Use and Care Guide
1-800-663-DOOR masonite.com
©2018 Masonite International Corporation. MIC-16525
1 Finish doors with the door laying
horizontal on a bench or workhorse.
Spraying is recommended for uniform
results.
2 Remove any excess paint or stain
from the corners of the panels or
lite grilles by feathering with a dry
1" brush.
3 Allow paint/stain 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.
4 All six sides of the door must be
sealed. (See figure L)
5 After the door is painted or stained
and completely dry, install hardware.
6 French doors or doors with glass:
Remove protective film immediately
after finishing the door. Use a sharp
blade or utility knife to cut away the
protective plastic film leaving clean
edges around the lites. Use protective
gloves during this process.
(See figure K)
7 If finishing more than one door,
complete one door and evaluate the
finish before finishing multiple doors.
8 All doors must be finished within 7
days of installation.
Recommended
Finishing Instructions
MASONITE
®
INTERIOR DOORS. FLUSH. MOLDED PANEL. WOOD DOORS.
Important: Please read and understand the entire procedure before attempting to finish your doors. This is a guideline for painting and finishing interior doors. Be sure to follow
the coating manufacturer's warnings and instructions on all product labels. Masonite does not warrant any coating unless applied by Masonite. Any damage caused by or resulting
from the application of a stain or paint will void the door warranty. Consult a paint professional or local paint department/store for coatings best suited to the project.
SET-UP YOUR FINISHING AREA
Field finishing of interior doors can be accomplished by several methods, using a variety
of materials. First, assemble all the materials needed for your door finishing project.
See list on page 2.
Your work area should be clean, well-lighted, dust free, well ventilated, out of direct
sunlight and in a climate controlled environment. When painting and staining avoid
carpeted areas, cover all areas subject to paint or stain exposure.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Deliver doors to the building site after the plaster, drywall and/or concrete are dry.
Store flat on a level surface in a clean, dry, well ventilated building. Protect from dirt,
water and abuse. Allow air circulation. Cover the top door with a moisture barrier.
Doors should not be subjected to abnormal or sudden variations in heat, dryness or
humidity, and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Recommended humidity and
temperature are 25% – 55% RH and 50°F – 90°F (10°C – 32°C).
Doors should be stored at least 10' away from any heat source. Excessive heat on
a door creates uneven drying which results in warping, splitting, and bowing on the
door surfaces.
Doors should be climatized to the average prevailing humidity and temperature
before hanging for at least 48 hours. In below-zero or extreme temperatures, doors
should be stored properly in a dry building at normal room temperatures for at least
72 hours before hanging.
Handle with clean hands or gloves and do not drag doors across one another or
across other surfaces.
For additional details reference Window & Door Manufacturers Association guidelines
on how to store, handle, finish and install wood doors.
PREPARATION
Doors should acclimate to the environment where they will be installed for a minimum
of 48 hours under normal room temperatures conditions (72 Hours in extreme weather
conditions). Avoid finishing immediately after a rain or damp weather and during periods
of higher than average humidity. In very dry conditions, the door should be finished
right after the wrapping is removed. Ensure adequate air flow around all surfaces of
the door when conditioning. Follow paint/stain manufacturer’s instructions noting both
temperature and humidity recommendations. Remove all hardware before finishing.
IDENTIFY YOUR DOOR
A. Molded Panel
Paint Option
B. Flush (primed or raw)
Stain/Paint Option
C. Wood Panel
Stain/Paint Option
D. Louver (primed or raw)
Stain/Paint Option
E. Decorative French
& Clear French
Stain/Paint Option
A. Molded Panel B. Flush
C. Wood Panel D. Louver
E. Decorative
French
Clear French
STAIN/PAINT RECOMMENDATIONS
Back
Bottom Edge
Top
Edge
Side
Edge
Side
Edge
Front
PROFESSIONALLY FINISH YOUR MASONITE DOOR
FIGURE L FIGURE K