How to clear coat an exterior door
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Get started with Cabot’s Exterior Clear
Give your doors the TLC they deserve.
What to use: Cabot’s Exterior Clear
Why you should use it: Your outside timber doors are exposed to the elements all year round – no wonder they may be looking a little weathered! Bring them back to their best with Cabot’s Exterior Clear. This clear, marine-grade polyurethane provides protection and shine without hiding the grain of the timber. It’s durable and gives resistance against weathering and moisture damage, extending the life of your door and making it look great – all at the same time!
How it works: This product contains the latest ultraviolet absorber technology to maximise performance and durability. Just three coats offers all the protection you need. Many similar products require five or more coats – not this one!
Prepare
Depending on the surface you’re coating, there are several ways to prep:
New Bare Timber: Scrub damp timber with Cabot’s New Timber Prep to draw out tannins and oils from the surface. Once you’re done, use Cabot’s Deck Clean according to the label’s instructions. Allow the timber to dry for at least one hour.
Previously Painted or Varnished Timber: Sand or use a paint stripper to remove the old coating, then clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean.
Previously Stained and Oiled Timber: First up, clean thoroughly with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Test if the surface is ready for coating by sprinkling water on the timber. If the water ‘beads’ on the surface, more sanding is required. If the water soaks into the timber, it’s ready to be coated.
Weathered and Grey Timber: Sand timber back to fresh. Clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean. Once it's dry, you’re ready for coating.
Application
Stir Cabot’s Exterior Clear thoroughly with a broad flat paddle before and during use. Using a brush, apply liberally, in the direction of the grain. Allow four hours for the first coat to dry.
Sand Lightly
Once the first coat is dry, sand lightly, then brush the excess dust off and you’re ready for re-application.
Re-Apply
Reapply the second and third coats, leaving drying time between each coat.
What you’ll need