Step By Step Process To Apply Varnish To An Exterior Wood Door
Varnish is usually used when you are looking to enhance the appearance of wood doors by highlighting the natural grain as well as the color of the raw material. However, this beautiful look is possible with a price on exterior wood doors. Varnish degrades quickly if you expose it to even indirect sunlight. Therefore, it is best to use either exterior grade varnish or spar varnish, which is usually formulated with chemicals that will help provide some protection from ultraviolet light. These are types of varnish are commonly available at the majority of home improvement stores. Marine-grade varnishes, provide more UV protection at a significantly higher price. Using the proper application method will help you provide the most protection for your door with either one. Go through the below-mentioned step-by-step process carefully in order to varnish an exterior wood door:
- Sand The Door Until The Surface Is Smooth
First of all, sand the door, but make sure to sand in the direction of the grain. When applying varnish over raw wood, it is best to use 220-grit sandpaper. For refinishing, you can start with 80-grit sandpaper which will help you get rid of old, flaking varnish. Progressively work through to 100- before moving to 220-grit as long as the door's surface is smooth. - Remove The Sanding Residue & Debris
Now, you need to get rid of the sanding residue with the help of a tack cloth. Turn as well as fold the cloth frequently. Keep a tacky surface exposed when it comes to removing the most debris. - Thin The Varnish Using Mineral Spirits
Now, thin the varnish with the help of mineral spirits. On raw wood, you can apply a sealing-coat mixture of 50% mineral spirits and 50% varnish. If you have already finished wood and applied subsequent coats, then you can thin the varnish only enough that will help brush marks to flow out. Usually, no more than 10% mineral spirits. Stir the mixture slowly as long as it is thinned. Bubbles formed when you use a power mixer or paint shaker is difficult to remove as soon as the varnish is applied. - Apply The Varnish Using A Brush
Apply the varnish with the help of a brush. Begin varnishing at one corner of the door, before working across the surface of the door from the wet area out to the dry areas. Brush along the grain of the wood before allowing the varnish to dry for nearly 24 hours. - Sand The Door Again Using 600-grit Sandpaper
Lightly sand the door using 600-grit sandpaper in order to get rid of any dust or small surface irregularities before cleaning with the help of a tack cloth. Repeat varnishing & sand as long as you have nearly four coats on an unfinished door or two coats on a previously finished door.