Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Jun 11, 2001 07:06pm | #1

   *
   hang the door.... then either stain and finish in place.. or take it off it's hinges and stain and finish...

1. 
   Jason | Jun 11, 2001 07:35pm | #2

   *Hang the whole unit, and then yell at the painter to get the darn door out of the way and ask why it hasn't been finished yet. Just kidding (mostly).

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Jun 12, 2001 05:20am | #3

   *I agree,Hang the doors, then finish. Do everthing to them that has to be done including installing the hardware before you start to finish (paint, stain, whatever)them.Remove the hardware before you start the finishing process. Then put it back on after it's done. You can finish the whole thing hanging if you tape up the hinges. Use 3M blue tape. It won't leave any glue on the hinges when you pull it off.Having said all this, I really don't know (or want to know) much about painting.......but I see it done all the time. You can't help but learn something when you live with painters breathing down your neck year in and year out. But I'm no painter. I know enough to know that it's an art just like good carpentry.Good Luck,Ed.

1. 
   Qtrmeg_ | Jun 12, 2001 06:15am | #4

   *Ann, I stain the edges of the casing before hanging the door unit. Once it is hung remove the door and finish the casing and jamb, blending the stain into the edge you have previously finished. Stain the doors in an area out of the way as a separate process.I don't bother to remove the hinges for a stain job, but you have to wait until the stain dries to clean the hardware, if you wait too long you need a stronger solvent that will cut into the stain, so play that part by ear.A lot of the trim can be pre-finished before installing, but not door units.

1. 
   Davo_ | Jun 12, 2001 07:12am | #5

   *I think everyone is in agreement: Hang it, dang it; then stain it.When installing your prehung units, don't forget to remove the black plastic insert (found on some units) or else the nail (used on other units) that keeps the door "locked" in place temporarily to the door jamb. It's a bummer to find out you forgot to remove this fastener AFTER INSTALLING your unit.Good luck on your project.Davo.

2. 
   SamD_ | Jun 12, 2001 03:25pm | #6

   *Ed, Painting: Yuk. I agree. For anyone that can wield brush successfully, I have respect. S.

3. 
   Terry_Holloway | Jun 13, 2001 12:46pm | #7

   *If you have a lot of doors be sure to mark the doors to the opening with a pencil or piece of tape on the hinge

2. 
   Ann_Berg | Jun 13, 2001 12:46pm | #8

   *
   I know this has been discussed upteen times, but we are finally putting our pre-hung doors in the interior of our cabin. Some directions state to take the whole door apart, stain the pieces, and then assemble them in the doorway. Others say to install the door as one unit first, and then take the door out to stain. Which is better, easier, or smarter, and any sites or tips you could give us would be helpful. We have a variety of nailers.