How to Urethane a Cedar Screen Door

UV rays can damage a wooden screen door.

Screen doors can take a lot of abuse. They're exposed to the effects of weather and sunlight, and they get a lot of use if they're placed in a heavily trafficked doorway. Cedar screen doors are well-suited to handle the demands placed on them, since cedar is sturdy and mold-resistant. However, it can still stand a little help. A coating of urethane will add an extra level of protection to the finish of the wood, and let it serve a long and useful life in your doorway.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Sawhorses
• Rag
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Urethane finish
• Paint stirrer
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the screws on the hinges of the door, and take down the door. Place the door on a set of sawhorses. Wipe the door with a damp rag to remove any loose dust or dirt. Let the door dry.

2. Wrap a piece of 120-grit sandpaper around a sanding block and sand the exposed wood of the cedar screen door. Use a smaller piece of sandpaper without the block to sand corners and tight spots. Sand until smooth, then wipe the door with a tack cloth to remove the excess dust once the door has been sanded. Turn the door over and sand the other side.

3. Open the can of urethane finish and stir the urethane thoroughly with a paint stirrer. Apply the urethane to the cedar door with a paintbrush, starting at one end of the door and applying the strokes in one direction as you go.

4. Let the urethane dry completely. Generally, this takes three to five hours. Turn the door over and apply urethane to the other side.

References

• "Wood Finishing 101: The Step-by-Step Guide"; Bob Flexner; 2011