Useful Tips for Antique Door Restoration

Restoration is more than just cleaning and redoing of items. It includes dealing with an object serving plenty of generations, being adapted to modern living conditions and requirements. Since, the process of restoration is quite interesting, involving plenty of techniques and methods professionals use, we wanted to share some tips and tricks you can use in case you are taking up the restoration as a DIY project. 

Even though antique items come with a certain uniqueness and beauty, they most of the time are used by several generations and require a repair before being used again. So, here are the steps that you need to take to first repair an antique door. 

1st Step in Restoration of Antique Doors - Process of Repair 

If there is a piece of wood that needs to be fixed, here's how you should replace it. 

• First of all, before the repair comes the stripping process, just so you can deal with bare wood when repairing. 
• Do exact measurements of the area that need to be repaired.
• The measurement of the wood you are going to put on the door to be replaced, should be initially larger. 
• Make an outline of the space that needs to be repaired.
• By carefully chiseling out the bad wood that needs to be replaced, a new block can be placed there to replace it. 
• Making sure that the new block fits perfectly, you can make it as a one smooth piece. 

On the other hand, if there is metal item that needs repairing, such as knobs, holes or keyhole covers, you can explore the local antique shops that specialize in door hardware. Even though you might not find exactly what you’re looking for, you will get something close for sure.

Refinishing Before Setting Up the Door

The first step in the refinishing process is the stripping of the door. The type of stripping process majorly depends on the type of wood that is about to be stripped. There are two types of stripping processes, including caustic and non-caustic stripping. For instance, hardwood doors such as elm or pine can undergo caustic stripping, while oak, beech and walnut wood are best to be treated with non-caustic stripping because this method is not so harsh on the wood. 

However, with the stripping process not all the paint is removed from the item, and it requires sanding and cleaning, before applying a protective finish with natural wax or oil. 

The natural wax or oil will give the door a natural shine, while preserving the quality of the wood. The natural wax or oil can also be the base for further paint on the wood. 

All of these processes are best to be done out in the open in order to lessen the effect of the harmful materials that are released throughout the stripping process in the air. Outside work also helps in the drying process, of course, depending on the season and weather. 

Wrap Up

We always recommend that the best way to handle a job you haven't done before is by letting a professional do it for you. However, in case you want to try it on your own, you should educate yourself enough before doing it. And also, in case something gets wrong, you should leave it to experts.