Are you looking for ways to protect your wood door from sun damage? Sun exposure can cause wood doors to fade, crack, and warp. To keep your door looking great, you’ll need to take some steps to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun damage is one of the main issues affecting outdoor furniture, especially wood doors. Sunlight can fade colors, warp surfaces, and even weaken and corrode the door framing. For this reason, it’s important to protect your wooden door from direct sunlight exposure – to maintain its original beauty and for your security and safety.
In this blog post, we will discuss some great tips on how to protect wood door from sun damage so that it looks beautiful for years to come!
What Will You Need?
To protect your wood door from sun damage, you will need the following:
- UV blocking window film or tinted plastic sheeting
- Paint or sealant (optional)
- Scissors and a measuring tape
- A cleaning cloth.
Once you have gathered all the materials you need, you can start protecting your wooden door from direct sunlight.
10 Easy Steps on How to Protect Wood Door From Sun Damage
1. Use a Uv Blocking Window Film:
Measure the window or door facing the sun exposure and cut a piece of UV blocking window film or tinted plastic sheeting to fit it. Be careful not to touch the adhesive side of the window film, as fingerprints may damage it. You can apply the film directly to the door or window frame.
2. Apply a Sealant or Paint:
Apply a sealant or paint to your door or window frame if you wish for extra protection against sunlight. You can get UV-resistant paints and sealants from your local hardware store. It’s best to use a brush or roller for this step.
3. Keep the Door Clean:
Regularly clean your door with a damp cloth to keep it looking its best. Use a mild detergent if necessary. Because dirt and dust can absorb sunlight, keeping your door clean will help keep it looking as good as new.
4. Trim Bushes or Trees:
Make sure to trim any trees or bushes around your door that may block sunlight. This will help reduce how much sunlight is hitting your door directly, which can prevent fading and warping over time. Don’t also forget to trim any overhanging branches from nearby trees!
5. Place Window Blinds or Shades:
If possible, place window blinds or shades on the windows facing the sun exposure. This will reduce how much direct light gets into your house, helping prevent further damage to your wood door. If you don’t want to use window treatments, you can also opt for outdoor awnings or overhangs.
6. Use Awnings:
If you have a porch with an exposed wood door, use awnings or umbrellas to provide extra protection from the sun’s rays when needed. Awnings are especially useful during the summer months when temperatures are higher, and the sunlight is more intense. Awnings will help keep your door from becoming faded and warping over time.
7. Repair Damaged Surfaces:
If you notice any cracks or discoloration on the wood surface, it is important to repair the damage as soon as possible. Sun exposure can cause further damage, so be sure to use a sealant or paint that is designed for outdoor use to protect your wood door from further sun damage. Be careful not to use an oil-based sealant as it could damage the wood.
8. Use Protective Covers:
When not in use, make sure to cover your wood door with protective covers such as tarps or blankets to prevent direct sunlight from damaging the wood surface. These covers should also extend beyond the edge of your porch or deck to provide extra coverage. There are also specially designed covers made specifically for wood doors.
9. Paint Regularly:
Regularly painting or staining your wood door helps to protect it from fading, warping, and cracking over time. It’s best to use a paint or stain that is designed for outdoor use to ensure the longevity of your door. You can also apply a sealant to the wood surface before painting it.
10. Install Guttering:
Installing guttering around the outside of your house will help keep rainwater away from your wooden door and reduce how much sunlight exposure it receives. This will also help protect against water damage, which can weaken the frame over time if not properly addressed. Don’t forget to clean your gutters regularly to keep them functioning properly!
Following these easy steps will help keep it looking great for years to come. Be sure to regularly check your door for any signs of damage and repair it as soon as possible. With some simple preventive measures, you can ensure that your wooden door will last a lifetime!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Install awnings, shutters, or blinds onto the outside of your door to shield it from direct sunlight.
- Hang curtains inside your door to block out the light and prevent sun damage.
- Apply a coat of sealant to help protect wood doors from the elements.
- Repaint the door every few years to help ensure that it retains its color and luster.
- Install a storm door in front of your wood door to provide an extra layer of protection from the sun’s rays. Additionally, this will also act as a barrier between your home and any strong winds or rain that may come through.
By following these five tips, you can help protect your wood doors from sun damage for many years to come!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Excessive Exposure:
Wood doors should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than two hours a day. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause discoloration, cracking, and warping of the wood.
2. Bright Colors:
Avoid painting or staining your door with bright colors as they absorb more of the sun’s heat and cause faster damage.
3. Finish Coatings:
If you plan to paint or stain your wood door, do not use a finish coating that is too glossy or thick because it can trap even more UV radiation and accelerate deterioration over time.
4. Harsh Cleaners:
Using harsh abrasive cleaners on your wood door can strip away the protective varnish or sealant, leaving the wood vulnerable to UV damage.
5. Sunlight Exposure:
Keeping your door in a shady area will prevent direct sunlight from hitting it and causing damage.
Remember to use caution when protecting your wood door from sun damage: use window films, protective coats or paint with light colors to minimize sunlight exposure and keep your wood door looking its best for years to come!
What Oil Makes Wood Shine?
Tung oil is one of the best oils for making wood shine and protecting it from damage. Tung oil penetrates deep into the wood’s grain, adding a beautiful sheen and providing moisture-resistant protection against UV rays. It also dries quickly and leaves behind no sticky residue.
Other oils, such as teak oil, linseed oil, and mineral oil are also great at making wood shine but do not offer the same level of protection as tung oil. For added shine, you can also add a furniture polish to your wood after applying an oil finish. This will help enhance its natural beauty while giving it an extra layer of protection!
Whichever product you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to get the best results. With a little bit of care and maintenance, you can ensure that your wood door looks great for many years to come!
Can You Use Vaseline to Oil Wood?
While Vaseline can be used to oil wood, it is not the best choice and should only be used as a last resort. Vaseline does not penetrate the wood as other oils do, so it will not provide moisture-resistant protection from UV rays. Additionally, it tends to attract dirt and dust, which can clog up the wood’s pores, leading to discoloration or even warping over time.
It is also important to note that Vaseline takes a long time to dry and can leave behind an unpleasant odor. For these reasons, we recommend using tung oil or another oil specifically designed for wood if you want your door to look its best! With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your wood door looks great for many years to come.
Conclusion
Sun damage to a wood door can be avoided, but when wear and tear does occur, it’s important to know what maintenance and repairs are necessary. Regular staining and coating of your wood door will help preserve its appearance and durability over time. Finishing with a weather-resistant sealant will also help protect from sun exposure. In addition, changing out the door hardware and using UV-protecting film can help extend the life of your wood door even further.
Taking these additional steps in addition to regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your wood doors looking like new for many years ahead!
Hopefully, the article on how to protect wood door from sun damage has provided you with the necessary information on how to keep your wood door looking its best and protected from UV rays.
