Door Polish Guide: Melamine, PU, Lacquer and Varnish for Wooden Doors, Shades, Sanding and Sealer Steps, Brushing and Spraying, Indicative Rates Per Door and Care and Re-Polishing Tips in Pakistan
Door polish is the finish applied to wooden doors to protect and colour them, and the right type, shade and application steps decide whether the door looks rich for years or turns patchy and peels. Re-polishing a door costs about PKR 1,500 to PKR 8,000. This page covers melamine, PU, lacquer and varnish, shades, sanding and sealer steps, brushing and spraying, indicative rates, care and re-polishing tips. The same notes apply to wooden door polish and polish shade searches. For related pages see door paint, door polish colours and wooden doors.
Types of polish
- Melamine polish. A hard, clear coat, popular and affordable.
- PU (polyurethane) polish. Very durable and water resistant, good for main doors.
- Lacquer. Fast drying with a smooth gloss, often sprayed.
- Varnish and oil. Traditional, easy to touch up.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common figures per door including labour.
| Work | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Melamine polish, one side, per door | PKR 1,500 - 3,500 |
| PU polish, both sides, per door | PKR 3,500 - 7,000 |
| Re-polishing an old door with stripping | PKR 3,000 - 8,000 |
| Polish, per litre | PKR 900 - 2,500 |
| Wood stain or colour, per litre | PKR 700 - 1,800 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Shades
Common shades are natural, light oak, teak, walnut, mahogany and dark brown, and they depend on the wood and the stain. Test on an offcut or the back of the door, since stain looks different on each wood. See door polish colours for choices.
Preparation and sanding
Strip old polish if peeling, fill holes with matching filler, sand with 120 then 180 to 240 grit along the grain and wipe dust away. Poor sanding shows through every coat. Remove or mask handles and hinges.
Sealer, coats and application
Apply a stain if wanted, then a sealer, sand lightly and add two to three coats of polish, sanding between coats. Spraying gives a smooth finish and brushing needs a good brush and thin coats. Dry fully between coats and in dust-free air.
Care and re-polishing
Wipe doors with a soft damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. Touch up scratches early. Re-polish every 3 to 5 years for main doors in sun and rain, and less often indoors. Fitting should be done by a trained carpenter or fixer, and the frame and wall checked for level before the door is hung.
What to check before buying
- Polish type. PU for main doors
- Sample. Tested on an offcut
- Sanding and sealer. Done properly
- Coats. Two to three, dry between
Before you decide
Pick the polish for the location, test the shade and insist on proper sanding and coats. A good polish job protects the wood and shows its grain. Ask the polisher to leave a labelled sample board and note the product used for later touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
PU polish, which is durable and water resistant. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
As indicative ranges, about PKR 1,500 to 3,500 for melamine on one side and PKR 3,500 to 7,000 for PU on both sides, per door. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Two to three over a sealer, sanded between coats. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Every 3 to 5 years for exposed main doors. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Test on an offcut, since stain varies by wood. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Usually the same working day once you send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo. The reply is a written rate with the model, warranty and delivery listed, so you can compare it against other quotes line by line. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Polishing a door?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.