If you have recently had a new cedar garage door installed, or if your current cedar door just needs some tender love and care, your cedar garage door needs to be finished and treated in order for it to stay looking great, resident to the elements, and to stand up to the stress of its daily job.
Things you will need:
- Stiff Brush or Sandpaper
- Oil-Based Penetrating Stain
- Paintbrush
- Caulk
Step 1:
Before you apply a treatment or stain to your cedar garage door, you need to ensure that it is clean from any loose debris, dirt or sawdust. Use a stiff brush to scrub your door in order to remove any of these things. Be sure to use a brush that has bristles made from nylon or a natural material. Avoid using a wire bristle brush, as this will scratch and damage the wood instead of prepping it properly. This process should be done on a dry door, you don't need to add any moisture when you scrub.
If you don't have a brush on hand, or would just prefer to not use one, you can use light grade sandpaper to prep your door. Lightly sand the whole are of your door to completely remove any particles.
Step 2:
Once you have cleaned your door with your brush, it's time to apply the stain. You should use an oil-based penetrating stain, one that is either solidly colored or slightly transparent, and avoid stains that are fully transparent. Fully transparent stains tend to offer less protection to the wood. An oil-based penetrating stain is preferred as it lightly tints the wood, but mostly just brings out the beautiful, natural color of the cedar. These types of stains also provide UV protection, as well as a dependable seal against moisture.
Stir your wood stain, and then grab your paintbrush and start to apply the product to the door in long, even strokes. You should start at the outer edges of your door, and paint in the same direction as the grain. If your door has panels, start with the panels, and then work on the outside edges. Be sure that you continue to stir your stain during the painting process in order to keep the color consistent.
Once you have stained the exterior and it is dry enough to not be disturbed, repeat the process on the interior of the door, as well as hidden corners and the top and bottom of the door. In order to be fully protected, you need to ensure you treat every part of your door, not just the visible portions.
Step 3:
After the first layer of stain has dried, apply a second coat. The particular stain that you choose may require up to 3 or 4 coats, so be sure to read the instructions. At the very least, you need to apply at least 2 coats to your door for maximum protection.
Step 4:
Once both coats of your stain are dry to the touch, seek out joints that are exposed and that seem vulnerable. When you have located these joints, apply a thin layer of transparent caulk over them. The caulk will help to further protect the exposed joints from damage.
Your cedar door should be treated immediately after it is installed, and then once a year thereafter. Treating and finishing your garage door will allow it to have a long, full life. It will also save you from potential problems due to weakening of the wood, as well as stave off rot and damage. A garage door from a place like The Garage Door Co Ltd will stay beautiful for years to come.
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