- 1). Take the door off its hinges. You can simply unscrew the hinges entirely, or tap the pins out using a hammer to separate the door and frame. Move the door outside or into the garage where it can be worked on. Protect the floor or ground under the door using drop cloths or newspapers.
- 2). Remove all of the hardware from the door. Hinges, stops, and protection plates can be unscrewed using a drill or screwdriver. To remove the knobs or levers, look for a small set screw on the handle. If there is no screw, look for a pinhole. By inserting a paperclip into this hole, you can release the knobs from the door and easily remove them.
- 3). Apply paint stripper using a regular paint brush. Allow the paint stripper to soak into the paint for several minutes, then use your scraper to gently remove the paint. If you'd prefer not to use harsh chemicals, you can rent a paint stripping gun from most home improvement stores. This tool will heat the paint up so it can be scrapped away.
- 4). Sand the door to remove any rough spots or remaining paint. Use a damp cloth to wipe away sanding dust when you are finished.
- 5). Apply wood stains or paint as desired. If you are working with an exterior door, use a UV-protective coating designed for outdoor use. Because the door has two faces and four sides, you'll have to complete as many sections as you can, then allow these to dry before flipping the door over to get the other sides. Apply coatings using a paint brush, and use at least two coats to ensure the door is covered.
- 6). Allow all stains and paint to dry overnight, then reinstall hardware and rehang the door.
previous post
next post