Do-it-yourself repair and restoration rules for wooden doors
Daily operation, mechanical stress, temperature changes - these and other factors negatively affect the condition of the doors. The wood loses its original luster over time. And the paint or varnish becomes covered with small scratches and moves away from the surface. You can eliminate these defects by repairing wooden doors, which you can do with your own hands.
Benefits of restoration
It is advisable to perform the restore, because this procedure allows:
- give the leaf an appearance that harmonizes with the interior design;
- create a unique door leaf with an original ornament;
- get a door that exactly matches the opening;
- maintain the level of thermal insulation of the room, because the door will eventually fit snugly against the opening.
Restoration is possible provided that there are no large defects (cracks) on the canvas or the door is made of inexpensive materials (MDF, fiberboard and others).
Repair is also justified for other reasons. In particular, wood dries out over time, due to which the restored door, unlike the new one, does not deform after installation.
Price
Restoration work is usually less expensive than buying a new canvas. Moreover, the difference is more noticeable in cases where you need to purchase a door of non-standard size.
Design
With the necessary tools and materials at hand, you can give the door leaf the look that exactly matches the features of the surrounding interior. Often it is enough to remove the old paint and apply a new one.
Antiques
Old products have a certain value - both material and aesthetic. Therefore, it is advisable to restore old doors and not replace them with new ones.
Coaching
Finishing materials and tools are selected based on the specifics of future work. In particular, if you plan to paint the door without visible defects, then you can limit yourself to paint remover, sandpaper and a power tool.
Tool and material
It is recommended to prepare most of these tools and materials in advance. This is explained by the fact that during restoration work, defects are often revealed that remained invisible during the initial inspection of the door leaf.
Spatulas
Medium and small spatulas are used to remove old paint and minor grout defects respectively.
Scissors
Scissors are needed if you need to drill holes to install door hinges or other niches.
Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are needed to remove and then tighten the hinges and door handles.
carpenter's knife
It is used to remove a thin layer of wood and grout individual parts of the canvas.
Hammer
The need for a hammer is rare. But this tool is also recommended to take.
Plane
The use of a planer is justified when it is necessary to eliminate defects on a large surface.
Sandpaper
Also used for grouting surfaces and preparing wood for subsequent painting. For the restoration of doors, it is recommended to take both coarse and fine sandpaper.
Power tool
The power tool speeds up restoration work. But to restore the doors, you can do it with traditional devices.
Electric drill
You need a power drill if you need to drill new holes in a door or wall.
Screwdriver
The screwdriver significantly speeds up restoration work and provides the required level of screw tightening.
Sander
It is recommended to take the machine if it is necessary to grind a large area. Sandpaper should be used to remove minor imperfections or seams.
Construction site hair dryer
The building's hair dryer is used to remove old paint.
Finishing materials
To extend the life of a wooden door, it is recommended to use all specified finishing materials.
Liquid for removing paint and varnish
During the production process, the doors are coated with varnish or paint, which provide additional protection for the wood. To remove such a coating, specialized fluids are used.
Antiseptic impregnation
This impregnation is used to protect the wood from mold and mildew.
Primer
Primer improves adhesion (allows deep penetration) of paint and wood.
Wood putty
Putty is needed to seal deep defects (especially nail holes).
Stain, paint, varnish
The choice between these materials depends on the type of door you want to offer. Stain, unlike paint or varnish, can replace antiseptic impregnation.
Nails and screws
Nails and screws are needed to attach the door to the leaf.
door furniture
The fittings are understood as hinges, handles and other similar parts.
How to remove the hinges with your own hands?
The algorithm used in this case depends on the type of loops installed. In some cases, it is enough to lift the door to remove it from the axes. In other situations, the help of a second person will be required. This will hold the door in position. And the installer at this time will begin to unscrew the screws that hold the hinges.
How to remove the paint?
The paint is removed by:
- sharpening;
- chemical substances;
- thermal treatment.
The choice of paint stripping method is primarily a matter of personal preference.
Sharpening
Using a sander or sandpaper, you can remove new and old layers of paint. When restoring doors, it is recommended to use a power tool, as the latter speeds up the process.
Application of chemistry
Specialized chemicals only remove the surface layer of the paint. These substances are applied to the door using a brush or spray. A few minutes after treatment, the paint should be removed with a spatula or water.When working with chemicals, it is recommended to wear a respirator and gloves.
Use a gas burner
The use of a gas burner is justified in cases where the use of other pickling methods is not possible. This is explained by the complexity of working with such a tool. The gas burner should not be left in one place for long, as the wood may ignite.
Construction site hair dryer
Instead of a gas burner, it is recommended to use a building hair dryer. The latter also promotes paint stripping, but does not cause the door to catch fire. When working with a building hair dryer, it is recommended to wear a protective mask, since toxic substances are released due to the heat.
Soft sanding
Soft sandblasting is performed using a specialized instrument. Therefore, the door will have to be sent to the workshop. The essence of the procedure is as follows: compressed air is supplied to the treated surface with a cleaning agent that dissolves the paint.
Using a drill and accessory
A drill with a sandpaper attachment can replace a grinder. The effect is the same in both cases.
putty
After removing the paint, it is recommended to sand the door. Then the surface is degreased, for which white spirit is used. If large defects are detected on the shaft, then the shaft should be putty. The material should be applied evenly to the surface, otherwise, after drying, you will have to grind the door.
Primer
Priming is performed after completion of the steps previously described. This process prolongs the life of the wood and improves the adhesion of the paint to the canvas. Chalk-based primer is typically used in door restoration. The material should be applied evenly over the entire surface and wait until it dries completely.
Main steps
The stages of restoration work depend on the purpose for which the door is repaired, as well as on the type of defects to be repaired.
Reinforcement and damage repair
To hide deep dents, take a chip of the appropriate size, cover it with glue and insert it into the gap. A day later, the problem area should be sanded. If the door is cracked, then you need to take a metal corner and fix the loose parts.
In order to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the canvas, it is recommended to use carved products for reinforcement, which are fixed with thin nails.
Glass replacement
The restoration algorithm in this case depends on the fixing method. If the glass is held by glazing beads, then the following steps must be followed:
- Pry up on the glazing beads using a spatula and reinsert them.
- Remove the nails with pliers.
- Use a chisel or carpenter's knife to clean out the opening.
- Measure the opening and cut the glass to the appropriate size.
- Insert the glass into the opening and push the glazing beads back. If necessary, the opening along the perimeter can be sealed with a sealant.
If a hidden fastener is used, then you will need to dismantle the door leaf and remove the glass. The use of silicone with this mounting option is prohibited, as the material interferes with the replacement. In some cases, with hidden fastening after installing new glass, you will have to process the door with a plane.
Dyeing
For painting wooden doors, it is recommended to use water or acrylic paints, which dry quickly and do not emit an unpleasant odor. This procedure takes place in two stages.
Base coat application
After preparing the wood for finishing, the first coat of paint is applied to the door. For this, it is recommended to use a roller and brushes. After the initial treatment, you should let the door dry for about a day.
Toning
The second coat of paint acts like a stain. After the initial treatment, the material is absorbed into the wood, losing its original color. To obtain the desired shade, the surface is tinted (a second layer is applied).
Decoration
Different methods are used to decorate doors:
- apply embossed plaster;
- decoration with vinyl stickers;
- collage stencils;
- treatment with cracking compounds providing the "aging" effect;
- treatment with sandpaper.
The last two methods have a similar effect. But cracking compounds simplify the aging of the door.
Opening
Before carrying out this procedure, the door must be placed in a vertical position. Shake the varnish before application so that the bubbles cease to appear on the surface. The material should be applied in three or more layers. It is recommended to carry out the procedure quickly, so that the transitions remain invisible. Each layer can be applied once the previous one has dried.
Slatted sheathing
This finishing option is interesting in that the slats are distinguished by a long service life and well withstand mechanical stress. The panels are also pre-treated with antiseptic compounds, polished and painted. The slats are fixed either on the lathing or directly on the door leaf, starting from the left edge. For fastening, thin nails are used, and the ends are sanded with sandpaper. At the end of the work, the material must be varnished.
Lamination
As a budget option for finishing doors, consumers use laminated film. Such a coating has a variety of patterns, up to imitation of masonry or abstraction. High quality films do not fade in the sun or fade for 10 years.
Replacement of hinges
It is recommended to take the hinges in the same size as the previous ones. This approach will eliminate the tilt of the doors. If the option to install new loops is chosen, then the latter must first be fixed on the "jamb", and then put the appropriate marks on the canvas.
Replacement of the lock
As in the case of hinges, it is recommended to take a lock similar to the old one. Otherwise, you will have to drill new holes in the door leaf, which can adversely affect the strength of the structure.
antique finish
Artificial aging is suitable for door leaves made of:
- larch;
- pines;
- maple.
The choice of aging method also depends on personal preferences.
Brushing
This option provides for the processing of the door leaf with a metal brush. The latter is used to remove the soft layer. After the procedure, the remnants of wood are removed with a polymer brush. Then the door is covered with varnish or paint.
coloring
The aging effect can be obtained by applying two coats of stain, first diluted in water and then in a solvent. After the procedure, it is recommended to rub the door leaf with wax.
Skating
A weathered effect can be achieved if, after the first coat of paint dries, apply the next one, which has a lighter shade, and wipe it off immediately. After that, the surface must be varnished.
Crack
Crackle is a special composition that gives an "aged" effect to wood. The material is applied to the first coat of paint. Thanks to the cracking, a mesh of cracks appears on the surface of the door leaf.
Other ways to decorate
In addition to the above methods of decorating wooden doors, you can use other methods of decoration: applying vinyl stickers, installing overhead facades, etc.
To stick on
Gluing the canvas with wallpaper allows you to make the door invisible against the background of the rest of the interior. Before the procedure, the tree must be treated with a primer. The wallpaper is pasted on the door in the same way as on the walls.
Stained glass decoration
The stained glass effect is achieved with the help of special paints, which are applied according to a previously prepared stencil. The procedure is carried out according to the standard algorithm.
The only difference is that after the paint dries, decorative flowers are applied to the door leaf.
Vinyl Stickers
Vinyl stickers not only decorate the door, but also help hide minor flaws. This material is applied directly to the canvas, without prior preparation. Vinyl decals should be flattened removing air bubbles.
Aerial facades
Aerial facades made of MDF are the most difficult option for finishing doors. This option is convenient because it allows you to hide defects without preliminary surface preparation.Facades are attached to the door leaf with glue or self-tapping screws.
hardware store decor
If an old door is being restored, but the hinges and handles do not change, then to restore the fittings, the latter can be sanded, removing traces of corrosion, and then covered with a layer of primer and paint. 'E-mail.
Other types of repair work
Usually, door restoration is not limited to door leaf repair. During operation, wood often crumbles, which is why deep cracks appear on the surface. In such cases, additional work will be required.
Laminated doors
The main problem with laminated door leaves is that the coating will peel off over time. Such defects are due to the use of poor quality materials. To eliminate this problem, it is recommended to remove the old laminate flooring and install a new one. The edge should be secured using the same method used to secure the removed trim.
Slippage
Sliding doors are usually installed in small apartments or in wide openings. The main problem of such structures is associated with a malfunction of the rollers, in which either the adjustment mechanism is weakened, or the bar loosens. To eliminate the last defect, it is enough to reattach the components. To solve the first problem, it is necessary to adjust the doors by placing a lock nut under the corresponding bolts.
Door stops
Doorstops cannot be restored. In the event of a breakdown, these components are replaced with new ones.
The door is bent
A crooked door indicates loose hinges or swollen wood. Therefore, to restore the canvas, it is necessary to find out the cause of this defect. If the door is askew due to loose hinges, the hinges must be retightened.
If the door is cracked
To solve this problem, you will need to use a plane, and then a grinder (emery paper), to process the door leaf in those places where the leaf touches the "jamb". After this procedure, the wood is repainted.
Rules of care
To preserve the original appearance of the leaf, the wood must be washed regularly with:
- the water;
- soapy solution;
- 10% alcohol solution.
Water is used to remove dust and soapy water is used to clean subtle traces of dirt. The latter is used to treat wood with stubborn stains. If the door leaf is varnished, it is recommended to use a polish based on beeswax for cleaning.
To avoid future problems, the hinges should be lubricated and retightened regularly. Also, special attention should be paid to the front door, which is more often affected by temperature changes, and the fittings get dirty faster. It is also recommended to keep the humidity in the house at an acceptable level to prevent the wood from swelling. If chips or cracks appear on the surface of the canvases, these defects should be immediately repaired and covered with an antiseptic and primer.