Houston Home Maintenance Tips

Weekend Home Improvement Project: Refinishing a Closet Door

Over time, the doors inside our Houston homes can take a serious beating. From everyday wear and tear caused by pets and kids and bumps and bruises resulting from packing, unpacking, and relocating, it's no surprise that our interior doors often look worse than the exterior ones that deal with the elements of nature every day. Whether you're looking to sell your home in this buyer's market or just spruce things up for the New Year, refinishing a worn out closet door is a simple and affordable place to start.

Here's how easy it is to refinish a closet door in your Houston home:

1. Remove the door from the door frame, and lay the door on a flat surface. It might seem quicker to leave the door on for the job, but you'll just end up with a streaky, uneven coat as the new finish drips down toward the floor.
2. Remove all hardware from the door, including door knobs, hinges, hooks, and any other add-on hardware.
3. Use an orbital or rotary sander to sand the entire door, including both sides and the edges, to remove existing varnish or paint. Repeat as necessary to remove all varnish and to ensure the door is smooth and ready for the new finish.
4. First apply a sealant to ensure the stain you choose doesn't penetrate too deeply into the wood. Excess sealant and stain can be wiped away with a clean paper towel.
5. Brush your chosen wood stain over the door in sections to ensure complete coverage. Letting the stain pool on your door before brushing it in can ensure you have enough to get the job done. Let the door dry for a few hours before applying further coats. Don't forget to wear gloves!
6. If painting, apply the paint in the same way you would the stain without letting the paint pool. Just brush slowly and carefully to make sure you have complete, streak-free coverage.
7. Finally, after the paint or stain has been thoroughly applied, use a polyurethane finishing coat to protect your hard work and keep the door looking new for years to come. To de-emphasize the shine of the top coat, use sandpaper, and brush the door clean afterwards. Your door may require multiple coats of the finish and, therefore, multiple sandings.
8. Once you're done, re-hang the door, and re-attach all hardware. Voila! You've got a good-as-new closet door in just a few simple steps.