Monday, July 19, 2010

Spruce Up Old Woodgrain Sliding Closet Doors

A flogging brush turns ordinary work into extraordinay work.


Bringing old closet doors back to life can be very inexpensive. Replacing closet doors, however, can be costly, especially if there are several needing attention. In addition to the door cost, there is also stain and finish expenses. Not only is renewing existing doors much cheaper, it can also be a very rewarding job that brings a great deal of personal satisfaction. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Remove the closet door and hinges. Place the door on a suitable work surface and lightly sand the door with 220 grit paper. There is no need to overwork stains or discolorations in the wood.


2. Mix 1/3 cup clear glaze with 1/3 cup of water. Use less water for deeper colors. For a dark, mahogany look, add pea sized amounts of burnt umber, burnt sienna, and crimson red in equal amounts. This color offers the best hiding for heavy stains. For a lighter look, double the sienna color and add half the umber and crimson red. For an attractive glaze to highlight a nice closet door, use only the raw sienna. Mix the color and glaze in a rolling tray.


3. Wipe the door with a damp cloth. This raises the grain to accept the glaze. On a corner of the door, roll a small sample to test the color. If it is OK, begin rolling the door. If not, remove the glaze with a wet paper towel. It will easily wipe off.


4. Roll the door with long, even strokes and light pressure. Work the colored glaze into the door, repeatedly rolling an area until it is smooth and even. Glaze is thin and not applied like latex paint. Roll it until the roller is almost exhausted of glaze. When reloading the roller, start rolling 3 to 4 inches away from the previously rolled glaze and work to blend the new with the old. Continue rolling the glaze until the entire surface is evenly colored and there are no harsh glaze lines.


5. Flog the door with a flogging bush after the door has slightly begun to dry. This is usually after 5 to 10 minutes. Holding the brush flat, bounce the side of the bush against the glaze. Very lightly work up and down the door creating a subtle, wood grain texture.


6. Glaze and flog the reverse side of the door and edges. Allow 24 hours for the original glaze to dry before finishing the reverse side. Protect the door with 2 to 3 coats of urethane.







Tags: door with, closet door, closet doors, glaze with, reverse side, sienna color