Stripping internal doors / frames

Niv

The doors are generally old so I do not want to replace them but currently they are painted with faded gloss (yuk). I want to restore them back to wood then wax them.


I do have a heat gun already, but was not sure if this would be too time consuming?


Any ideas on best / least messy methods for this?

Ebe_Scrooge

It depends on what your priorities are. The easiest solution is to remove the doors and send them away to be dipped. Very little hassle and zero mess for you - but at a cost, obviously. You'd probably still need to deal with the frames yourself, though.


Other than that, a heat gun or Nitromors. Both are a cheaper option, but both will require a fair bit of work, and will create a fair amount of mess.

Oakdene

Get them dipped, cost me about £30 per door.

elver_man

When using a heat gun you have to be careful that you do not burn / scorch the surface of the wood. If you are intending to strip the doors and wax then I personally would avoid this method and go for a chemical stripper.


And then, a lot can depend on what type of wood the doors are manufactured from as different strippers have different effects on different wood.


Caustic removers are the best for heavy build ups but have a few pitfalls such as the possibility of marking the surface of the wood especially on hard woods.


Solvent removers may need several applications as they are not quite as good at removing heavy paint build up in one application. They also give off a lot more fumes.
However they are better if you are intending to have a natural finish and not repaint the door.


Either way, be prepared for a lot of work, and plenty of H&S


You may also have a company in your locality that will be able to strip the doors for you by submersing the doors in a tank. However its not unknown for the chemicals to react with certain glues, again a lot will depend on the age, type of wood etc of the door but to be honest its more a problem with old furniture than doors. It will also depend on the type of paint, water based or cellulose are very difficult to remove by dipping but the company would be better to advise.

Niv

Thanks guys. I think I will look for a company to strip the doors then have a go at the frames with a chemical stripper.

trailingspouse

Don't use a chemical stripper if you are fond of the carpet/wallpaper that butts against the door frame. It goes everywhere.

I've always found a heat gun is best for gloss paint - just start slowly, on the lowest heat, and keep it moving. You'll get the hang of it. It's very satisfying.

J_B

Niv wrote: »

Thanks guys. I think I will look for a company to strip the doors then have a go at the frames with a chemical stripper.

We used Strippex in Crewe - don't know if that's near you??