DIY Network

French Doors: Finishing Touches to the French Doors From "Floors, Doors & Windows" episode DFDW-102

Hosts Jay Baker and Scott Branscom check out the new French door after applying the finishing touches.

In this final segments, hosts Jay Baker and Scott Branscom apply the finishing touches to the French doors.

Materials:

Standard carpentry tools (hammer, tape measure, level, etc.)
Various screwdrivers
An assortment of trim to finish out the door
Paint or stain to finish out the door

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. There are a lot of different stains available on the marketplace. You need to try and match your other woodwork. Your home improvement store should have displays of how stain reacts to different types of wood. Try and find the stain that is closest match.

2. Be sure and carefully read your manufacturer's instructions. Usually the longer you leave the stain on, the darker it will become and there will also be a wiping process that follows.

3. Put a drop cloth down before you stain or paint the door. Take your time in masking off the door, because it really will show in the finished project. It is a good idea to remove the vinyl flange down the middle of the door before you apply the stain because it will be hard to remove any paint or stain if you get on the flange. Put in back up once you have finished staining and the stain has dried -- this will give you a much more professional look.

4. When you're ready to stain, be sure to stir the stain up thoroughly to distribute the pigment. Then, apply an even coat of stain to the door, and watch out for runs. If you spot one, wipe it up right away (figure A), or you'll end up with a dark line running down your finish.

5. Once the door is dry, remove the painter's tape. Use a razor blade to scrape off any stain that managed to get under the tape.

6. Your door installation is only as good as your finished trim. Cut the top piece of casing and make sure it is square. Do the same thing for the side casings.

7. If you are putting up molding and casing in a tight spot, prime and paint it first. Use the primer first if you don't have pre-primed wood. Primer will help seal the wood and it has a lot of white pigment in it that will give you a clean sheet to paint on.

8. Make sure the top casing is level before nailing it into place (figure B).

9. Nail the side casings in place. You can fill any small gaps around the trim with painter's caulk.

10. When you are ready to install the brass plates, remember that the screws for the plate (figure C) always go on the inside of the door.

11. Install the door handles (figure D) and you are finished.

RESOURCES :

French Door (Jeld-Wen)

JELD-WEN
Website: www.jeld-wen.com

The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
0345372972
Bruce Johnson
Ballantine Books (November 1993)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.