How to Stain or Paint

1-800-663-DOOR masonite.com MIC-18127 / ©2018 Masonite International Corporation.
Paint in the
following order:
➊ Flush surface
➋ Finish all edges
(see FIGURE C)
FINISH YOUR MOLDED PANEL, MDF PANEL & FLUSH DOORS
FIGURE A FIGURE B
PRIMER Molded panel doors and
white flush doors are primed. If primer
has been removed or damaged from
any part of the door during shipping
or handling, remove handling marks by
lightly sanding before re-priming all areas
where it is removed. If additional primer is
used ensure the paint meets the desired
finished door results. Follow the primer
manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Ensure the primer is compatible with
both the paint and primed door.
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.
FIGURE C
Front
Back
Side
Edge
Side
Edge
Bottom Edge
Top Edge
FIGURE D
FLUSH PRIMED
MOLDED & MDF PANEL
WOOD LOUVER PRIMED
FIGURE E
Paint in the
following order:
➊ Door panels
➋ Center stiles
➌ Horizontal rails
➍ Vertical stiles
➎ Finish all edges
(see FIGURE C)
FIGURE F
1.
Remove any excess paint from the
corners of the panels by lightly
brushing with a dry 1" brush.
2.
Allow paint to dry thoroughly before
applying a second coat. Consult the
paint manufacturer’s instructions for
drying times. Sand in-between coats.
Do not sand the final top coat.
3.
All six sides of the door must be painted
to maintain the warranty. (See Figure D)
4.
After the door is painted and
completely dry, install hardware.
AFTER YOU PAINT
HOW TO PAINT
BEFORE YOU PAINT (All door types)
1.
Inspect the door and sand imperfections as needed.
(See FIGURE A)
2.
Wipe down with a tack cloth to ensure a dust free finish.
(See FIGURE B)
3.
Paint in following order for door type.
(See FIGURES E – G)
4.
Read paint/stain manufacturer’s instructions.
5.
If finishing more than one door, complete one door
and evaluate the finish before finishing multiple doors.
MATERIALS NEEDED
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Rubber gloves
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Other personal protective gear as
needed (eye protection/ventilator)
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Drop cloth
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Paper towels
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220 grit sandpaper and
sanding block
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Tack cloths
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Masking tape or painter’s tape
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Stir sticks
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1" High quality brush
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3" – 4" High quality brush
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Scraper
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Putty knives

Utility knife or sharp blade
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Wood filler (for wood doors or jambs)
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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)
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Water based or oil based top
coat (paint) – semi-gloss
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Mineral spirits – for cleanup,
if oil-based paint is used
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Sawhorses
Paint in the
following order:
➊ Start with the
louvers/panels
➋ Horizontal rails
➌ Vertical stiles
FIGURE G
Read all instructions thoroughly before beginning. This is a guideline for painting and finishing interior doors.
Consult a paint professional or local paint department/store for coatings best suited to the project.
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.
WARNING
Some issues are caused by incorrect
topcoat and/or improper coating techniques.
Masonite is not responsible for 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.
MIC-18127-INT-Finishing-Instructions.indd 2 7/20/18 2:02 PM