Continuing from our previous blog, painting woodwork is the focus of this blog. In particular focussing on doors that have recently been stripped, however the general nature of this blog can relate to any sort of woodwork painting you have needs for. As usual within these blogs I have tips and techniques for you that you may wish to follow. Of course, creating that sleek, shiny, smooth finish on woodwork takes a great deal of attention and patience, but it is not a completely difficult job. Being attentive and patient will create a very good finished product. If the old paint is in a decent condition then a simple re-coat or two will suffice. However, as usual, a different approach is needed when dealing with paint that is in bad condition. Old, flaky or discoloured are synonyms that describe bad conditioned paint.
In relation to recently stripped doors; if the exterior paint is in decent condition, then there is no need to hard work the paint back to the bare timber. If there is flaky paint remove it with a scraper and then sand areas to create greater even surfaces. Always try and remove furniture decorations (handles, knobs, plates and knockers) so as not to cover them in paint.
Repainting: Fill any sort of holes with cellulose filler costing less than £8 from DIY stores, such as B&Q. Sandpaper the surface to create an area that the new paint can ‘adhere’ to. (Make sure your new paint is of the same colour as woodwork if you wish to repaint). In the same way as neutralisation in the last blog, rub the door with white spirit or warm water to clean particle to stop them from attaching to the paintbrush. If old paintwork is in good condition ignore this step, if not; an undercoat will help cover this up((If the woodwork has been stripped to timber then an undercoat is important)). Sand down any sort of ‘primer’ coating to continue with ‘upper’ layers, for which the sandpapering will create a new are for the paint to attach to again. Once enough coats have been applied and dried and your door is refurbished to the eye and the feel, you are done!
Happy Painting!