doors

today i am resuscitating the last of the old doors. they are in pretty good general condition but are painted cream (almost yellow thanks to the effects of time) with the old oil based enamel paint.  anyone who has tried to paint over oil based paint with the new acrylic paint knows its a nightmare. the new acrylic paint just peels right off the old stuff. even ordinary primer doesn't work. 

there are a couple of products that solve the problem that can be purchased at Bunnings. the best is a spray can of primer than allows you to paint acrylic over any surface (ceramic/metal/wood etc)- i have used this in the past to paint an old lamp (found here). however one can will cost you around $18 and will only cover maybe 1-2 doors.  for this project i am using esp (easy surface prep) and so far so good- no peeling!! you just wipe it on with an old rag and wait 90mins. it can be found at Bunnings in the paint section and will cost you around $15 but there is enough to do maybe 10 doors!

step 1: remove doors from frame and take outside to a clean area to paint

step 2: clean up the doors with a damp cloth (ours were caked in dust and spider webs!)

step 3: remove old door handles and check the new handles will fit the holes (you may need to adjust with a chisel and circular drill bit)


step 4: patch up holes and imperfections with wood putty, allow to dry, sand and then a light cover with some gyprock final finish (for a smooth finish) and finally another light sand


step 5: wipe over entire door with esp (easy surface prep) and wait 90 mins to dry

step 6: using an enamel roller (softer than the normal rollers to create a smooth finish) paint the door with your new acrylic paint (we used Taubmans water based enamel trim in satin white). our doors required 3 coats!


step 7: fit the new handle and hang door, voila! 

or alternatively you could just buy a new door......