Beveled Glass Designs
Entry System Finishing Instructions

Important: Finishing must be completed within 24-48 hours after installation!
(do not allow moisture to penetrate your raw wood before finishing)

Getting ready!

BGD door and frame systems have been sanded. However, due to changes in temperature and humidity while enroute to installation, the wood fibers on the surface have probably been "shocked" somewhat and have most likely raised. All wood surfaces will need additional sanding to prepare for finishing. Coating manufacturers recommend that you use a progressive approach...ie. start with 100 grit after filling all nail holes, then sand again with 120 grit and finally complete the sanding process with 150 grit. All wood components should be sanded equally in order to achieve the most consistent color from your stain.

About finishing:

No finish available today will provide 100% longterm protection from moisture penetration and breakdown by the effects of the sun. BGD currently recommends finishing all wood components with 1 coat of oil-based stain and 2 coats of sealer followed by a minimum of 3 coats exterior marine grade spar varnish or a high quality exterior polyurethane. In either case, ultraviolet light inhibitors should be added to your varnish or polyurethane to enhance its ability to resist the harmful effects of the sun. Applying three coats of finish is extremely important. Research has proven that the first coat of a finish often provides little more than 10% protection from moisture penetration; the second coat can increase this between 30% and 80%; the third coat will result in protection above 90%. Always apply the finish in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on the label, as bonding to the wood surface and bonding between coats is critical to adequate protection for your entryway.

If you want to paint your entry system, we recommend an oil-based premium quality exterior paint. Three primer coats followed by three final coats should suffice.

What to finish:

All six sides of the door must be finished. The top and bottom end grains are like sponges and will absorb moisture continually if not sealed properly. We have attached the door bottom with screws to make it easy to remove for finishing. Don't forget behind the hinges (both the door and the jamb)...and behind the weatherstripping: just pull it out of the kerf to finish the exposed jamb. All hardware should be removed during the finishing process to insure complete protection of the wood.

For further protection...apply caulking!

Once the finish is completely dry and cured we recommend the application of a small bead of clear caulk around the inside of any exterior molding where the molding touches either glass or wood (see drawing below). This caulk will still allow the panel to move (as the relative moisture content of the panel changes), yet continue to provide an excellent weather seal between the various door components.

Maintenance requirements...both short and long term:

On going maintenance of your BGD entry system depends on its exposure to the sun, wind and rain and the condition of the protective finish. The greater the exposure to the sun, the greater the probability of oxidation and breakdown of the protective finish. The greater the exposure to the sun from any direction, the more frequently additional coats of protective finish will be required. Review the BGD Exterior Door Exposure & Maintenance Guidelines available from your BGD dealer. These door selection guidelines are based upon exposure to sunlight relative to lot orientation, building footprint and basic architecture of your home.

Wood Products with "clear" finishes (stained/varnished) WILL REQUIRE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE to insure proper performance and a long life.

This maintenance is not able to be scheduled and is entirely dependent on variables unique to each installation. A good rule of thumb is to add additional coats to the exterior surfaces as soon as they start to feel the least bit "rough" to the touch when compared to the interior surface. INSPECT YOUR DOOR OFTEN. When your finish begins to feel rough, the oxidation process has already begun to allow moisture to penetrate. Don't wait...act immediately to add protective finish.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have chosen one of the finest entry systems available. The family of craftspersons at Beveled Glass Designs has spent many hours creating your entry. We've done our best to give you an entry system that can last a lifetime. It will need your care to do so.

WARNING: BGD does not offer any warranty protection on entry systems (either factory finished or unfinished) that are installed with no proctection from the sun. These are "high maintenance" exposures and it is the owners responsibility to maintain a protective finish and caulking at all times to prevent moisture penetration of the wood components. er any warranty protection on entry systems (either factory finished or unfinished) that are installed with no protection from the sun. These are "high maintenance" exposures and it is the owners responsibility to maintain a protective finish and caulking at all times to prevent moisture penetration of the wood components.