Use and Care Manual
9
FINISHING AND REFINISHING
SELECT MATERIALS AND FINISHING PRODUCTS
This is a guideline for painting and nishing wood surfaces on
windows and patio doors and primed cladding on some patio doors.
Consult a paint professional for specic “how-to” instructions and
additional materials.
During manufacturing of primed wood products, a waterborne,
modied acrylic primer is applied for good paint lm adhesion and
some wood protection during shipping, handling and installation.
If storing before installation, place in a dry, well-ventilated, protected
area. Do not expose to rain, extreme humidity and/or heat. If nishing
more than 20 days after delivery (after 20 days, primers rapidly lose
the ability of optimal adhesion to the top coat), clean with mild soap
and water, soft bristle brush, and rinse and dry thoroughly. Lightly sand
the surface and remove all dust with a vacuum or tack cloth. Apply an
additional coat of primer designed for use with the nal top coat.
FINISHING AURALAST
®
WOOD
AuraLast wood is not nished any differently than any other wood,
with one exception: JELD-WEN does not recommend the use of water-
based dye stains. AuraLast wood is water repellent, and as a result, the
dye cannot penetrate the wood. Water-based pigment stains, however,
will produce acceptable results. AuraLast accepts any high quality paint.
FINISHING PRIMED CLADDING
Lightly scuff and sand clad surfaces (to improve paint adhesion)
with 150 grit sandpaper or ner and wipe the cladding clean with
denatured alcohol. Paint all clad surfaces with a good-quality
exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or solvent-based paint.
Spray applications will yield the best results.
REFINISHING AND FACTORY PAINTED WOOD
We recommend renishing within every ve (5) years or if the
surface becomes dull, but before it cracks, peels, or akes. If the
surface is not still intact, thoroughly scrape all loose material off. If
the surface is still intact, and after any needed scraping, scuff sand
all surfaces dull with 220 grit sandpaper or #1 steel wool and clean
well. Prime only bare areas and renish as recommended below.
Special Note on Veneered Parts
Many interior surfaces are not solid wood, but covered
with a veneer, or thin piece of wood. Veneered parts are
engineered for enhanced strength, warp-resistance and
surface consistency when accepting paint or stain. Many times
it will not be obvious if a part is veneered or not. Because of
the delicate nature of veneer, all parts of the wood window
should be treated as though they are veneered. Finishing
veneered products is the same as nishing solid wood except
it is possible to sand through the veneer. Components receive
a factory nish and should not require further sanding. If light
sanding is necessary, use closed grit 240 or ner.
FINISHING PRODUCTS
There are many different options for painting or staining. Visit a
local paint store for recommendations on types, colors, sheens and
application methods. Many paint stores offer color sample cards you
may take home.
Note! Clear nishes are not recommended for exterior surfaces
because of the need for extensive annual inspections and
maintenance to repair/renish. Clear nish application is at the
owner’s own risk and may result in denial of warranty claims.
Finishing Product Recommendations
Primers (good-quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex):
• Primers seal wood surfaces and without them, a painted wood
surface may look at in porous areas.
• Some paint manufacturers offer low temperature primers that
may still be applied below 50°.
• Select primer appropriate for the top coat.
Paints (good-quality exterior water-based 100% acrylic latex or
solvent-based paint):
• Use paint designed for exterior/interior applications.
• Avoid dark-colored paints. They absorb heat from the sun and
may crack more easily, increasing maintenance.
Stains and clear nishes:
• Stains add and enhance color.
• Use only solid color stains on exterior surfaces because their
high concentration of pigments protects wood against sun
damage. The natural wood color and grain is obstructed, but
the wood texture is retained.
• Select a clear nish with resistance to water, wear, heat,
solvents and chemicals. Without these characteristics, the
nished product may deteriorate, compromising its integrity.
• Use a clear topcoat containing UV absorbers. Exterior nishing
products provide extra protection and durability for interior
surfaces still exposed to sunlight.
When preparing to nish or renish wood products, consider the tools and materials you will need for the entire project. Listed below are some
common painting/nishing product types to consider. Specic tools or materials may vary.
Note! Areas with extreme climates and corrosive environments (coastal and humid areas) require specially designed products that offer extra
protection. Avoid using shellac, lacquer or oil and wiping varnish nishes on exterior surfaces. They do not meet the resistance characteristics
needed for window and patio door products.
1
PREPARE TO FINISH
2
1. Observe weather conditions.
• Do not attempt painting/nishing in wet weather or any
extreme environmental conditions.
• The normal temperature range recommended by paint
manufacturers is 50°-85°. After nish application, the
temperature should not drop below the minimum for at least
four hours. Some products have a wider temperature range.
• The relative humidity should be below 85%. Relative humidity
can be measured with a hygrometer, found at a local hardware
store or home center.
• Paint/nish in a location that is well lit, but not in direct sunlight
and allows plenty of ventilation.
2. Check wood moisture content.
Do not begin project if wood moisture content exceeds 16%. Check
using a hand-held moisture meter (should be available at local
hardware, home improvement or paint store) or gently sand the
surface with ne grit sandpaper. Fine, uffy or powder-like dust
means the wood is dry, but if the sandpaper lls with wood residue,
the wood is too wet.
3. Prepare enough material to complete the project.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Wood Windows and Patio Doors (JCM003)