6 Tips to Repair a Damaged Wooden Door

Seeing damage on your woodwork? Does your door seem grainy with streaks all over? These are clear signs that the door is in dire need of repairs, and if you don’t do this, the damage extends beyond cosmetic

21/06/2018

Seeing damage on your woodwork? Does your door seem grainy with streaks all over? These are clear signs that the door is in dire need of repairs, and if you don’t do this, the damage extends beyond cosmetic. Therefore, to help you come with a plan of action, we are giving you the following tips!

Common Issues

Moisture, direct sunlight, and wind/dirt are the arch nemesis of wood. These ruin the finish, and if you don’t recoat the surface, the underlying wood starts degrading. Wooden Doors that lack serious protection will suffer from weather damage more quickly as compared to partly covered doors.

Therefore, you should inspect the doors regularly, and look for the following:

• Cracks in Finish
• Peeling Paint
• Bubbles on Surface
• Raised Grain
• Streaks Appearing all over the finish

If you see any of these signs, then you better take action asap. The sooner you get rid of these issues, the longer your door will last.

Prep the Door

Before you do any repairs, you better clean the door first. Get rid of visible dirt and inspect the door in detail. If there are a few minor issues, then you are better off with repainting it. You can easily treat small chips and wear spots even without repainting.
But if you witness the finish being heavily damaged, then you have to perform a full finish restoration. Remove the door from the frame by carefully tapping out hinge pins and move the door. Place it flat on a level surface and get rid of hardware like lockset, knobs and handle. Place them carefully while you work.

Remember, removing the door is a two-man job. Make sure you strip all six sides of the door to assure there is nice even finish. Once you removed the old finish, use 120 or 150 grit sandpaper, sanding with the grain.

Varnish or Paint

Some people prefer stains and varnish instead of painting their door. This makes sense when you pick stains. This is more suited for exterior doors as compared to the interior. If the door is damp, there will be air gaps and bubbles that will degrade the finish.

Protect the Door

Once you have refinished it, you need to take a few precautions to assure it lasts longer. Pay attention to cleanliness and wipe down the signs of dirt or stains just as they appear. Clear leaves and dribs as soon as they start accumulating in the garden. If the door starts to stick or jam, find out why and attend to it.

You may just have to oil the hinge or put it back in place. If you are careless, then you will run into some bigger issue.

Wax it

Annual waxing can help you maintain your woodwork. A light spray shine wax can do the trick. Just apply it the right way, and it will keep your door from harm’s way. Don’t wax the door in sunlight or when it's too cold. Just do it was and rub it in every area before making your way to the next one.