Properly refinish a wooden door to restore its appearance.
The majority of doors in a typical house are constructed of wood. It proves the most efficient and practical material for household doors because of its durability and versatility. The shape, size and color of wooden doors are easily modified, and they are considerably less expensive than plastic or metals. Like many household surfaces, painted wooden doors lose their finish over time. Refinishing one will restore its color and protective coating.
Instructions
1. Unhinge the painted door and ask another adult to assist you with carrying it to an open, well-ventilated workspace. Remove the necessary screws holding the doorknob in place to disassemble it.
2. Wear safety goggles and a respirator to protect against paint fumes and sawdust. Sand the painted door with a 100-grit sanding sponge to dull the old finish. This prepares the wood so the new finish adheres properly. Nicks, scratches and other blemishes also are smoothed during sanding.
3. Dust the door to remove the grit, paint residue and sawdust left after sanding. Wipe down the wood with a tack cloth to pick up any last traces of dust.
4. Prepare a can of sanding sealer according to the instructions on the product label. Brush a coat onto the door using a natural-bristle brush, following the direction of the wood grain.
5. Allow the sealer to dry to the touch, then sand it with a 280-grit sanding sponge to prepare it for paint. Bare natural wood normally would be finished with a polyurethane wood varnish, but paint will serve as a final finish.
6. Mix a can of paint in your choice of color using a wooden stirring stick. Latex paint is the most commonly used household paint; it is nontoxic and is often available in a wider variety of colors than traditional oil-based paints. Use a new brush to apply an even coat on to the wood, following the grain once again.
7. Allow the first coat of paint to dry. Then lightly sand the first coat with the 280-grit sanding sponge and brush a second coat of paint on to the door using the same method. Repeat the process for 1 to 2 more coats, or until you've achieved the desired results. Do not sand the top coat.
Related posts
Crackled paint gives a distressed, almost antique look to ordinary wood items. A crackle glaze causes the surface color of paint to form small cracks that reveal a different paint color or the nat...
If you're hoping to restore that painted hardwood floor back to it's original luster, it may be easier and less expensive than you think. With a little time and elbow grease, you can have that har...
Wooden beds can be painted just about any color.Strong, simple and versatile, a wooden bed is a popular option that complements many bedroom styles. Some of the more prominent types of wood used i...
Paint an exterior door to protect the wood.Choose a paint designed to be used outdoors for your new door; exterior paint will offer extra protection from the elements. If your new wood door has co...
Create a welcoming entryway to your home with a red door.A brightly colored front door creates a welcoming entrance, says Jill Blake, author of "Healthy Home," and a front door painted r...
