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These basic instructions are applicable to most wood, metal or fiberglass surfaces.

Inside
  • Select the appropriate primer. Use Fine Paints of Europe® Oil Primer/Undercoat or ECO Primer/ Undercoat for wooden doors, Ferrous Metal Primer for steel doors and Key Primer for fiberglass doors.
  • Wooden and steel doors should be sanded smooth with medium grit sandpaper (220) wrapped around household sponge or rubber sanding block -never sand without a backing. Fiberglass doors should be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper (400).
  • Doors should be washed with powdered detergent and water, rinsed and allowed to dry thoroughly. Special care should be taken on wooden doors where unpainted wood is exposed to make certain that no moisture has been retained. Exposed wood will normally dry sufficiently in 72 hours.
  • Doors should be primed with appropriate primer. We recommend, whenever possible, that the top and bottom of your door be primed as well to prevent moisture intrusion and extend the life of your finish. If using Key Primer, you should apply your Primer with an inexpensive, foam throwaway brush. Key Primer is to be thinned with water only – do not use Mineral Spirits. One coat of Fine Paints of Europe® Oil Primer/Undercoat should be applied over Key Primer if the desired topcoat is Hollandlac Enamel. ECO may be applied directly over Key Primer.
  • After allowing Primer to dry overnight (4 hours for Key Primer), doors should be sanded glass smooth with fine sandpaper wrapped around household sponge or rubber sanding block. Doors should then be wiped clean with cotton rag containing a splash of FPE Mineral Spirits.
  • Apply first coat of HOLLANDLAC Enamel in a thin even fashion. As an option you may apply ECO. Allow first coat to dry overnight.
  • Sand door again with 400 sandpaper to remove imperfections and provide good “tooth” for final coat. Once again, “tack” the door to remove dust with a clean cotton cloth.
  • Apply final coat of HOLLANDLAC Enamel or ECO. Work quickly and do not go back on your work in an attempt to eliminate brush strokes as they will normally level out within 15 minutes of application. Second coat should provide total opacity. For additional durability and extended life, apply a third coat to the door’s exterior. (optional)
  • By following these simple instructions, even a “first-time painter” can expect beautiful, professional quality results and a finish that will look newly painted for several years.
  • When painting doors which are in poor condition we suggest that you consider the use of our ultra high-build Brushing Putty before priming. Apply one or two coats of Brushing Putty and sand according to instructions. This putty will eliminate dents and dings and dramatically improve the appearance of your finished door.
Outside

What you’ll need to do the job properly:

  • Sandpaper – 2 sheets-medium grit (220) 2 sheets-fine grit (400)
  • Primer – one liter of the correct primer for wooden, steel or fiberglass door (Please specify when purchasing).
  • Solvent – one liter of FPE Mineral Spirits will allow you to properly clean your brush.
  • Paint – one liter of Hollandlac enamel or one liter of ECO enamel in any color.
  • Brush – an Omega S57-2.5 inch flat brush, for perfect application of primer and paint.When using ECO, purchase brush with synthetic bristles.
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