It’s a Hard-Knock Life: 6 Tips to Maintain Your Exterior Wood Doors
- 1. Add Dusting to Your Weekly Cleaning Routine We already know the importance of dusting inside our homes, but you should be dusting outside, too. ...
- 2. Clean Your Exterior Doors with Mild Dish Soap ...
- 3. Polish Your Exterior Wood Doors ...
- 4. Refinish Your Door Once It Shows Signs of Wear ...
- 5. Check Your Weatherstripping ...
- 6. Don’t Forget the Hardware ...
How to clean an exterior wood door?
Wash and scrub your exterior wood door with natural dish soap. When cleaning the door, ensure the cleaning products are diluted with water so that the cleaners themselves don’t damage the wood. Then, dry the wooden door with paper towels or cloths. 3. Sand or Strip Down Door Lightly sand your exterior wood door with medium-grit sandpaper.
Do you need to maintain your wood doors?
Some are unaware wood entry doors are required to be continuously maintained to preserve the quality and essence. And others are unsure how to start maintaining their exterior wood doors.
What is the best way to varnish a door?
A multi-prong approach can be used to varnish the door. This method begins with treating the wood using a water-repellant preservative, followed by a paintable stain to protect the wood from UV rays. This is followed by a coat of sealer made by mixing a high quality varnish with mineral spirits or turpentine.
What happens if you don’t protect your wood doors?
When your exterior wood door isn’t well protected with a water and UV protectant, the wood can begin to swell, crack, split, discolour and bind. Your exterior wood door’s kryptonite is the sun and intense UV rays.
How do you take care of an exterior wood door?
Here's what you can do to keep your exterior wood door looking brand new.Add Dusting to Your Weekly Cleaning Routine. ... Clean Your Exterior Doors with Mild Dish Soap. ... Polish Your Exterior Wood Doors. ... Refinish Your Door Once It Shows Signs of Wear. ... Check Your Weatherstripping. ... Don't Forget the Hardware.
What can I use to protect my exterior wood door?
Paint. Because its opaque pigments block the sun's UV rays, an exterior-grade oil- or water-based paint is the longest-lasting and most-protective finish you can apply.
How do you refresh an exterior wood door?
How to Restore Your Old Wood Front DoorStep 1: Remove the Door From the Hinges and Lay Flat on a Pair of Sawhorses. ... Step 2: Remove All Door Hardware. ... Step 3: Sand Down the Door. ... Step 4: Remove All Traces of Sawdust & Apply Stain. ... Step 5: Apply Exterior (spar) Varnish. ... Step 6: Reinstall Hardware and Hang the Door.
What kind of oil do you use on a wooden front door?
The best oil for wood doors varies depending on wood type, but the best brands will consist mainly of either Tung or linseed oil, or a combination of both. For optimal results, you can buy pure linseed oil: it takes a little longer to dry, but it's best for the long-term health of wood exterior doors.
How do you waterproof an exterior wood door?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
How do you restore a sun faded wood door?
How do you refinish a sun-damaged wooden door?Step 1: Remove all hardware from the door. ... Step 2: Sand the door. ... Step 3: Fill in cracks or gaps. ... Step 4: Apply new varnish. ... Step 5: Add an extra layer of protection. ... Step 6: Place back all the hardware. ... Optional step: Add shades that can help protect your door.
How do I restore an old exterior door?
How to Restore Old DoorsTake the Door Down. Pull the hinge pins and take the door down. ... Remove the Hardware. Take off all the door hardware, including the knob, hinges and latch, with a screwdriver. ... Scrape Off the Old Finish. ... Strip Any Remaining Finish. ... Sand the Door. ... Stain the Door. ... Apply a Clear Finish. ... Hang the Door.More items...
How do you refinish a wood door without removing it?
Here's the step by steps for the entire process I used to refinish my front door without taking it off the hinges.Develop a strategy. ... Remove anything from the door that you don't want to get scratched, dusty or coated with finish. ... Remove the old finish. ... Prevent Blotch. ... Apply the Stain. ... Apply the Topcoat.More items...
Can you use pledge on front door?
At least once a month, we recommend that you apply lemon oil or an oil-type wood finish protectant such as Old English Old Wood Treatment or Pledge Revitalizing Oil. If dirt is allowed to build up on your door, it will rub the clear coat of urethane off the door leaving the door exposed to cracking and warping.
Is linseed oil good for exterior doors?
It is not recommended to use linseed oil on exterior and exposed woods. Mineral oil is a low sheen, non-drying oil that is used by woodworkers.
What is the best finish for wooden doors?
Wax, shellac, and lacquer finishes can become damaged if they are exposed to water, and these finishes also scratch easily. Of all the finishes, a chemically cured finish such as catalyzed lacquer, urethane or conversion varnish are usually your best options for overall durability.
How do you refinish a weathered front door?
3:539:57The EASY WAY to Refinish a Door! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't forget the areas around your hinges. Now i want to jump up to 180 grit but before i do i use aMoreDon't forget the areas around your hinges. Now i want to jump up to 180 grit but before i do i use a pencil to lightly mark up the surface.
How do you fix a faded front door?
0:486:28Quick DIY Fix for Sun Damaged, Dry Wood Front Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut let me show you what that door looked like before I use the poly shade. So you can get an ideaMoreBut let me show you what that door looked like before I use the poly shade. So you can get an idea of what happens to the wood on this door when it isn't treated. I think this I've gone three years.
How do you fix weathered wood?
0:502:16How to Restore Severely Weathered Wood with RESTORE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to coverMoreYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to cover more area quickly and it'll make my job a lot easier especially along the deck rail.
How do you restore a wooden door frame?
0:183:10Sanding the Wood to Refinish a Door Jamb - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt will allow you to fold this over makes a good crisp clean corner for when you're operating in theMoreIt will allow you to fold this over makes a good crisp clean corner for when you're operating in the corners. Here that way you can sand and catch both surfaces uh at one time and get a good crisp.
What does it mean when a wood grain is rough?
A raised wood grain with a dry, rough feeling also means the finish is beginning to fail and needs to be sanded and reapplied.
What does it mean when a door has dark streaks?
Dark streaks or a light whitish haze under clear finish may mean moisture is getting into the door, another condition that will require your attention.
What can affect a door's paint?
Environmental moisture, blowing dirt and sand, and intense sunlight will all impact a door’s paint or finish. Exterior wood doors not protected by an overhang or porch will weather faster than a covered door, so they should be inspected more often.
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Can you recoat a door that has been painted?
Start with a thorough cleaning. If the wood has been painted, small problem spots can be touched up, or the entire door can be recoated, while it is still in the frame. For major finish restoration, however, it is generally easier to work on a door out of the frame.
Cleaning Wood Exterior Doors
Exterior wood doors can be cleaned once a week or so, but they may not need such frequent care. In any case, cleaning takes almost no time at all – simply wipe the surface with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Polishing Wood Exterior Doors
To maintain the beauty of your exterior wood doors, you may want to polish them periodically – you’ll know it’s time if the surface starts looking a little dull. At that point, grab a clean, soft rag and apply a light coat of a good-quality furniture polish or wax, one that’s safe for use on natural wood surfaces.
Restoring Wood Exterior Doors
Though wood doors possess great strength and durability, they aren’t immune to damage. Over time, the finish will fade or, if painted, chips and cracking in the top coat may appear. To restore the appearance of your entryway, you can apply a new protective coating.
Maintaining Exterior Door Hardware
Exterior door hinges may need to be cleaned once a year at most, but high-quality hardware should operate well and look great for quite some time. As for the handles, aim to clean them with a disinfectant wipe or spray every day – that way, anyone using the knobs won’t get a handful of harmful germs and bacteria.
How Often Should You Refinish Exterior Wood Doors?
In fact, the biggest contributor to age will be the sun and it’s harsh Ultraviolet Rays – this is why we will always recommend a finish with a strong UV inhibitor. Doors facing North that are well protected will rarely need much in the way of refinishing and maintenance.
What is refinishing wood?
When it comes to woodwork, refinishing is the process of reapplying wood finishing. This is to keep the wood from decaying and becoming permanently damaged. There are of course many ways to do this, and this article isn’t meant to be the ultimate guide on how to refinish wood exterior doors, but simply an outline of what is involved and the care needed.
How long does a Madawaska door last?
At Madawaska Door & Trim, the factory finish is guaranteed to last for 3 years without any refinishing. After that, it’s your job to maintain your exterior door properly.
What happens when you put a wood door outside?
When your exterior wood door isn’t well protected with a water and UV protectant, the wood can begin to swell, crack, split, discolour and bind. Your exterior wood door’s kryptonite is the sun and intense UV rays. When wood is continuously exposed to sunlight, the wood’s lignin, which is what keeps the wood strong and durable, is eventually shifted or damaged.
What is Madawaska door?
Madawaska Doors & Trim provide fully customizable wooden doors, including interior and exterior. Our team offers a wide variety of wood species and designs for you to choose from and customize. We offer free wood samples to customers who may still have questions and concerns. Contact us to learn more or request a quote with us today!
How long do wooden doors last?
When properly maintained, your exterior wood door can realistically last forever. According to Rome 101, the Santa Sabina in Rome has a wooden door that’s over 1500 years old while still containing the intricate designs on each panel.
What is the first thing you see when you approach your home?
What’s the first thing you see when you approach your home? The front door. Now for most, this is something that goes unnoticed, since you’re opening and closing it everyday, – unless you own a solid wood exterior door. From the richness of the wood species to the fine finish, opening your exterior door comes with a sense of dignity – a feeling that you want to encapsulate and maintain.
How long do wooden doors last?
Wooden exterior doors provide beauty and security to any home, and will last for many years to come. Even wooden doors hold up well, you still need inspect and care for them so they can sustain their look. There a few simple ways to properly maintain your wooden exterior door.
What to look for when inspecting a wooden door?
There are a few things you should check for then inspecting your wooden doors: Moisture damage to the wooden frame or in between the glass panel that protects your door. If you notice moisture damage to your frame, replace it immediately and look for the source of the damage.
What is mahogany in construction?
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have the expertise and experience to tackle whatever your custom woodwork job is (and acquire those hard to find woods you might want to use!). If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
How do you know when it's time to refinish a door?
In extreme conditions, such as places with long and severe winters, you may need to refinish the door every year. Signs it is time to refinish your door include: Color changes, such as a whitish cast or dark streaks. Obvious visual cues like chipping paint or cracks.
How long does a door finish last?
How long your finish lasts varies depending on the elements it is exposed to, the quality of the finish used and how well you have taken care of it. Eventually you will need to refinish the door even with the best of care. Doors that are better protected from sun, rain and extreme temperatures may have finishes that last several years ...
How to protect wood from UV rays?
This method begins with treating the wood using a water-repellant preservative, followed by a paintable stain to protect the wood from UV rays. This is followed by a coat of sealer made by mixing a high quality varnish with mineral spirits or turpentine. After this coat is dry it should be sanded.
Why do you need to maintain an exterior door?
Beauty, functionality and security are the benefits when you maintain a finish on an exterior door to your home. Knowing the signs of when your doors need maintenance and how to maintain them is vital to the upkeep of your home. You can keep your doors beautiful and safe with some basic knowledge and tips.
What is the exterior door?
Your exterior door is the beautiful entry to your home and first thing most people notice. It is also your first line of security, so water damage, cracking and other deterioration can impact your family’s safety. Knowing how to maintain a finish on an exterior door can give you a sense of confidence and empowerment in the value ...
What kind of paint should I use on a wood door?
A semi-gloss paint is recommended if you choose to paint rather than stain. Semi-gloss paints are more durable and make the door easier to clean than other paints. You can treat the wood prior to painting for additional protection. A multi-prong approach can be used to varnish the door.
Can you power wash a door?
Don’t use power wash gear or a garden hose on the door as this can lead to excess water causing damage.
How to get pin out of hinge?
Tap a screwdriver into the bottom of the hinge to help push out the pin.
How to give a door a glossy look?
To give your door a glossy look, and add extra protection for the wood, apply an exterior varnish. You may want to apply several coats to give more protection. I like Helmsman Spar Urethane in satin finish. Apply several coats of varnish to add extra protection to the door. The varnish can be applied with a paint brush.
What to use to remove old finish?
Use an orbital sander to remove all the old finish, if needed.
Can you take a door off the hinges?
Taking any door off the hinges is super easy. Here’s how:
Can you use a paint brush to varnish a door?
The varnish can be applied with a paint brush. Be sure to use thin coats if you’re working on an upright door, to prevent drips.
Is it cheap to buy a new front door?
If you’ve ever looked into buying a new front door, you know they aren’t cheap. So, anything you can do to extend the life and good looks of your door is worth the effort, in my opinion.
Is maintenance fun?
The thing about owning a home is that there is always something to do. Maintenance isn’t nearly as fun as decorating or remodeling, but it’s just as important.
