LPD External Door & Joinery Treatment, Care & Maintenance Guidelines
🛡️ LPD External Joinery: Treatment & Care (Warranty Critical)
The following guidance must be followed to protect performance and maintain the manufacturer’s warranty on LPD external doors, frames and joinery products.
📦 Unpacking, Preparation & Initial Treatment
- Once removed from packaging, products must be fully decorated immediately.
- Sand away any handling marks or surface variations and dust thoroughly before priming or sealing.
- Do not use wire wool or sanding materials containing steel or iron, as this may cause contamination and staining.
🎨 Painting, Staining & Sealing
- Where necessary, doors and frames must be fully sealed on both faces and all edges.
- Use a High build Microporous proprietary branded paint or stain and treat strictly in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s instructions.
- Redwood, boarded doors (including garage doors) and Paint Grade doors are only suitable for a Hi-Build paint finish.
- Lightly sand between coats and allow adequate drying time between applications.
⚠️ Cut-Outs, Edges & Moisture Protection (Very Important)
All areas that are cut out or exposed during installation must be fully sealed, including:
- Hinge recesses
- Lock, latch and handle cut-outs
- Letter plates, glazing apertures and drilled holes
- Top, bottom and side edges of the door
These areas are particularly vulnerable to moisture ingress and egress. If moisture enters or escapes unevenly, it can lead to warping, swelling, cracking or finish failure.
Failure to correctly seal faces, edges or cut-outs in accordance with British Standards will invalidate any warranty claims.
☀️ Colour Choice & Exposure
Darker colours are more vulnerable to the effects of sunlight and can shorten the lifespan of the finish. In areas of high exposure, LPD recommend protecting the door with a hood, canopy or porch to help shield it from the elements and extend its service life.
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent deterioration of the timber, construction and surface finish.
🚫 Unsuitable Finishes
LPD external joinery is NOT suitable for the following finishes, as they do not provide adequate protection:
- Varnishes
- Waxes or polishes
- Dyes
- Oils (including Danish Oil)
- Yacht varnish
- Lacquers
🔧 Maintenance Guidelines (Ongoing Care)
- Wash all joinery products at least twice per year using a mild soapy solution and rinse with clean water.
- In marine or industrial environments, this should be carried out at least four times per year.
- Oil all mechanical components such as hinges using grease or neutral oils.
- Check and clean weather seals regularly.
- When cleaning, lightly sand and touch up any worn areas with a matching microporous paint or stain. Bare timber must be primed first.
- As timber is a natural product, seasonal adjustment may be required to maintain correct operation.
👷 Important Notice for Professional Installation
If you are instructing a professional installer, decorator or joiner to treat and install your external door or joinery on your behalf, you must ensure they are fully aware of and follow these manufacturer guidelines.
All faces, edges, cut-outs and exposed timber must be sealed prior to installation. Failure to do so will result in warranties being void.
💬 Need Advice Before Installation?
If you are unsure which finish or maintenance regime is suitable for your LPD external door or frame, please contact us before installation.
📧 sales@doorphoria.co.uk