Month: May 2020

Even the most durable wooden doors can develop cracks over time due to mechanical damage or temperature variations, especially if the door is exposed to external conditions. The good news is that many of these cracks can be repaired, preventing the need for a costly replacement. Here’s a guide on how to restore your wooden door effectively.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Begin by examining the extent of the crack. Determine its length and width to gauge the severity. Be aware that multiple coats of paint can sometimes conceal cracks. Use a quality paint stripper to reveal the damage if necessary. Check whether the crack has loosened any nearby joints or panels, as these may also need attention.

Step 2: Remove the Door from Its Hinges

Taking the door off its hinges makes the repair process much easier. This also gives you the chance to store the door safely while you work. Consider taking photos of the door before starting the repair to help you rehang it correctly later.

Step 3: Sand the Damaged Area

Use a belt sander to smooth the cracked area and remove any splinters. Sanding prepares the surface for effective filling. Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses during this step, and clear the workspace to avoid damaging nearby items.

Step 4: Fill the Crack

Clean the sanded area with a damp cloth, then apply a suitable wood filler. Choose a flexible filler that can expand and contract with the wood, avoiding silicone-based products since these are hard to paint over. Apply the filler with a putty knife, ensuring the crack is completely filled. Wipe away any excess before it dries. Allow the filler to dry for at least 24 hours.

If the crack still has a depression, use fast-drying wood putty to level the surface. Once dry, sand the area again to ensure a smooth finish.

Step 5: Final Touches

Sand the door again, paying attention to edges and corners for a uniform surface. Propping the door up on spare pieces of wood can make this step easier. Once the surface is smooth, you can proceed to paint or stain the door as desired.

Need Help?

For expert advice or professional paint stripping services, contact us at Premium Door Stripping. We specialise in restoring wooden doors, ensuring their beauty and integrity are preserved for years to come.

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.