Care & Finishing - How to Ensure a Solid Wood Door Lasts

Your customers rely on Simpson doors for their craftsmanship and durability. To help them get the most from their investment, it’s important they understand the essentials of proper finishing and ongoing maintenance. Here are the key steps to ensure every Simpson door you sell remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Preparation for Finishing

Before applying the first coat of finish, sand all surfaces with 180 grit sandpaper to remove blemishes. Clean the door thoroughly with a cloth to remove dust. Hang the door before finishing, then remove it to finish properly. Ensure all surfaces, including edges, are properly finished. For doors with clear glass, apply the finish slightly onto the glass to prevent water leakage and protect the glazing compound.

Exterior Finishing

For a stain-and-clear finish, apply a wood conditioner, followed by a stain, and at least three top coats of a clear finish. Choose products designed to work together. Solvent-borne finishes cure faster and are more water-resistant, while water-borne finishes offer greater flexibility and UV resistance. For a paint finish, use either oil-base or acrylic resin-base exterior grade paints. Seal the door with a good quality oil-base primer followed by two top coats of paint. If the door is factory-primed, scuff sand all primed surfaces before painting.

High Exposure Finishing

For doors exposed to high moisture or direct sunlight, use an oil-based primer followed by at least three top coats of high-quality oil or acrylic-based paint. Seal the perimeter of each glass pane and wood panel with a compatible silicone or caulking bead. Ensure all finish coats flow into the glass area at least 1/16". Apply coatings to all six sides of the door to maintain the warranty.

Interior Finishing

For interior doors, a solvent-borne or water-borne finish system can be used. A lacquer-based system is also acceptable. Use a pre-sealer before staining if applying with a brush. Apply a minimum of two clear topcoats over stains. For a paint finish, seal the door with a good quality bare wood primer followed by two topcoats of solvent-base or acrylic enamel.

Special Instructions for Painting your Door Black or any Dark Color

If you plan to paint your exterior door a dark color (LRV less than 55), and want a full warranty Simpson has a solution. These doors come factory-primed in Peppercorn grey and are built with Accoya wood, which resists warping, swelling, and UV damage. To ensure long-term performance and maintain the 10-year warranty, apply a high-quality exterior paint (at least 3 coats), covering all six sides. In high-exposure areas, seal around glass panes and panels with compatible caulking, allowing the finish coat to slightly overlap the glass for added protection.

By following these care and finishing instructions, you can ensure your Simpson door remains a beautiful and lasting addition for any application. For more detailed instructions, please refer to Simpson Doors' care and finishing guide.