How to Care for a Wooden Front Door

Wooden doors require greater maintenance than their vinyl or metal counterparts. Exposure to the rain, sun and wind results in fading and wears away the door’s protective sealant. Keeping up the appearance of your exterior wood door is crucial, especially if severe wear negates its warranty. The most effective way to protect your wooden front door is with a fresh coat of sealant every 12 to 18 months.

220-grit sandpaper
Cloths
Paint thinner
Mask
Rubber gloves
Safety goggles
Paintbrush
Polyurethane sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the exterior door lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Work the sandpaper over the door to gently roughen its surface.
- 2
  Wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, grime and dust. Allow the door to dry completely.
- 3
  Wet a cloth with paint thinner and wipe down the entire surface to remove any remaining sealant. Wear a mask, rubber gloves and safety goggles when handling paint thinner.
- 4
  Wet a paintbrush with polyurethane sealant and apply it to the door using straight, back-and-forth motions. Continue to apply a single layer of the sealant to the door, paying attention to cover the nooks and crannies.
- 5
  Allow the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat of sealant.

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