Finishing

Wood is dimensionally affected by changes in moisture content brought about by changes within its surrounding environment (precipitation, sunlight, etc.). To ensure uniform moisture exposure and dimensional control, you should finish your door’s surfaces uniformly.

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Preparation for Field Finishing
If staining, a compatible sanding sealer must be used. Follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to due so may result in a blotchy finish. Your door may not be stain grade, see finishing instructions below for details.

• Your Atrium Door must be finished within 30 days after purchase to maintain your warranty.
• The appearance of the field finish is not warranted.
• Be sure the surface being stained is clean and dry.
• Block sand with 220 grit sand paper to remove all scuffs, scratches, burnishes, raised grain, handling marks, and the effects of exposure to moisture. Always sand with the grain of the wood. Be sure you are sanding evenly, as stain will accentuate rough areas. Exercise care when sanding to avoid scratching glass and any hardware that may be installed.
• Remove any excess caulking agent around the edges of the exposed glass area. Exercise care when cutting the caulking to avoid scratching the glass.
• Clean surface with tack rag or other appropriate means.
• Test a non-conspicuous area for compatibility with the finish you plan to use.
• Apply the finish immediately after preparation, as the finish protects the unit from any natural harmful elements. Failure to do so will cause the wood to absorb moisture causing warping, telegraphing, etc., within the wood portion of your unit.

Finishing Intructions:
Professional Series Doors have fingerjointed jambs and door edges and are ready to be painted. Design Series Doors and Raised Panel Doors have clear door jambs and door edges. These doors are designed and manufactured to be painted or stained.

• Avoid dark stains on surfaces exposed to direct sunlight. Dark stains absorb excessive amounts of heat, which can induce checking, warp, pitch bleed, and telegraphing. Dark stains also require near perfect preparation.
• Use only high-grade finishing material and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not intermix materials from different suppliers.
• Be careful not to apply any stain or paint to the weather stripping or hardware. Paint and stain removers/solvents will harm their finish.
• Exterior painting: On exterior painted units, apply 2 coats of exterior primer followed by at least 2 coats of an exterior ‘color’ topcoat. Allow adequate drying time and lightly sand between coats. Exercise care when sanding to avoid scratching glass and any hardware that may be installed. The primer and paint should overlap glass by 1/16".
• Interior painting: Apply 2 coats of primer followed by at least 2 coats of ‘color’ topcoat. Allow adequate drying time and lightly sand between coats. Exercise care when sanding to avoid scratching glass and any hardware that may be installed.
• Interior staining: Apply one or more stain coats followed by at least 3 topcoats consisting of a polyurethane or spar varnish. Allow adequate drying time and lightly sand between coats. Exercise care when sanding to avoid scratching glass and any hardware that may be installed.
• All edges of the door must be finished, including the top rail.
• Refinishing may be required during the life of your Atrium Door.