So I’m getting geared up for a remodel (my own home) looking into fir/hemlock doors solid 6 panel for the interior. Wondering which is a better way to go unfinished or factory finish color would be natural. I think the factory uses a lacquer finish.
Price difference is about $110/door I need about 15 doors then about 6 bifolds, so on the doors alone looking at $1650. I have sprayed enough lacquer to know what I’m doing and have a spray gun though not the best. If I did them myself I think I would go with a poly finish for durability or even a waterbased poly.
So any recommendations, or ideas for finish, I’m thinking for $800 I can get a new gun and pot sprayer and still be $$ ahead plus write the tool off for the business.
Thanks Jeff
Replies
Jeff, I've never ordered prefinished doors. At first it may sound like a good idea, but think of all the bumps and scrapes it could receive between now and when you are done with your project. I would want to be able to touch up or refinish any dings, and if you have the skills and time, $110 per door would get you pretty far.
Mike
I would go with the unfinished unless I'd seen a factory job from that manu that I really really like. I would however finish as soon I got them and store them flat and protected to prevent warping, even if the finish was just a first coat sealant. I trimmed a huge country club with a 100 plus unfinished doors. The GC wanted them out of the room they were stickered in and leaned to the wall next to where they would be hung. We were still installing jambs. Needless to say, despite our warnings, nearly all of the doors had a noticable bow that monkeyed with their operation and we backcharged him for the T&M making them work. Yeah they had the finish, paint, on them when we leaned them. He thought, and said, they would be fine. Doah!!