When it comes to a home renovation project, nothing can be overlooked. From re-examining floor plans to transforming unused space into beautiful home offices, to integrating sliding doors to enhance the connection with the outdoors, architects, builders and remodelers have to consider aesthetics, functionality and ergonomics. One effective way to add curb appeal to a home is by refinishing the exterior doors through glazing, an antiquing process that adds unique character to the door. If glazing is an art you’re not familiar with, this article will cover the process of glazing in more depth, as well as the advantages of glazed finishes and with which architectural styles this technique is most popular.
The Process
Glazing is a highly controllable way of floating color in between layers of a finish, adding more depth and richness to the color of the wood. The process of glazing involves several steps, but the most important piece is adding two coats of carefully hand-applied finishes with UV inhibitors, that are oven-cured each time. These clear finishes are long lasting, durable and protect the door from weather elements. In addition to being functional, glazed finishes are also cosmetic. They provide a rustic look to doors, and can be applied to interior doors as well. They can be customized depending on the door design, so that homeowners can have a glaze finish on the inside and a solid color on the outside, or vice-versa.
Photo credit: ProVia
The Benefits
Glazed finishes certainly provide a cosmetic value, as they can deepen the colors or give doors a weathered, rustic look. In addition, glazed finishes protect colors and patterns from fading over time, despite exposure to elements like direct sunlight or rain. In fact, glazed finishes respond to a functionality demand as well. With the UV inhibitors coating, doors with glazed finishes can help reflect heat back outdoors, thus making a home more energy efficient.
Photo credit: ProVia
The Popularity
The finishes work exceptionally well with traditional styles including Cape Cod, Colonial, Craftsman, and Cottage, and they are ideal for the Farmhouse style, which has become extremely popular in the last several years. But even contemporary and modern styles can boost their curb appeal with a beautiful glazed finish. In addition to home design styles, certain regions seem to favor glazed finishes. This can be explained by a correlation between the geographic location and the functionality element of glazed finishes. When the area is characterized by harsh weather, glazed finishes can add an extra layer of protection for the door, as they are not afraid of moisture and can better withstand sunlight exposure (as long as the process involves multiple layers of a clear coat with UV inhibitors).
Photo credit: ProVia
When it’s time for the next home improvement venture, a remodeler might want to consider glazed finishes to give a front door a very unique, distinct look or offer an interior door an inviting, lived-in feel. This finish will be able to satisfy a common homeowner desire to make a unique personal artistic statement with their home, both inside and outside.
In Collaboration with ProVia
Member of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)
**All glazed finishes are done in ProVia’s manufacturing facility
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
