If your older doorways are seeming tired and could do with an upgrade, or you’ve discovered some historical pieces in a reclamation yard, do not hesitate to slather on still another layer of gloss. Beneath the years of paint that there is beautiful timber, offering the perfect complement to a rustic-style or country house. While this can be an arduous task, the results are well worth the effort. You can try one or more procedures for removing the paint, based on it’s depth, how nicely it is adhered to the timber and just how much detailing the doorway includes. Notice: Strip layers of paint only if you’re certain the paint does not contain lead. Lead was widely used in paints before 1978 and presents extreme health risks. If you are not certain if the paint includes lead, do not try to remove it and seek the advice of a specialist.
Lay out drop cloths in a well-ventilated room or workshop. Take down the door by removing the hinge pins or unscrewing the hinges from the door jamb. Place the door in the middle of your drop cloth. Remove the handles, hinges and any other hardware on the door. Wear your safety goggles, protective gloves and mask.
Sand down the large flat areas of the doorway by means of a power sander. Paint will typically come off one layer at a time, so be ready to devote a nice quantity of time. Begin by utilizing medium sandpaper, like 80-grit, if you’re certain the door only has a single layer of paint. As you reach the last layers of paint, use a finer sandpaper.
Eliminate heavy layers of paint using a heat gun, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Move the gun constantly to avoid burning the top layer of the timber, and use a putty knife to peel off layers of paint since they rise.
Remove paint from fine information and hard-to-reach nooks and crannies with a chemical stripper. Using a brush, apply a thick layer of this stripper on the timber, wait 20 minutes (or the time recommended by the manufacturer) and test to determine if the paint comes off with very little effort, using fine steel wool or a detail scraper. You may have to duplicate the stripping process on stubborn areas.
Wipe down the door with rags once it’s free of paint. Wait at least 24 hours for it to dry before finish-sanding and recoating the doorway with a protective finish.