There are 3 ways we recommend you can finish your door from Green Tree Doors – Paint, stain or varnish. Please note that we DO NOT recommend waxing or polishing your door.
NOTE: Prior to finishing your door, make sure you have done the necessary sanding or filling and your door is fully prepared for painting. As oil and solvent-based paints give off harmful fumes, make sure the room is well ventilated when you’re applying the paint, and when it’s drying. We also recommend you finish your door PRIOR to hanging.
Always read the instructions on the tin to ensure you are using the product correctly.
1. How to PAINT your door
Items you will need:
- Masking Tape
- Floor covering (eg dust sheet)
- Clean cloth
- Paintbrush
- Small roller
- Paint
Firstly cover your floor area with a dust sheet.
Use the brush and start with the edge of the door, working around until all 4 edged are painted. Be sure not to load the brush with excess paint as this will cause visible drips. Once complete, move onto the rest of the door, painting one side and then the other. You can use a roller at this stage, but if your door has mouldings, we would recommend using a brush in order to get into hard to reach areas.
When painting a door that contains glass, use masking tape around the edges to protect the glass. Don’t worry if paint splashes onto the glass – use the cloth to remove straight away. We always recommend using a brush when painting close to the glass to ensure accuracy.
2. How to STAIN your door
Items you will need:
- Masking Tape
- Floor covering (eg dust sheet)
- Lint-free cloth
- Paintbrush
- Stain
Firstly cover your floor area with a dust sheet.
Much like when painting a door, use the brush to apply the stain to the panels. We don’t recommend the use of a roller here. Always try to follow the grain and pick up wet edges before they dry. You will need to work quickly and apply the stain evenly, without any overlap. While it’s still damp, rub the door with a lint-free cloth to even out the stain and take off any excess. Use the masking tape on a glazed door to protect the glass.
Wood stains are absorbed by the wood and mimic the color of a particular species of wood, so make sure you don’t add to much to one area and not enough to another.
3. How to VARNISH your door
Items you will need:
- Masking Tape
- Protective gloves
- Floor covering (eg dust sheet)
- Fine sand paper
- Paintbrush
- Varnish
Firstly cover your floor area with a dust sheet.
Wearing protective gloves, use your paintbrush to to add the first layer of varnish evenly. Allow each coat to dry completely before rubbing down the door with a fine sandpaper to remove any imperfections. This needs to be done between each coat. Once you have added the desired number of coats (as per the product instructions), allow the door to dry completely before adding your furniture and hanging. Two or three coats should be sufficient.
When varnishing a door containing glass, use the masking tape to protect the glass and only remove once the varnish has completely dried.