JELD-WEN JLDW1006 Owner Manual

Finishing and Refinishing Instructions

for Interior and Exterior Door Slabs and Systems (JCM004)

Read all instructions thoroughly before beginning. This document
is a guideline for painting and finishing exterior and interior doors.
JELD-WEN cannot evaluate all available paints, stains, or application
requirements. Consult a paint professional or a local paint department/
store for coatings best suited to the project. Select top-quality finishes
and follow all manufacturers' instructions.

Finish all six surfaces (both sides and edges) of the door slab, including
cutouts for hardware. EXCEPTIONS to this rule include removing hinges,
other hardware or sweep weatherstripping (along the bottom edge of
the slab) that have been installed by the factory. Additionally, make
sure both ends of the sweep weatherstripping are sealed with silicone
after finishing. Failure to finish the door slab and frame as instructed
may result in the denial of warranty claims.

Important!

• Steel and fiberglass door slabs MUST be finished within thirty (30) days
of purchase.

• Factory primed wood doors (molded, flush, premium composite, stile and
rail) MUST be finished within fourteen (14) days of purchase.

• Raw, un-primed wood doors (molded, flush, stile and rail) MUST be
finished within seven (7) days of purchase.

• Finish wood frames in the same manner as the slab.

• Vinyl components do not require finishing.

• Refinish products when the finish cracks, splits or becomes dull.

This product can expose you to styrene and wood dust.
Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products
can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to
the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling
wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for
personal protection. For more information, go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood.

Needed Materials And Tools

When preparing to finish doors, consider the materials and tools
required for the entire project. Listed below are some common items
needed to finish doors properly. Not all materials and tools will be
required for every job.

Needed Materials and Tools:

• Safety glasses and
rubber gloves

• Screwdrivers

• Silicone (for exterior
slabs with a sweep)

• Power drill

• Hammer

• Punch

• Utility knife

• Plastic putty knife

• Hand block sander

• Foam brush

• Paintbrush

• Sprayer

• Denatured alcohol

• Woodblock

• Masking tape

• Sandpaper - 150
grit or finer (Steel
and Smooth-Pro
Fiberglass Doors)

• Sandpaper - 400 grit
(Authentic Wood
Doors)

• Pre-stain conditioner
if staining wood

• Clean rags

• Cheesecloth

• Polyurethane

• Paint or stain (see
instructions for each
door type for specific
recommendations)

• Paint thinner or
mineral spirits (for
clean up)

• Tack cloth

• 0000 Steel wool

Basic Finishing Recommendations

• Wear safety glasses for eye protection and rubber gloves to prevent
soiling the door with oil from hands.

• Allow doors to acclimate to local conditions for at least 24 hours before finishing.

• Finish in dust-free area away from direct sunlight.

• Remove all hardware (except hinges from an interior door slab) and
mask off the glass, weatherstrip, and the door sweep (on the bottom of
exterior slabs).

• Finishing is easier if the slab is in a horizontal, flat position on a padded
surface. Horizontal position is not required and the slab may be finished
in any position. However, do not stand an exterior slab on the sweep (the
weatherstrip on the bottom of the door) as damage may result.

• If finishing an exterior slab, seal both ends of the sweep (weatherstrip on
the bottom) with an exterior grade silicone.

• If finishing a slab with a glass insert, inspect for sealant that may have
squeezed out onto the glass or door. Carefully score excess sealant (do
not scratch glass) with a utility knife (stainless steel blade) and remove
with a plastic putty knife.

• If finishing a slab with a glass insert, follow the glass manufacturer’s
instructions on the glass insert frame label.

• The door must be clean and dry before finishing.

• Test your finish prior to application in a discreet location.

• Apply finish materials in multiple light coats instead of fewer heavycoats.

• If painting grained or textured doors, too many coats will diminish the
wood grain texture.

Choose Finishing Materials

• If the door is exposed to direct sunlight, dark-colored finishes may fade
or deteriorate quickly and increase maintenance. See our Appropriate
Protection document at www.jeld-wen.com.

• Use a good quality primer and paint, or wood sealer and stain. We
recommend using one manufacturer’s products to ensure compatibility.
Follow all manufacturer’s application instructions.

• If choosing an oil or solvent-based paint, consult with a paint professional
on the best product (usually quick drying) for the job.

• For the best results when staining fiberglass doors, we recommend using
professional quality, heavy body or highly viscous exterior gel stain.

NOTE: Once Architectural fiberglass doors are stained, it is

very difficult to change the color. Always test the color in an
inconspicuous area to determine if the color is acceptable before
staining the entiredoor.

• Use only exterior solid color stains on wood surfaces exposed to sunlight.
Their high concentration of pigments protects wood against damage.
The natural wood color and grain are obstructed, but the wood texture is
retained. These stains provide minimum protection against water or dirt
protection, so a polyurethane topcoat must be used.

• Finish with coatings that are resistant to water, wear, heat, solvents
and chemicals. Without these characteristics, the finished product may
deteriorate, compromising its integrity.

• Use a topcoat containing UV inhibitor. Use exterior finishing products on
all exterior and interior surfaces still exposed to sunlight to provide extra
protection and durability.

1

Finishing and Refinishing Instructions

for Interior and Exterior Door Slabs and Systems (JCM004)

Prepare the Door

If refinishing a previously finished door slab, use the following recommendations for the product you have. The achieved result will depend on the skill of
the person doing the refinishing. We recommend seeking the help of a skilled professional if unsure. After preparing the previous finish, follow the finishing
instructions in the following sections.

DOORS THAT WERE PAINTED DOORS THAT WERE STAINED

Steel and
Smooth-Pro
Fiberglass

1. Scuff sand with 150 grit sandpaper or finer or buff the surface of
the door thoroughly with 0000 steel wool until the entire surface
is dulled and even. Feather out areas where the previous finish
is cracked or peeling by removing all loose material and sanding
outward until the surface is uniformly level.

2. Remove all loose debris with a tack cloth (available in-store paint
sections) and re-prime bare areas with a good quality water-based
primer appropriate for the substrate. Re-priming the entire door
will provide the best surface for the new topcoat.

N/A

Wood

(Authentic
Wood,
Premium
Composite and
Molded)

Architectural
and
Design-Pro
Fiberglass

1. Scuff sand with 400 grit sandpaper or buff the surface of the door thoroughly with 0000 steel wool until the entire surface is dulled
and even. Feather out areas where the previous finish is cracked or peeling by removing all loose material and sanding outward until the
surface is uniformly level.

2. Remove all loose debris with tack cloth (available in store paint sections) and re-prime bare areas with a good quality water-based
primer appropriate for the substrate. Re-priming the entire door will provide the best surface for the new topcoat.

3. Previously stained doors will need to be stripped and/or sanded to bare wood before being re-stained and top coated or painted.

1. Do not attempt to remove the finish with paint stripper, solvents or other chemicals. Instead, buff the surface of the door thoroughly
with 0000 steel wool until the entire surface is dulled and even.

2. Remove all loose debris with tack cloth (available in store paint sections).

3. Previously stained doors can be re-top coated with a clear finish or painted if a color change is desired.

Previously Unfinished Products

• If the door slab has a glass insert, install the provided screw covers over
the screw heads around the glass insert.

• Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust and
foreign debris. For cleaning, use denatured alcohol, making sure all
residue is removed by turning the cloth often while cleaning. Allow the
door to dry thoroughly.

Do not use sandpaper or lacquer thinner on
Architectural or Design/Smooth-Pro fiberglass doors.

For Wood Doors Only:

• Before applying the first finishing coat, lightly block sand with the grain
on all surfaces by hand with 400 grit sandpaper. Remove all handling
marks, raise grain, scuffs, burnishes and other undesirable blemishes.
For doors with wood veneers, veneers are very thin and it can be
easy to sand through the veneer. Do not sand veneers any more than
necessary.

• Stile and rail doors have wood panels that can float. If necessary,
adjust panels before finishing by carefully realigning with a wood block
and hammer.

Finish the Door

Use the table below to find
your product and desired finish
and follow the instructions in
the corresponding box. The
illustration to the right shows
the recommended order to apply
finishing materials to the door
by any method except spraying.
Finishing materials should be first
applied, in the direction of the
arrows, to the door panels (1), then
to the vertical members, or stiles (2),
horizontal members, or rails (3) and
finally to the outer stiles (4). This
method has been tested to yield the
best results. You may, however, use
any method that youchoose.

3

2

1

1

4

1

1

3

1

2

4

3

2

1

3

2

Wood

(Authentic
Wood,
Premium
Composite
and Molded)

Finishing and Refinishing Instructions

for Interior and Exterior Door Slabs and Systems (JCM004)

DOORS TO BE PAINTED DOORS TO BE STAINED

1. Before applying first finishing coat, lightly block sand with the
grain all surfaces by hand with 400 grit sandpaper. Remove
all handling marks, raise grain, scuffs, burnishes and other
undesirable blemishes.

2. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol making
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while
cleaning. Allow the door to drythoroughly.

3. Seal un-primed door slabs with good quality water­basedprimers.

4. Paint all sides of the door, jamb and molding with a good­quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based
paint. Interior door or trim paint may be used on interior doors
and interior surfaces of exterior doors. Spray applications work
best. To simulate a traditional stile and rail door look when
using a paintbrush, paint the panels first, then across all the
rails from one edge of the door to the other. Then paint the
stiles from the top of the door to the bottom. The door can
also be rolled for a stipple look. For best results, apply multiple
light coats.

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol making
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while
cleaning. Allow the door to drythoroughly.

2. For un-primed units to be stained, we recommend applying
a pre-stain wood conditioner prior to staining to promote
a uniform appearance and avoid sharp color contrasts or a
blotchy appearance.

3. To add color after pre-stain conditioner, use an exterior oil­based stain for the next coat.

4. Topcoats may be an oil-based or water-based clear
polyurethane finish. A marine-grade varnish is recommended
on all exterior doors.

Steel 1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, remove all dust and

foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol and make
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while
cleaning. Allow the door to drythoroughly.

2. Lightly scuff and sand the door face and back (to improve
"paint adhesion) and wipe the door clean with denatured
alcohol. If the door jamb and molding are primed, clean with
a damp cloth and allow to dry. Lightly sand any rough areas
and re-clean.

3. Paint all sides of the door, jamb and molding with a good­quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based
paint. Interior door or trim paint may be used on interior doors
and interior surfaces of exterior doors. Spray applications work
best. To simulate a traditional stile and rail door look when
using a paintbrush, paint the panels first, then across all the
rails from one edge of the door to the other. Then paint the
stiles from the top of the door to the bottom. The door can
also be rolled for a stipple look. For best results, apply multiple
light coats.

Grained
Fiberglass

(Design-Pro)

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris with denatured alcohol making sure all
residue is removed by turning the cloth often while cleaning.

Allow the door to dry thoroughly. DO NOT USE SANDPAPER

OR LACQUER THINNER ON DESIGN-PRO FIBERGLASS
DOORS.

2. Paint all sides of the door, jamb and molding with a good­quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based
paint. Interior door or trim paint may be used on interior doors
and interior surfaces of exterior doors. Spray applications work
best. To simulate a traditional stile and rail door look when
using a paintbrush, paint the panels first, then across all the
rails from one edge of the door to the other. Then paint the
stiles from the top of the door to the bottom. The door can
also be rolled for a stipple look. For best results, apply multiple
lightcoats.

N/A

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol making
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while
cleaning. Allow the door to drythoroughly.

2. We recommend using a professional quality, heavy body or
highly viscous exterior gel stain for the best results. Apply an
even amount of stain with a foam brush or lint-free cloth in the
direction of the wood grain.

3. Work the stain into the surface grain using a circular or cross­grain motion before finally wiping the stain in the direction
of the grain. For best results, apply stain to one section of the
door at a time, starting with the embossed panels first and
proceeding with the flat areas.

4. Before stain dries completely, wipe the surface in the direction
of the grain with a clean cheesecloth or rag to remove any

excess stain. TIP: Use a dry, soft natural bristle brush to

feather out lap marks and blend stain. Blot brush on a
dry cloth and feather stain until desired color isreached.

5. If a darker appearance is desired, apply a second coat after the
first coat dries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply
and wipe the stain with a brush or rag. After one side is stained
and has completely dried, repeat the staining process on the
remaining unstained sides of the door.

6. Allow the stain to dry per manufacturer’s recommendations
(may take up to 48 hours). Spray on at least one coat of clear

exterior grade polyurethane. THE FIRST COAT MUST BE
SPRAYED ON. Additional coats may be sprayed or brushed on.

Repeat process on the remaining unfinished sides of the door.

3

Smooth
Fiberglass

(Smooth-Pro)

Finishing and Refinishing Instructions

for Interior and Exterior Door Slabs and Systems (JCM004)

DOORS TO BE PAINTED DOORS TO BE STAINED

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust and
foreign debris with denatured alcohol making sure all residue
is removed by turning the cloth often while cleaning. Allow

the door to dry thoroughly. DO NOT USE SANDPAPER OR

LACQUER THINNER ON SMOOTH-PRO FIBERGLASS DOORS.

2. Paint all sides of the door, jamb and molding with a good­quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based
paint. Interior door or trim paint may be used on interior doors
and interior surfaces of exterior doors. Spray applications work
best. To simulate a traditional stile and rail door look when
using a paintbrush, paint the panels first, then across all the
rails from one edge of the door to the other. Then paint the
stiles from the top of the door to the bottom. The door can
also be rolled for a stipple look. For best results, apply multiple
light coats.

N/A

Architectural
Fiberglass

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol making
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while

cleaning. Allow the door to dry thoroughly. DO NOT USE

SANDPAPER OR LACQUER THINNER ON ARCHITECTURAL
FIBERGLASS DOORS.

2. Prime the door slab with a good quality water-based primer.

3. Paint all sides of the door, jamb and molding with a good­quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based
paint. Interior door or trim paint may be used on interior doors
and interior surfaces of exterior doors. Spray applications work
best. To simulate a traditional stile and rail door look when
using a paintbrush, paint the panels first, then across all the
rails from one edge of the door to the other. Then paint the
stiles from the top of the door to the bottom. The door can
also be rolled for a stipple look. For best results, apply multiple
light coats.

1. Clean the door with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing all dust
and foreign debris. For cleaning use denatured alcohol making
sure all residue is removed by turning the cloth often while
cleaning. Allow the door to dry thoroughly.

2. For the best results, we recommend using a professional quality,
heavy body or highly viscous exterior gel stain. Apply an even
amount of stain with a foam brush or lint free cloth in the
direction of the wood grain.

3. Work the stain into the surface grain using a circular or cross
grain motion before finally wiping the stain in the direction
of the grain. For best results, apply stain to one section of the
door at a time, starting with the embossed panels first and
proceeding with the flat sections.

4. Before stain dries completely, wipe the surface in the direction
of the grain with a clean cheesecloth or rag to remove any

excess stain. TIP: Use a dry, soft natural bristle brush to

feather out lap marks and blend stain. Blot brush on a
dry cloth and feather stain until desired color isreached.

5. If a darker appearance is desired, apply a second coat after
the first coat dries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to
apply and wipe the stain with a brush or rag. After one side is
stained and has completely dried, repeat staining process on
the remaining unstained sides of the door.

6. Allow stain to dry per manufacturer’s recommendations (may
take up to 48 hours). Spray on at least one coat of clear exterior

grade polyurethane. THE FIRST COAT MUST BE SPRAYED ON.
Additional coats may be sprayed or brushed on. Repeat process
on the remaining unfinished sides of thedoor.

Please visit jeld-wen.com or call us at 1-800-535-3936 for specific product information,

warranty and care and maintenance information.

Thank you for choosing

The information contained herein is provided solely for informational and/or educational purposes. JELD-WEN disclaims any and all liability associated with the use and/or provision of this information.
Any reliance upon the information or advice is at the risk of the party so relying.

©2021 JELD-WEN, Inc. This publication and its contents are owned by or licensed to JELD-WEN, Inc. or its affiliates or third parties, and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. Unauthorized use
or duplication is prohibited. JELD-WEN reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. Please visit our website at jeld-wen.com for current information.
All rights reserved.

JCM004 8/21