We recommend all interior wood surfaces are finished either before or immediately after installation to provide maximum protection of the wood surface and help prevent the window sash or door panel from bowing,

Andersen Corporation is not responsible for the final field finishing results. Always read and follow the finishing manufacturer’s instructions and warnings on each container of finish material for priming, painting, staining, and varnishing. Certain wood species, particularly oak, contain chemicals that may react unfavorably with certain materials in the finish, causing dark stain spots. When possible, test the finish prior to application.

Storing Newly Purchased Products

If you have purchased a new window or door unit, we recommend finishing the interior wood before storing the product. We do not recommend storing a new product without finishing the interior. All window and door units must be finished or sealed or suitably protected no later than 14 days after arriving at the job site. The interior and exterior of wood surfaces should be finished at the same time. See Andersen® Windows and Doors Panel and Sash Storage Guidelines.

Finishing Guidelines

Please follow the paint and stain manufacturer's instructions.

Window sash, door panels, and wood unit surfaces are not ready for finishing when initially received. Proper surface preparation is a crucial step of the finishing process. Damage as a result of failure to seal the interior wood on your product is not covered under the terms of the Andersen® Owner-2-Owner® Limited Warranty . Finish and/or seal all wood sides and edges of the window sash, door panels, and wood unit surfaces. Seal all exposed wood surfaces, including top and bottom rails, hinge pockets, cutouts, and hardware preps.

Color variation in wood is a natural characteristic. To compensate for any wood color variation, adjustments are made in the finishing process to achieve the desired results. Avoid using dark-colored finishes on product surfaces exposed directly to sunlight, to reduce the chance of wood warping or cracking. High gloss topcoat finishes will accentuate surface imperfections.

For window sash and door panel surfaces with glass, the finish should overlap at least 1/16" onto the glass. This will provide a continuous seal between the glass and wood components and help prevent water penetration. This finish seal must be maintained. If cracks or voids develop, repair them immediately.

Do not attempt to finish the product in wet weather or temperatures lower than the temperature recommended by the finish manufacturer.

Do not paint or stain non-wood parts such as weatherstrip, hinges, locks, other hardware, or exterior cladding.

Painting or Refinishing Surface Materials

Andersen® windows and doors are made of varied materials and finishes depending on the product. Some materials require painting and finishing while others do not. Do not paint or apply finishes to the following surfaces as it will affect the Andersen® Owner-2-Owner® Limited Warranty.

Fiberglass material

Flexacron finishes

Vinyl cladding

Fibrex® material 

Aluminum cladding: To review products with aluminum cladding, see Products with Aluminum Clad and Anodized Surfaces.

Surface Preparation

Allow wood surfaces to dry before starting the finishing process. Wood should have less than 16% moisture content. If necessary, remove and store window sash or door panels in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment until the moisture content has equalized and adjusted to a more normal level. See Andersen® Windows and Doors Panel and Sash Storage Guidelines.

Remove all handling marks, raised grain, job site inflicted scratches and scuffs, and any other undesirable blemishes by thoroughly block sanding all wood surfaces with 220 grit sandpaper.

Fill all nail and fastener holes as well as any other surface cracks or imperfections using exterior grade wood filler that is compatible with the paint or finish.

 If the unit has a factory-applied primed exterior, proceed to the painting instructions.

Always sand in the direction of the grain with the folded edge of sandpaper facing the direction of travel to prevent sandpaper from catching under a sliver of wood. Remove grease, oil, or pitch.

Remove dust with a tack cloth or damp clean rag after sanding. Do not use caustic or abrasive cleaners as they may damage the wood.

Painting and Staining Instructions

When continuing to painting and staining, choose the links for the instructions.

Painting Unfinished Wood Surfaces

Staining Unfinished Wood Surfaces  

Painting Primed Wood Surfaces

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