new hardwood timber door

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 2:58 pm

hi people

i wanted to know do i need to apply a primer/undercoat to my exterior door, my carpenter is hanging next week? as i think i should clear varnish it but not sure if it needs a undercoat or not.

Also i am new to paiting any kits/brushes or those pads should i use to get a good finish?

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:29 pm

What are you doing? painting it or varnishing it???

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:00 pm

just varnish for now.

as i am not convinced painted it look good.

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:46 pm

A thined coat of Gloss varnish as a firts coat, then 2 of what ever finish you require.

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:29 pm

no wood primer/undercoat?

whats better finishing coat for a clear finish???

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:38 pm

If all you are doing is varnashing, then thats all you need!

There are no primers or undercoats for varnish!
There is a choise of Satin or Gloss for exterior's or Matt, Satin or Gloss for interior.

lockie · Post by **lockie** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:51 pm

To get it nice and smooth wet the door down with a rag and let it dry.Once its dry run it down with very fine paper then varnish.What this does is raise the grain.When you make the wood wet it raises the grain up a little just as your varnish would but as you do it before you minimise the effect of it with the varnish..

Did a bit of french polishing ages ago and this tips has always stuck and been used to great effect.

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 8:26 am

hi guys sorry about not updatingyou on this. my wife has now decided to chnage her mind, she prefers it to be painted like a dark navy blue colour. (after visiting her friends central london home she liked the front doors in the area black or navy)

what primer (aka undercoat?) and final exterior paint would i need?
also is it good to use a pad instead of paint brush?

Welsh Decorator · Post by **Welsh Decorator** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:49 am

How much varnish is on it

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:40 pm

You need to buy a tin of exterior paint. When you have chosen your colour, decide if it is light or dark. If it is light, buy a tin of light or white undercoat. If it is a dark colour use a dark undercoat (grey).

You would be best using a brush, I would imagine. Use a small brush for the fiddly bits and a slightly larger brush to paint in the large areas.

If you have already varnished the door, sand it down a bit and just paint on the exterior paint.

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 4:15 pm

sorry its just a bare hardwood door.

I was thinking with the weather the way it is.... can i save time by painting the door (grey undercoat/primer, then exterior coat (blue))
as it states on the paint tubs:

1. primer/undercoat 4-6hrs drying time
2. then i put on exterior coat which is again 4-6 hours
source: sandtex

i was thinking either a brush.paint pad? or gloss roller? what size brushes do you advise?

as my door needs new door furniture/cut to size i suppose i could touch it up later.

is this a good plan?

mstar · Post by **mstar** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:31 am

any carpenters please help