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Windows & Doors

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  • Choosing Windows
  • Installing Windows In New Walls
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List

Painting and Refinishing Exterior Doors

12 articles and videos to help you get a beautiful finish and make it last.

Entry doors require their own special preparation and painting techniques, and we’ve compiled our best instructional videos and articles by painting pros to give you the advice you need to get the job done right.

  • How-To 1
    Get a Perfect Paint Job on Trim, Windows, Doors, and Cabinets

    Here are myriad tips for prep, paint selection, and application techniques for a quality finish.

  • How-To 2
    Skillful Brushwork for Doors and Windows

    As with all painting projects, proper preparation is key for a durable finish, but it takes good techniques and careful planning to make this job look its best.

  • How-To 3
    Brush-Painting a Steel Door

    A good paint job can go a long way to making a steel door look as welcoming as a wood one.

  • How-To 4
    Restore a Wood Entry Door

    Let the wood shine through with a marine-grade finish that's sure to last.

  • How-To 5
    Fabulous Finish for an Exterior Door

    Beautify a wood door with dye, stain, varnish, and a commitment to doing the process right.

  • How-To 6
    Sanding and Prepping the Door
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 1: Sanding and Prepping the Door

    Although often rushed or skipped completely, hand-sanding is a crucial step when staining or painting a wood door.

  • How-To 7
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 2: Mixing and Applying Dye Stain

    A concentrated dye is used to create a ground color.

  • How-To 8
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 3: Sealing with Shellac

    Lock in the dye before adding more color.

  • How-To 9
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 4: Mixing Pigment Stain

    Decide on your stain color, then mix it with a glaze base for easier application.

  • How-To 10
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 5: Applying Pigment Stain

    Learn how to apply the second layer of color and finesse it until you get the affect you want.

  • How-To 11
    Sanding and Touch Ups
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 6: Sanding and Touch Ups

    Hide blemishes and prepare the surface before applying the protective top coat.

  • How-To 12
    Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 7: Applying the Varnish

    For a smooth final finish, you need good brushing technique and thin layers.

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Previous: Building Wooden Screen Doors Next: Installing French Doors

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Windows & Doors

Windows & Doors

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Choosing Windows
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Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Installation, Start to Finish
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  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Zip System Sheathing
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