We have hollow core doors through out the house that I think are varnished. What prep work do I need in order to paint the doors? Also, what would be the best paint to use?
Thanks,
Stuart
We have hollow core doors through out the house that I think are varnished. What prep work do I need in order to paint the doors? Also, what would be the best paint to use?
Thanks,
Stuart
There's a constant source of clean water for you to use, and all you have to do is collect it.
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Replies
Varnished or not, you need to get the paint to stick to the door. Soooo, the surface of the door needs to be clean and roughed up. First make certain that the door is cleaned and then you will need sandpaper. As long as the finish/door is smooth get a fine grit of sandpaper. Completely rough up the surface.
I personally would not paint the sides of the door(the part that rests inside the frame, when the door is closed) because of possible interference w/the hinges or sticking potential.
Once you've roughed up the surface, you want to make certain the surface of the door is totally clean and free of particles. Tack cloth is very handy at this point.
Now you are ready to paint. The paint type is entirely up to you. Latex paint dries more quickly and with less odor than oil paint. Colors are practically limitless in both types of paint. Make certain to get the right type of brush for your paint product and have an nice clear undisturbed area where the doors can thoroughly dry before you reinstall them.
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FWIW. If your house is (or doors are) from the 50's or early 60's, the finish could be shellac.
You can find out by testing a small inconspicuous area with denatured alcohol- shellac will re-dissolve in it.
If it is shellac, just be sure it's clean, dry and smooth. Shellac is an excellent base for paints.
If varnish or polyurethane, scuff it lightly with sandpaper or even a heavy duty scrubber, and prime it with whatever primer is appropriate for the paint you're using. Primer is key.
If you don't have much experience painting, water-based will be easiest and give you the best results for your skill level.
Personally, I don't like the way water based paints look on hollow core doors, and think oil based, with it's superior leveling properties looks better, but it's a matter of taste and skill.
IMO, an amateur applied water-based will usually look better than an amateur oil based.
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