Therma-Tru Doors Finishing Instructions - Manual (Page 7)

Finishing Instructions
SITE 2 2014 2.7
Painting Tips
Therma-Tru Smooth-Star ® Fiberglass Entry and Patio Door Systems
All Therma-Tru Smooth-Star ® fiberglass entry and patio door systems must be finished within 6 months** of the
installation date for continued warranty coverage.
Painting The Door
1. Clean first with mild detergent and water or use a TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) solution.
2. Rinse well and allow to dry completely. Mask off hardware, glass and remove weather-stripping before
painting.
3. Weather-stripping may be removed by gently pulling out. Re-insert after door is completely dry.
4. Use high-quality acrylic latex house paint, following manufacturer’s directions for application.
5. Use exterior grade paints for outside surfaces.
6. Paint edges and exposed ends of door.
7. DO NOT STAIN.
Painting Doorlite Frames
1. Remove any excess glass glazing sealant by first spraying with a window cleaner or water.
2. Use a single edge razor blade to score the glazing along the edge of the frame. Holding the razor
blade at a 45 degree angle, scrape glazing from glass.
3. Wipe remaining residue off with window cleaner or mineral spirits.
4. Clean frame with a mild detergent and water, or use a TSP solution. Rinse well and allow to dry com-
pletely.
5. Mask off glass.
6. Prime door lite frames with an alkyd or acrylic-based primer. Allow primer to dry before applying finish
paint coats.
7. Use high-quality acrylic latex house paint, following manufacturer’s application instructions. Use exte-
rior grade paints for outside surfaces.
Hints
1. Provide and maintain a properly installed cap or head flashing to protect top of surfaces from water
intrusion and damage. Tape and properly seal the top flap of the Water Resistive Barrier (WRB) over
the head flashing.
2. Caulk around entire “weather” side of the door system, sealing along the brickmould to the flashing
material or siding and seal all joints between the jambs and moldings.
3. Seal the joints between the exterior hardware trim and the door face to prevent air and water infiltra-
tion.
4. Place and set galvanized finish nails through the brickmould around the perimeter. Use exterior grade
screws if you are installing a storm door to the brickmould. Countersink all fasteners and cover with
exterior grade putty.
5. Add insulation material to the cavity between the opening and the door system to reduce air infiltra-
tion and heat transfer.
6. **All Therma-Tru Smooth Star door systems must be finished within 6 months of the installation
date for continued warranty coverage however, all bare wood surfaces (such as door frames) should
be primed and painted and top coated within 2 weeks of installation or exposure to weather.
7. Paint (DO NOT STAIN) according to Therma-Tru finishing instructions (See NOTE below). Do Not paint
or stain the weather-strip, it is “friction-fit” and easily removed for painting or staining.
8. All doors must have all 6 sides finished and on out-swing doors the sides, top and bottom must be
inspected and maintained as regularly as all other surfaces.
9. Maintain or replace sealants and finishes as soon as any deterioration is evident. For semi-gloss or
glossy paint or clear coats, do this when the surface becomes dull or rough. More severe climates and
exposures will require more frequent maintenance.
10. Access our websit e www.thermatru.com for printable versions of the installation and to view our
Troubleshooting video for minor installation issues and adjustments.
NOTE: For detailed information on finishing and warranty coverage see “THERMA-TRU FIBERGLASS and
STEEL DOOR SYSTEMS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPER FINISHING AND PAINTING OR STAINING”
located in the warranty section of the Therma-Tru website @ www.therma-tru.com (Last Edited 9/30/09)