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How-To

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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      Applying Varnish: Top coating this door starts with dialing in the viscosity of the varnish, and then Peter shares his tricks for applying thin, even, coats that are free of bubbles.

      Read the related article:

      Fabulous Finish for an Exterior Door

      inishing an exterior door

      Videos in the Series

      • 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.

      • Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 2: Mixing and Applying Dye Stain

        A concentrated dye is used to create a ground color.

      • Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 3: Sealing with Shellac

        Lock in the dye before adding more color.

      • Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 4: Mixing Pigment Stain

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

      • 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.

      • Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 6: Sanding and Touch Ups

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

      • Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 7: Applying the Varnish

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

      Previous: Finishing an Exterior Door, Ep. 6: Sanding and Touch Ups

      Guide

      Painting

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      Windows and Doors

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      View Comments

      1. ryereaper1 | Oct 04, 2016 12:44pm | #1

        What should be used for final sealer?

      2. franco4590 | Feb 15, 2017 06:55pm | #2

        ryereaper1, no reply from 10/4. Commenting anyway; how about refinishing a pre-stained mahogany door.

      3. franco4590 | Feb 15, 2017 07:00pm | #3

        Final sealer, several thin coats of varnish, reading back.

      4. gordie2x4 | Oct 11, 2017 10:42pm | #4

        I love this guy. 220 too barbaric...hahahaha

      5. JRGlynn | Jul 30, 2018 12:53pm | #5

        Question: This looks like a great process for a new door. What do you do to refinish an older door, that's still in good shape? I can't leave the door off for a week...
        Thanks!
        JRG

      6. CivilEng43 | Jul 31, 2018 12:19am | #6

        Varnished wood looks great for a few years. Then it gets yellow and dark and ugly. When it comes to varnish, refinishing is the scary word. Try sanding and the stuff melts and gums up the sandpaper. I've had to deal with enough varnished wood to make me think varnish ought to be outlawed.

      7. user-7307220 | Jan 19, 2019 12:00pm | #7

        Do you finish 5 sides to the very end layer of varnish before flipping? Or, do you let each coat dry and flip between coats?
        Thanks

      8. daxtell | Apr 16, 2020 11:53pm | #8

        I really enjoyed these videos. I learned something and received validation at the same time. Thank you all for creating them.

      9. sawtoothy | Apr 17, 2020 11:33am | #9

        Great technique.
        I have a question about dye stains. I've used water solvent aniline dyes (Mohawk and Moser's) on interior cabinets and furniture. The results were fantastic -especially on curly birch veneer - but after a couple of years, the sides facing the windows turned an ugly faded green/brown.
        Is there anything to prevent this?
        thanks, Mike

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      Painting

      Painting

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      Intro to Painting
      • Painting Basics
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      Exterior Painting
      • Exterior Paint Prep
      • Exterior Painting Techniques

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