www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

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?

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

just varnish for now.

as i am not convinced painted it look good.

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

no wood primer/undercoat?

whats better finishing coat for a clear finish???

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.

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.

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?

How much varnish is on it

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.

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?

any carpenters please help