Asked on Jun 25, 2014
Advice needed on how to 'prep' cupboard doors for painting or varnish
by
Valerie
+41
I recently found two cupboard doors at our local dumpster. They are beautifully hand-carved, and I really would like to retain as much detail of the carving as possible. The doors themselves are made out of teak, and they have been painted (front only) in a water-based paint.
I have now had a cupboard made to fit the doors. I have the doors 'clamped' to the cupboard as it seems that they had been left out in the rain and had warped. Hopefully by clamping I will take care of the warping problem.
Any advice on the best method to prepare them for painting would be gratefully received.
I would also consider varnishing them, except that I was unable to match the original wood, so some solutions on how to deal with the different woods would also be appreciated.
I have now had a cupboard made to fit the doors. I have the doors 'clamped' to the cupboard as it seems that they had been left out in the rain and had warped. Hopefully by clamping I will take care of the warping problem.
Any advice on the best method to prepare them for painting would be gratefully received.
I would also consider varnishing them, except that I was unable to match the original wood, so some solutions on how to deal with the different woods would also be appreciated.
16 answers
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I'D SAND THEM DOWN REAL GOOD AND USE A CHALKY OFF WHITE OR A LIGHT VANISH ON THEM
Carol Richardson
on Jun 26, 2014
- See 4 previous
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What a find! Awesome!
Adrianne C
on Jun 26, 2014
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I UNDER STAND THEIR ARE PAINT REMOVERS OUT THEIR SO YOU CAN KEEP THE SANDING DOWN
Carol Richardson
on Jun 26, 2014
- See 2 previous
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For some spaces a Dremel works well around detail.
Dora F
on Jun 26, 2014
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Who would throw those away?!!!! Great find!
Diane Sterling
on Jun 26, 2014
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Use stripper, and then immediately after you gently scrape away the worst of the paint layers, use rubbing alcohol and a rag to get a bit more of the paint out of the cracks. This is a tedious, time-consuming process. The last few layers you'll want to follow up using a xacto blade with the alcohol to get paint out of the cracks (gently so you don't gouge your wood). I've done it on a similarly carved cabinet with good results.
Anna Erishkigal
on Jun 26, 2014
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I would use stripper to remove the paint and forget trying to sand it off because of the detail. Franmar Soy Gel is very good, as well as, Citristrip gel. Use a toothbrush for the detail work. You could forget stripping it and use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint if you plan to paint it anyway.
Susan
on Jun 26, 2014
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I'd use citrus gel, a non toxic paint stripper (use a toothbrush for the intricate parts) and then wipe down with denatured alcohol...good luck!
Ltp196740
on Jun 26, 2014
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Are you going to paint over them or stain? If you are going to paint, especially with a slightly darker color, all this work mentioned is unnecessary. Just lightly sand, especially where paint may be chipping or peeling. Then paint the color you want. There is no need to strip. I've done this multiple times with out problem.
Meena M
on Jun 26, 2014
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Isn't there a liquid sandpaper out there that lets you skip the sanding completely? I'd talk to the Home Depot, etc guys. They'll help.. Also, there's lots of help on Pinterest too. Love those crafty girls!
Pajunka
on Jun 26, 2014
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Use chalk paint. Hardly any prep work needed.
Peggy Rickard
on Jun 26, 2014
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For an old look, just paint over the white with a darker paiint and wipe off the excess. It iwll look worn and beautiful. I would ldo a gray paint on top then wipe off some of it so the white shows through.
Ruth Nichols
on Jun 30, 2014
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I would paint and distress to give those awesome doors a fresh look
Diana Hollowell
on Jul 05, 2014
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Whatever you decide to do, please share the end result with us.... those are amazing doors...
Kathy Meyer
on Aug 16, 2014
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The earing is lovely Cupboard looks great
Jean Myles
on Apr 12, 2016
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Thank you!
Valerie
on Apr 13, 2016
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