How to Finish an Un-finished Door

To finish oak, pine or hardwood veneer doors, you can apply a suitable varnish, oil, or wax finish. Ensure the finish is specifically designed for veneered surfaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Prepare the door by removing any hardware, cleaning the surface, and lightly sanding to ensure proper adhesion of the finish. 

External doors must be treated with a propriety external grade product.

We do not recommend water-based products as they can lead to moisture build up under the veneer which may cause ‘bubbling’.

1. Preparation:

• Remove Hardware: Take off any door handles, hinges, or other hardware to allow for even finishing. 
• Clean the Surface: Wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. 
• Light Sanding: Lightly sand the door with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 240 grit) to create a smooth surface and improve finish adhesion. 

2. Choosing a Finish:

• Varnish:

Offers a protective coating and can be durable, but might be harder to repair. Oil-based varnishes are often recommended for veneered doors. 

• Oil:

Penetrates the wood, enhancing the grain and providing a natural look. It can be easier to maintain and repair than varnish. 

• Wax:

Offers a natural look and feel, but provides less protection against scratches and scuffs. 

3. Application:

• Read Instructions:

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the chosen finish, including drying times and application methods. 

• Apply in Thin Coats:

Apply the finish in thin, even coats, following the wood grain. Always allow plenty of time (12-24 hours) between the coats and sand and wipe down the door in-between coats.

• Light Sanding Between Coats:

Lightly sand between coats to remove any imperfections and ensure a smooth finish. 

• Coat All Faces and Edges:

Ensure all faces and edges of the door are coated, especially any trimmed edges or cut-outs. 

4. Final Steps:

• Allow Drying Time: Allow the final coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
• Reattach Hardware: Once the finish is fully dry, you can reattach the door hardware. 

Osmo oil for doors is a highly durable, protective door oil for all softwood and hardwood internal doors. Suitable for solid wood, engineered and veneered doors including oak and pine.

Please note: veneered doors are not suitable for all waxes, polishes, dyes or oils. Please speak to the manufacturer of the product prior to use to ensure it is suitable for the style and construction of your veneered door.

5. What sequence to use in finishing a panelled door:

To paint or varnish a door like a professional, follow this order: start with the edges, then the panels, vertical strips, and horizontal rails, and finally the outer edges. This sequence helps prevent drips and ensures a smooth, even finish, especially when using a roller. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

a. Prepare the door and surrounding area:

• Remove hardware like the door handle and mask off hinges if you're not removing the door. 
• Clean the door surface and lightly sand it to create a good surface for the paint. 
• Apply primer if needed, especially for new or bare wood doors. 

b. Paint the edges:

• Paint the top and hinged edges of the door first. 
• If painting the door frame as well, paint above the door and then the sides. 
• Use a brush for the edges, ensuring paint doesn't drip onto the main door surface. 

c. Paint the panels:

• If the door has recessed panels, use a brush to carefully paint the edges and corners. 
• Then, use a roller to fill in the flat surfaces within the panels. 
• Work in small sections, ensuring a consistent and even coat. 
• Avoid overworking the paint to prevent brushstrokes or unevenness. 

d. Paint the vertical and horizontal strips:

• For panel doors, paint the vertical strips (stiles) next, using a brush or roller. 
• Follow with the horizontal rails, painting them in the same direction as the wood grain. 
• Blend the edges of the strips and rails where they meet to create a seamless look. 

e. Finish with the outer edges:

• Finally, paint the remaining outer edges of the door, using a brush. 
• If you didn't paint the bottom edge earlier, do it now. 
• Ensure the paint is applied evenly and without drips. 

f. Apply a second coat: 

• Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand any imperfections and remove dust.
• Apply a second coat of paint, following the same order as the first coat.
• This will help achieve a smooth, durable finish.

Tips for a professional finish:

Remove painter's tape carefully after the paint is dry. 

Use multiple thin coats of paint or varnish rather than one thick coat. 

Avoid overworking the product, as this can lead to brushstrokes or unevenness. 

Feather the edges of the paint to blend them seamlessly.