Start on the panels then move to the surround ing moldings.
Varnishing an interior door no panels.
Then using a screwdriver unscrew and remove the door handles any hooks or other hardware.
Marine spar varnish is the only finish coat we recommend.
You must apply marine varnish as described in the next steps or any warranty will be void.
Have the home center or paint store tint the primer to a grayish color to help cover the underlying varnish.
Whether you have a new interior wooden door that you plan to stain or an existing door that is already stained a protective coat of varnish is needed to complete your project.
Before applying varnish to your stained door make sure that the stain on the door has completely dried.
Follow step a for screen doors and exterior doors.
Spar varnish can be applied over raw wood or complimentary stains as recommended by the manufacturer.
Remove any decorative panels to ensure even coverage reinstalling them afterward.
When varnishing a door start at the top and varnish in stages down to the bottom of the door unless you are varnishing a panelled door in which case varnish the panels individually first from top left to bottom right before varnishing the centre vertical panel the cross rails from top to bottom and then the outer edges.
All other finishes over raw wood or compatible stains will void our warranty.
Follow step b for interior doors.
Using vertical strokes lightly apply the first coat of marine varnish to all surfaces.
Generously apply the varnish to the top and bottom of the door.
Then roll on a coat of bin or kilz available at home centers for about 8 per quart.
Coat the horizontal rails next and finally the vertical stiles.
The goal is to remove any flaky varnish and to roughen the surface for a good primer bond.
Open a window nearby to provide ventilation.
Wipe the door off with a clean cloth to remove any debris so that your varnished surface will have a smooth finish.
Soak a new china bristle brush for a minute or two in paint thinner then spin or knock off the excess.
Wipe off the dust with a brush.
In either case several light coats are better than one or two heavy ones.