How to Paint or Stain

ManualsBrandsMasonite ManualsPre-Hung DoorsPrimed 6-Panel Hollow Core Molded Composite Single Pre-Hung Door (Common: 30-in X 80-in; Actual: 31.5-in x 81.5-in)

1-800-663-DOOR masonite.com

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

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Deliver doors to the building site after the plaster, drywall and/or concrete are dry.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Handle with clean hands or gloves and do not drag doors

across one another or across other surfaces.

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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 FRENCH Stain/Paint Option

F MDF Paint Option

Finish doors with the door

laying horizontal on a bench

or workhorse. Spraying is

recommended for uniform results.

Remove any excess paint

or stain from the corners of

the panels or lite grilles by

feathering with a dry 1" brush.

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.

All six sides of the door must

be sealed. (See FIGURE J)

After the door is painted or stained

and completely dry, install hardware.

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)

If ﬁnishing more than one door,

complete one door and evaluate the

ﬁnish before ﬁnishing multiple doors.

All doors must be ﬁnished within

7 days of installation.

STAIN/PAINT RECOMMENDATIONS

French

Wood Panel

Molded Panel

MDF Panel

Flush

Louver

Professionally Finish

FLUSH. MOLDED PANEL. MDF PANEL. WOOD PANEL. FRENCH. LOUVER.

IMPORTANT

Please read and understand the

entire procedure before attempting

to finish your 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.

MIC-18127-INT-Finishing-Instructions.indd 1 7/20/18 2:02 PM

Summary of content (3 pages)

PAGE 1
Professionally Finish FLUSH. MOLDED PANEL. MDF PANEL. WOOD PANEL. FRENCH. LOUVER. IMPORTANT SET-UP YOUR FINISHING AREA Please read and understand the Field finishing of interior doors can be accomplished by several methods, using a variety of entire procedure before attempting materials. First, assemble all the materials needed for your door finishing project. See list on to finish your doors. Be sure to follow page 2. the coating manufacturer's warnings and instructions on all product labels.
PAGE 2
FINISH YOUR MOLDED PANEL, MDF PANEL & FLUSH DOORS MATERIALS NEEDED BEFORE YOU PAINT (All door types) uuRubber gloves 1. I nspect the door and sand imperfections as needed. (See FIGURE A) 2. Wipe down with a tack cloth to ensure a dust free finish. (See FIGURE B) 3. Paint in following order for door type. (See FIGURES E – G) 4. Read paint/stain manufacturer’s instructions. 5. I f finishing more than one door, complete one door and evaluate the finish before finishing multiple doors.
PAGE 3
FINISH YOUR WOOD, FRENCH, LOUVER & WOOD VENEER DOORS MATERIALS NEEDED BEFORE YOU PAINT/STAIN uuRubber gloves 1. uuOther personal protective gear as Inspect the door and sand imperfections as needed. When sanding wood or veneer doors always sand with the grain as seen in FIGURE G. Use wood putty to fill holes and wood imperfections. When using wood putty ensure it is dry and sanded prior to painting or staining.