Storing & handling Instructions
STORING & FITTING:
Prior to fitting, doors should be stored flat on the floor (never on edge or on end) on a level surface and be kept clear of the floor on at least two level bearers. Doors are best left to acclimatize in the room of fitting for 2-3 days prior to hanging.
Store in a cool dry area. Do not store in a newly plastered room or suddenly expose to central heating or other forms of direct heat. NEVER fit a door to a building until the wet trades are finished and fully dried out. This is very important as any moisture penetration from wet plaster, cement; render, etc… can result in the door swelling, twisting, bowing and can even cause the breakdown of the joints.
On the width where a size reduction is necessary, always take equal amounts from each side up to a maximum of 5mm unless otherwise advised by Baker Finch Interiors Ltd. When reducing the height please contact us to confirm this is possible.
A suitable weatherboard (two on stable doors) must be fitted on all external doors and a head drip (fitted to the frame) on any outward opening doors. Failure to comply with this will result in your guarantee being invalid.
Always use 3 hinges on external doors (4 on stable doors).
Oak External Doors - It is an unfortunate fact that exterior Oak doors and frames, from whichever supplier, are not suitable for exposure to direct rain and hot sun and therefore must be sheltered in some form, a porch or canopy perhaps.
FINISHING- EXTERNAL DOORS:
PAINTING:
It is vital that your door be treated with a least one primer coat, two undercoats and a top coat prior to installation (including cut outs for letterboxes, hinges, locks etc…) Once fitted it is essential that both faces, all cut outs (AND MOST IMPORTANTLY) all four edges (as the top and bottom of doors contain end grain which are more susceptible to moisture penetration) are sealed with at least 2 further coats (preferably 3) of finishing treatment once the door has been hung. Always apply the correct number of coats as at the right time intervals as recommended by the manufactures. Always sand the door lightly between applying coats, and remember that it is NEVER sufficient to treat just one side of a door. Failure to follow these instructions may invalidate your Guarantee.
STAIN/VARNISH:
We advise the use of a “MICRO-POROUS” wood stain or varnish, something with a “hard finish”. We recommend at least one base coat followed by four top coats (two of which must be applied prior to fitting). Please follow the same instructions as when painting (see above) Pay particular attention to applying a finish to all 4 edges and any cut outs. Failure to follow these instructions may invalidate your Guarantee
OILS, WAXES AND WATER BASED TREATMENTS INCLUDING PAINTS FOR EXTERNAL DOORS:
We do not advise the use of any oil, wax or water based (quick drying) treatment on your external door. We feel they do not offer enough protection against the elements and can have a detrimental effect on the way the doors are constructed. They can cause de-lamination and therefore we will not offer any guarantee if they have been finished in this way. If you are in doubt please contact us for further advice.
FINISHING-INTERNAL DOORS:
For painting we advise you follow the same instructions as given to finishing the external doors. Like external doors, it is important one coat of finishing treatment be applied prior to installation. With the finishing top coats applied immediately upon fitting. Again, pay particular attention to any lock/latch cut out and all four edges.
All types of internal doors can be treated with an oil based stain or varnish.