Month: May 2020

Even the most durable wooden doors are subject to wear and tear over time. This will often be seen in the form of cracks.

Common causes include mechanical damage or temperature variations (particularly if the door is found on the exterior of your home).

However, many cracks can be repaired in order to avoid a more costly replacement.

What does this process involve? Let us quickly examine some professional suggestions.

The Initial Assessment

You will first need to determine the length and width of the crack in order to accurately view the extent of the damage.

This can sometimes be tricky if multiple coats of paint are present (these finishes may hide the extent of the issue). In such a case, it is wise to employ a quality paint stripper for wood around the immediate area.

Then, try to see whether or not the crack in question has loosened any nearby joints or panels. This leads us to the next step.

Repairing the Crack

You will first need to obtain a tube of caulk specifically designed for wooden doors. Avoid using silicone, as many paints will not adhere to this substance.

Look for a filler that is somewhat flexible so that it is able to expand and contract in accordance with any mechanical forces. Completely fill the crack and be sure to wipe off any excess with a damp cloth before it dries.

If the crack still exhibits a depression, adding fast-drying wood putty will ensure a level surface.

This putty can be sanded once it has dried, so be sure to allow at least 24 hours before taking additional steps such as applying a fresh coat of paint.

Please feel free to contact Premium Door Stripping for additional advice or if you require a professional paint stripper in order to tackle an upcoming project.

Does your home contain one or more louvre doors? If so, you might wish to change their appearance on occasion through a coat of paint or semi-transparent stain.

This will often require a bit of sanding to avoid any issues during the application process.

However, the main issue is that these doors contain dozens of slats which can be tricky to address.

Let’s take a look at how to sand such doors with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Addressing the Louvres Themselves

You should first remove any hardware such as handles and locks, as these might become scuffed during the sanding process. Begin by sanding each slat in a horizontal motion; being careful to get into the crevasses on either side.

Work from the top down to ensure that all louvres are addressed. If you find it difficult to access a specific spot, there are many paint stripping tools specifically designed to reach tight angles.

Finally, run your hand over each louvre to determine if any wood burrs are present.

Sanding Larger Surfaces and the Circumference

You can then begin sanding the larger flat panels of the door. Avoid using a motorised circular sander, as this could inadvertently damage the grain.

Pay particular attention to the joints between each panel in order to ensure a smooth finish.

The last step involves sanding the exterior edges of the door. Assuming that every surface has been addressed, use a damp rag or a small vacuum to suck up any sawdust that remains.

In the event that the sanding was intended to remove paint or stain, the steps above may need to be repeated more than once.

Extremely stubborn areas might also benefit from the use of a paint stripper or a varnish remover. Of course, be sure that the agents in question will not harm the underlying wood and always read the instructions.