How to Enhance Brand New Oak Doors?
I love the 1 over 3 doors that are typical of homes built in the 1930s. However, over the years, the doors in our house had all been stripped out. We are slowly replacing all the doors with new ones but they all looked "too new" with no patina or character of their own. I decided to wax them all to darken them and enhance the natural grain. Follow our journey here!
We ordered new doors, in the 1 over 3 style of the 1930s. The doors are solid oak and are amazing quality. Really heavy and thick. Its just they lacked any real personality, they don't have the patina that comes from being old and original.
Desperately trying to put the "old" back in to the house, I decided to wax them a darker oak colour to bring out the beauty and character of the wood.
As the door had already been hung, I decided to wax this door in situ. However, this wasn't the easiest solution and following doors have been treated before they were hung!
You will need:
- Wax for wood (I used BRIWAX Dark Oak)
- Wire-wool grade 0000
- A lint free cloth
- Disposable gloves (unless you want fingers that look like you smoke 200 a day)
Apply the wax in the same direction as the grain, using the wire wool which helps to push the wax right in to the grains of the wood. Once the door is completely covered, use the lint free cloth to polish off the excess wax and achieve a lovely smooth finish.
You can instantly see the difference. The patina and the grain enhance the door immediately.
It took me about an hour to do the door. I love the way the door looks. Its much more interesting now, the grain is absolutely beautiful and the finish is lovely and smooth.
People always comment how they love "the original doors" in my house. They look aged and as if they have always been there.
My advice to anyone doing up an old house and feeling they need to go modern, as hunting around reclamation yards just isn't for them, then buy new things but take care to choose styles that would have been original in the era of the house. There are lots you can do to make things look old and beautiful.
This is a door that I waxed for my utility room, this one has a glass panel. Its super easy, give it a go!
Check us out on Instagram- thenewfrontwall
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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It is so great to see someone who takes the time to honor the era of the house instead of re-muddling it. I applaud your extraordinary and faithful efforts!
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Thank you! We are trying to put e everything back - did you see my post about putting the fireplace back in? 😊
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Well done.
Love it
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Thank you 😊
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
from what I understand with waxing you cannot put a protective sealer over wax. Are you going to have to continue waxing over the doors as years goes by????
nice Job...!
can ask you what kinda hot water heater ...brand....I need one for this winter in basement...very nice looking,....I have the cast iron...would like to upgrade....
thanks....
Will this wax stand up on an exterior door? I am replacing my front door and don’t want to paint it, probably have to stain and seal it since it’s outside. It’s a small covered porch but still gets lots of afternoon sun.