Asked on Apr 16, 2014
Should I leave the old doors as they are or repaint them?
by
Busymomhelp
+83
This is my new outdoor repurposing project. 2 doors turned into a handging table and a seat. I am not sure what to do next. Should I repaint them and make them look like new or leave them shabby?
76 answers
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I personally love the old paint but, it's probably a good idea to be cautious about the paint containing lead. Maybe you could put a good clear polyurethane on it to seal it in. That's what I'd do. Maybe a light sanding to get the smoother texture.
Constance
on Apr 16, 2014
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I love your idea of the hanging table outta old doors.
Constance
on Apr 16, 2014
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I love the old look, but seal it and you're good to go. I used to make hanging tables and use them for end tables in the living room. I loved this too.
Teresa Schroepfer
on Apr 16, 2014
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I would also keep old look!
Laura Jackson
on Apr 16, 2014
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old.....love it
Cheryl Ponzar
on Apr 16, 2014
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Love the old look, but it would even better with a little freshening up with a little white washing over the current paint and on the legs of the bench to let the color show through and clear coat it. I love your idea.
Susan Sheffield
on Apr 16, 2014
- See 1 previous
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I may be the only one who feels this way but I just don't understand this current trend for flaking, worn-out paint. When I paint something..... I want it to look clean, and freshly painted. So I would paint these doors! But I LOVE the hanging idea...that's awesome!
Amy Merriam
on Apr 16, 2014
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keep it the old look. Put a few pillows on it.
Gilda Marconi
on Apr 16, 2014
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Love the old paint...I mould seal it also.
Sherrie
on Apr 16, 2014
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Love them, but i would n't want the flaky chips in my food if possible, and ? of lead. And sitting on the bench may again leave chippy flakes on your clothes. I'd lightly sand and coat with poly for the outside... great job and looks fun.
Lynn Zawojski
on Apr 16, 2014
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I like the shabby, maybe put a thin glass top on the table.
Maria M
on Apr 17, 2014
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I go for paint
Shirley P
on Apr 17, 2014
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The table needs some thing so the paint chips don't get in mouths
Mary Clark
on Apr 17, 2014
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I'm different. I would clean them really good and decide what color of paint to buy. When it comes to eating off something, I want the clean look.
Mureleen Watson
on Apr 17, 2014
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Love the shabby look, don't paint!
Michelle Hazelrig
on Apr 17, 2014
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Ll obe the old look but I would go with otherw people here and seal it, and yes pillows would also look good :-)
Katarzyna M
on Apr 17, 2014
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At first glance, I thought you had made it into a swing!! (you still could, you know!)
Johanna Eldridge
on Apr 17, 2014
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white wash them then seal them
Kitty
on Apr 17, 2014
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Shabby for knick-knacks, lamps, arrangements, etc. Fresh, crisp and clean for eating. Just sayin'.......
Debi Jones
on Apr 17, 2014
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Refinish both. Neither are antiques and both look to be of decent wood. Strip the paint, stain in your wood color of choice and seal.
Lois Crivello
on Apr 17, 2014
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for this particular set up, eating and swinging, I would paint to match.....you could use chalk paint and a sealer, this would keep paint off your clothes and out of your food :) But they are really cute!
Sharon Gass
on Apr 17, 2014
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Personally, I would paint them and seal them. They do look really cool!
Patty Reisz
on Apr 17, 2014
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I would go for the clean paint and pillows.
Betty Mckinney
on Apr 17, 2014
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Make sure that isn't lead paint!
Cindy
on Apr 17, 2014
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Do what you like if you are the one living with!
Karyl Conard
on Apr 17, 2014
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If mine, I would scrape the paint chips down. Leaving the paint showing and partly wood. Then give it a good couple of coats of polyurethane wood protector.
Bonnie Ihrie
on Apr 17, 2014
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Paint
Robyn Cave
on Apr 17, 2014
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If you leave them shabby you would need to seal them or get slivers of paint in you tush and off your table. So you may as well paint.
Linda L
on Apr 17, 2014
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you have a baby there and you don't know if there is any lead toxicity with these. Sand them paint them and seal them.
Connie Cunningham
on Apr 17, 2014
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shabby is nice...but is that a lead paint on the door? I think I would get a mask on and give it a good washing, let it dry well and then seal it...preferably with a spray. If you are planning on dining at the table you will want it to be clean and lead free! Nice job!
Accentuations!
on Apr 17, 2014
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I would leave it this way, put some blooming pots of flowers on it (or something similar). Then a tablecloth if you use it for dining.
Jodi Sanford
on Apr 17, 2014
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It depends on the whole look you have going. If everything else is all tidy and spiffed up, I would paint it in keeping with that style. If everything else is "eclectic," I would leave it shabby or minimally improve it by smoothing it a bit and sealing it.
Dana Shuster
on Apr 17, 2014
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I would paint them and add a cute bench cushion on the bench. If you lije the distressed look that would look really good. Add some pretty flowers on the table and a couple of potted plants on the patio.
Cathy A. D
on Apr 17, 2014
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I would do a red/white checkered top for the table, white with red trim on the seat and a few red/white checkered throw pillows. Neat ideal.
Kathy hodges
on Apr 17, 2014
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i would say paint them bright & cheery colors, don't need to match.
Jessica Mullen
on Apr 17, 2014
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The table seems too low for the bench. How would you eat at that height?
Nancy
on Apr 17, 2014
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Definitely shabby
Annette Brittain
on Apr 17, 2014
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paint them
Hazel Witzgall
on Apr 17, 2014
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They look ugly and dirty. Paint them.
Gloria Musgrave
on Apr 18, 2014
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I think I would scrape off all the loose paint and then clear coat with exterior poly.
Rose Halloran
on Apr 18, 2014
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Be a good idea to scrape the paint, just because of the possibility of lead. Then do what ever you want with it. I think it is a great idea.
Julie Sutake
on Apr 18, 2014
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Paint them for sure. You'll be pleased when finished. Since it's a small project you could use leftover paint.
Stephanie George
on Apr 18, 2014
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paint them for sure. I agree with nsch the bench lookd even wtih the door how would you eat at the table???
Mary
on Apr 18, 2014
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If you like the shabby look and you want it to definitely be safe for your lil ones, then you can strip it and then repaint and ruff it up to give it the look you want or just seal over the top of the existing paint.
Greedith B
on Apr 18, 2014
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I would clean em up n paint them good, esp if u have children or finds who have children visiting. One nvr knows if there is lead paint on the doors or not...
Alice Gerber
on Apr 18, 2014
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Clear coat.
Janice Staggs
on Apr 18, 2014
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I would just scrape any loose paint off, then seal.
Henry Menn
on Apr 18, 2014
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Leave it, just put a glass panel on top of the table.....I LOVE IT
Carol Brilliant
on Apr 18, 2014
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Just scrape and seal it, looks great
Dawn Evans Hallinan
on Apr 18, 2014
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Definitely the table seems too low to eat at. Probably should raise the table. Paint or not to paint...your decision. For a cleaner look...paint.
Bev
on Apr 18, 2014
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If the table and bench will be exposed to rain or snow, you should paint them to waterproof them.
Kathy Dillard
on Apr 18, 2014
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I would paint it. It is an old door and could have lead based paint on it.
Ginger Scott
on Apr 18, 2014
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Although they are beautiful as is, I agree with the lead paint. Plus looking at your house, it would blend better if they had a fresh coat of paint.
Mikki Cavallo
on Apr 18, 2014
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Yes, lead paint is a factor, however if you wanted the old look after cleaning, sponge on or rub the paint on! If it weren't for the lead paint, I would just make sure no one can get paint chips in the back of their legs or behind!
Julie Sims
on Apr 18, 2014
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PS, it is extremely clever and perfect just the way it is!
Julie Sims
on Apr 18, 2014
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I love the old blue door and would have used it somehow standing up! I love old blue paint. But I agree with everyone that unless it's in an old looking garden with a shabby fence and wooden wagon wheels and old wooden ladders all around, I'd clean them up and paint them with waterproof paint to make them blend in with your house better. And you need a big center piece of some sort! Have fun with this! Great place to sit and chat!
Pamela Knott
on Apr 18, 2014
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I am not a fan of distressed wood. I would sand, prime and paint with a waterproof paint. Good luck.
Liliana Wells
on Apr 18, 2014
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use the table as a day bed outside just put a small mattress or some big oversized throw pillows on it..
Debbie Hettinger
on Apr 18, 2014
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leave it
Jane H
on Apr 18, 2014
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clean with TSP lightly scrap in a safe area(may have lead [paint on them) then seal good stain=ARE YOU GOING TO PAINT THE TRIM IN THE WINDOWS THAT ARE SHOWING IN PIC IB RIGHT CORNER keep all trim the same beautiful door!
Paula
on Apr 18, 2014
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Paint
Patty Edge
on Apr 18, 2014
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Repaint
Chery63
on Apr 18, 2014
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PAINT IT !! please.
Jessie
on Apr 18, 2014
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Even sanding lead paint can make you sick...that powder is very dangerous, you don't want to inhale any part of it. Seriously, I wouldn't deal with it, I'd replace it with new wood. Make sure you know what you're doing if you're not a professional! http://www.nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/Guide_to_Working_Safely_RLP.pdf
Barbara R
on Apr 18, 2014
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Seriously....people used lead paint for a long, long time and we didn't die. We had asbestos in our attics and pipe covers.......we didn't die. You guys are just wusses.
Pat Croley
on Apr 18, 2014
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@Pat Croley your incorrect people did die from both products. They ended up with cancer from asbestos and children ended up with brian damage from lead paint. Now as far as your project repaint. Have the doors test before you do any sanding. Good luck.
Patricia
on Apr 18, 2014
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Even using a goop to remove lead paint needs to be done with a mask, its just a precaution and make sure no small children want to "help." Otherwise, I still think your find and idea are awesome!!!
Julie Sims
on Apr 19, 2014
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I agree about the lead paint worries! especially out in the weather, the erosion of the wood would increase the chipping of the lead paint, and those chips might get into the food! Strip it to the natural wood, then stare building up random layers of paint of different colors, but sponging areas away to give it a weathered look! finish it off with a clear lacquer!
Timothy Snyder
on Apr 19, 2014
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Love it just how it is - creative and beautiful!!
Starr Durrant
on Sep 13, 2014
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If you are likin em leave all natural...
Janet Friend
on Sep 13, 2014
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I would suggest to paint them. It would look more attractive.
TMulhern
on Sep 15, 2014
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Buy a lead paint test kit, use it, then decide on your next steps! Precautions may not be necessary. If you decide you like the shabby look best, use some polyurethane sealer to keep them from peeling further.
Martha
on Sep 15, 2014
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People pay good money for them to look just like that.
Lee
on Sep 16, 2014
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If you like the distressed look then put a clear sealer over it and it won't chip off or get dust on your clothes or food. If sealed then the lead paint problem will not be a problem!
Rebecca Bellew
on Sep 17, 2014
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I didn't see this project until today, but wanted to offer my 2 cents' worth about the paint. Although many of us grew up in homes that had lead paint (as a child, my husband even melted & recast lead soldiers!), it's always a good idea to test old paint for lead. Children are more susceptible to lead poisoning, so it's best to be safe than sorry. If it IS lead paint--which was used until the 1960s---DO NOT scrape or sand it, even outdoors. Lead stays in the soil & can be dangerous, especially for kids or pets. The best way to remove lead paint is with chemical strippers. There are 'safe' formulas, but most don't work as well as the other formulas do on lead paint. I've stripped old doors & windows with a heat gun & sharp metal putty knife, while wearing a respirator made especially for working around lead fumes. Another method is a type of stripper that is covered with special paper or fabric, then pulled off. Lead paint residue is supposed to be disposed of properly, not with regular trash.
P.j. C
on Nov 02, 2014
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Yes definitely test for lead. Maybe light sand to get flakes off. Coat of linseed oil and water base shellac to keep the pretty shabby look from deteriorating on you
Maggie Jarrell
on Sep 12, 2016
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