How do I spruce up these plywood stained doors?

Karen have you tried Murphy’s oil soap to clean and restore them? It’s easy and inexpensive.

Hi Karen! I hope these sites will be just right for what you need with your disability. I have tried to find you some sites that have some easier ways to get the job done with a great look. Good Luck to you and Merry Christmas Karen!

https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/door-refinishing-painting-varnished-doors/view-all/

https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Stained-Door

https://www.ehow.com/how_7700098_paint-plywood-cabinets.html

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/545428204845060992/?lp=true

The doors look like they're in good condition. Give them a good cleaning with vinegar and olive oil in warm water. Or, use something like Cabinet Magic. Be careful not to scrub too hard, built up oils may have eroded the original finish. Change the knobs to something that appeals to you. As long as they're clean and kept polished, you should be just fine. If you really hate them, you can paint them. Take the knobs off, wash the panels with TSP and use a foam roller to apply the paint. I like a "hand painted" finish, so I usually apply the paint and go over it again with a high quality brush. You can do one panel at a time, as your energy and ability dictate, but you'll also probably be looking at painting the door frame as well, which will involve a ladder, so think about it before you jump in.

There are a multitude of projects on Hometalk. Here are a few ideas:

Add a frame & slats diagonally for a barn door look

Decorate with Washi Tape https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/doors/washi-tape-your-door-39419248

Faux Finish https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/doors/get-an-amazing-faux-silver-leaf-finish-with-just-paint-3707253

Screen print a design https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/doors/lace-inspired-door-15329225

Paint & add trim https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/doors/hollow-core-bore-to-a-beautiful-updated-door-diy-slab-door-makeover-15862926

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/doors/watch-how-i-make-my-cheap-builder-grade-doors-look-like-wood-doors-11537092

Chalkboard paint

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions! No haven't tried Murphy's oil, will do that...And also looking to paint them, change knobs ect...

I updated mine with picture frame molding, paint and new hardware. See my post.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/home-tours/ugly-door-makeover-31703821

In order to take paint they will need to be cleaned well and deglossed a bit. If you can stand sanding, light sanding will degloss well enough for paint to stick. If sanding is a bit much for you, there are chemical deglossers at hardware stores. They are kind of stinky, so ventilate well and wear gloves and a mask.

It will be easiest to do well painting if you can take them down. If you can't, mask off the floor and walls around them. If taking them down, remove the hinges and paint the sides first, then the fronts. If you can't take them down, I would suggest masking the sides and just painting the fronts. It does mean the wood colored sides will show when they are opened, but that's not too bad.

Use a good primer first to seal seal them and prepare them to take paint. I like to use a roller for just about everything because I don't like dealing with brushes so much, but brushes do give a smoother and more handpainted finish. If using a roller, a foam roller will likely give you the smoothest finish.

Let the primer dry really well. Then repeat the painting process using a good quality paint. For something like doors a semi-gloss tends to be my finish of choice. Gloss paint shows little imperfections too much, eggshell is just a bit dull and not quite as easy to clean.

An alternative to painting would be to take off the knobs, cover the doors in contact paper, and then put the knobs back on. Again, if doing this I would cover only the flat faces of the doors, not the sides.

Good luck. Post photos when you're done....

I sanded mine, used a tack rag then used a darker stain with a sealer. They look new.

Reba has a great way to fix them, I would also update the handles. You can find something you like at a local home improvement store. As I am also home bound, I use Menards as they have riding carts for us older baby boomers. They also have a great choice of new knobs.

Here’s some fun ideas, paint, wallpaper, mirrors, cool hardware...

If you do plan to paint, don't bother with the Murphy's oil soap. It will just add more oil/moisture that you'll need to remove prior to painting. I agree that paint would be nicest if you can do the work. Taking the doors down will make it easier for you if you've got somewhere to place them. Taking them down is very easy so I'm sure you can ask a relative or neighbor to help you for 4 minutes. Happy Holidays to you!

A couple coats of paint would look great. Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk