Care & finishing

Your WudGres door has been handcrafted to last for years to come and, like any piece of fine furniture, it needs proper finishing and periodic maintenance to keep it performing at its best. For a long-lasting, beautiful WudGres door, please follow the instructions outlined below. Failure to follow WudGres care & finishing recommendations will void the door's warranty.

Finishing Options

Because WudGres doors are crafted with only the finest materials, you can choose from a wide variety of stain or paint possibilities. Paint dealers have a broad selection of color chips to demonstrate the look you can achieve when staining fine woods such as Acacia and Burma Teak used in WudGres doors.

If you choose paint instead of stain, you can apply either oil-based or latex resin-based paints over an oil-based primer. However, take care to follow the finishing instructions provided here. Evaluate the conditions your WudGres door must endure—such as direct exposure to severe climates—before deciding on the specific finish to use. All WudGres doors must be finished shortly before or after installation.

CAUTION: If you face issues during the finish process, stop immediately and contact the company.

Handling

  1. Do not walk on any door units.
  2. Avoid dragging doors across one another and keep them clean.
  3. Store flat on a level surface in a dry, well-ventilated building.
  4. Condition doors to the average prevailing relative humidity before hanging.
  5. Avoid exposing doors to extreme or rapid changes in heat or humidity.

Preparation for Finishing

  1. Before applying the first coat, sand all surfaces with 180-grit sandpaper. Always sand with the grain. Small amounts of grease or pitch can be cleaned with mineral spirits.
  2. Adjust or align components if needed before finishing. Panels may be lightly tapped into place with a wood block and hammer—avoid damage.
  3. After sanding, clean thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid caustic or abrasive cleaners.
  4. Hang the door before finishing, then remove it to finish properly. All surfaces and edges must be sealed prior to exposure.
  5. Ensure all edges (top, bottom, and sides) are coated with every finish layer applied to the exterior surface.

Paint Finish

Either oil-based or latex resin-based exterior paints may be used on panel and solid white doors. Oil-based paints provide better water resistance, while latex paints offer improved durability and color retention. Seal with a quality oil-base primer followed by two top coats of paint (preferably from the same manufacturer for compatibility).

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your WudGres door beautiful and durable. It’s also a requirement for maintaining warranty coverage. Look for these signs to know when it’s time for maintenance:

  • Hairline cracks in the top coat of finish.
  • Changes in color or texture (flaking, scaling, dullness, chalkiness).
  • Loss of gloss or protection against moisture.

Fitting and Hanging

  1. Allow clearance for swelling due to humidity—approximately 3/16" under dry conditions.
  2. Do not trim more than 2" in height (1-1/2" from bottom, 1/2" from top). Use a sharp fine-tooth saw.
  3. Leave at least 1" of wood behind mortises to maintain strength.
  4. Use 3 hinges on doors up to 7' high, and 4 hinges for taller doors. Ensure hinges are aligned straight.
  5. Jambs and stops must be square and plumb.
  6. Install exterior doors under adequate overhangs to prevent weather damage.
  7. Avoid dark-colored stains or paints.
  8. Immediately seal all cut surfaces before hanging the door.
  9. Apply complete finish system before exterior exposure.
  10. Use proper weather stripping to improve insulation and energy efficiency.