult with your
topcoat supplier for the correct paint
to work with your Masonite door.
Follow the paint manufacturers
instructions. A quality finish is achieved
with a minimum of two coats following
the paint manufacturers instructions for
drying time and application. Masonite
does not recommend dark or high
gloss paints. If a higher quality finish is
preferred additional coats and sanding
will be required following the coating
manufacturers instructions.
Stain. Masonite recommends a high
quality water-based or oil-based stain.
Follow the paint or stain manufacturer’s
instructions. Do not thin stain with water
or other chemicals. If humidity is high or
dicult to control, high quality oil stain is
recommended.
It is recommended to test stains and paint
on wood doors to ensure an acceptable
finish. Finished doors must be allowed
time to dry in accordance with the paint
or stain manufacturer’s recommendations.
Back
Bottom Edge
Top
Edge
Side
Edge
Side
Edge
Front
FIGURE L
FIGURE H
FIGURE I
FIGURE KFIGURE J
FIGURE M
FRENCH
Paint/stain in the
following order:
¢ Grilles or muntins
¢ Horizontal rails
¢ Vertical stiles
¢ Finish all edges
(See figure J)
1
2
3
4
3 3
2
2
1
4
FIGURE N
WOOD LOUVER
Paint/stain in the
following order:
¢ Start with the
louvers/panels
¢ Horizontal rails
¢ Vertical stiles
1
2
3
FIGURE O
FLUSH VENEER
Paint/stain in the
following order:
¢ Flush surface
¢ Finish all edges
(See figure J)
1
2
FIGURE P
3
3
3
3
21 1
21
4 4
5
5
1
21 1
WOOD PANEL
Paint/stain in the
following order:
¢ Door panels
¢ Center stiles
¢ Horizontal rails
¢ Vertical stiles
¢ Finish all edges
(See figure J)
1
2
3
4
5
33
1
2
1
1
2
FINISHING YOUR WOOD & WOOD FLUSH DOORS (for stain)
4 Paint in following order for door type. (See figures M – P)
5 If you are not using a stain with a sealer an additional
sealer will be needed on top of the stain to seal the door.
Consult your stain supplier and follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
WARNING
Some issues are caused by incorrect
topcoat and/or improper coating
techniques. Masonite is not responsible
or issues related to incorrect topcoats.
Always follow the recommended
instructions or the instructions of paint
or stain manufacturers.
Telegraphing or Fiber Rise. Rough or
raised straw-like protrusions, appears as
a result of incorrect topcoat (paints or
stains), improper finishing techniques and
or finishing conditions. These are caused
by but are not limited to incorrect topcoat,
watered down paints, high humidity
environments, and excessive application
of paints.
Distortion. Warping, bowing and waviness,
can appear as a result of incorrect topcoat
(paints or stains), improper finishing
techniques and or finishing conditions.
These are caused by but are not limited
to incorrect topcoat, watered down paints,
high humidity environments, excessive
application of paints, and doors not being
acclimated properly.
Grain Raise. The visible rise of the natural
woodgrain, can be caused by but are not
limited to incorrect topcoat, watered down
paints, high humidity environments, and
excessive application of paints.
Poor Paint Adhesion. A poor bond of the
paint to the door, can be caused by but are
not limited to incorrect topcoat, watered
down paints, high humidity environments,
excessive application of paints, and
painting an improperly prepared door.
Orange Peeling. An orange skin-like, can
be caused by some but are not limited to;
incorrect topcoat, paint drying too fast,
and excessive application of paints.