Benefits of door refinishing and varnishing

Custom Painting, Inc.’s professional refinishing and varnishing door services offer several advantages, enhancing their appearance and durability. Here are some key benefits:

1. Cost-effective home improvement

• Refinishing a door is much more affordable than replacing it. It allows you to refresh the look of your doors without the expense of buying new ones.
• Varnishing enhances the longevity of wooden doors by protecting the surface from wear and tear.

2. Restores original beauty

• Refinishing brings out the natural beauty of wood, highlighting the grain and texture.
• Over time, doors can fade, chip, or become discolored. Refinishing removes surface imperfections like scratches, giving the door a brand-new appearance.

3. Customizable look

• When refinishing, you may want to stain the wood in a different color or apply a new finish, allowing for a refreshed or entirely new aesthetic.
• Varnishing comes in different finishes, such as matte, satin, or gloss, giving you the flexibility to match the rest of your home decor.

4. Durability and protection

• Varnish creates a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and daily wear. This helps to prevent the wood from warping, cracking, or rotting over time, especially for exterior doors.
• Refinishing and varnishing also protect the door from scratches, stains, and fading, maintaining its condition for longer.

5. Increased property value

• Refinished and well-maintained doors contribute to curb appeal and can enhance the overall value of your home, especially if it’s part of a larger home improvement project.

6. Environmentally friendly

• Instead of discarding old doors and contributing to waste, refinishing allows you to reuse existing materials, making it an eco-friendly option.

7. Improved functionality

• During the refinishing process, minor repairs (such as fixing loose hinges or cracks) can be addressed, resulting in a door that functions more smoothly and efficiently.

These advantages make door refinishing and varnishing a worthwhile investment for interior and exterior doors.

Our door refinishing and varnishing process

When you choose Custom Painting, Inc. to update your doors with refinishing and varnishing, this is what you can expect:

1. Removing the door (optional)

• Take the door off its hinges to work in a more controlled environment, especially if both sides need refinishing.

2. Removing the hardware

• Remove doorknobs, locks, and hinges, or cover them with painter's tape to protect them from damage during refinishing.

3. Cleaning the door

• Wipe down the door to remove dust, dirt, and grease using a cleaner (e.g., a mild detergent or trisodium phosphate solution).
• Rinse and allow the door to dry completely.

4. Stripping the old finish (if necessary)

• Use a paint or varnish remover to strip the existing finish if the door has heavy damage or peeling.
• Scrape off the softened finish with a putty knife or stripping tool, being careful not to damage the wood.
• For intricate areas, use steel wool or a stiff-bristle brush.
• Rinse and neutralize the stripper residue as per manufacturer instructions.

5. Sanding the door

• Begin with coarse-grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-120 grit) to remove the remaining finish and smooth out rough areas or imperfections.
• Move to finer grits (e.g., 180-220 grit) for a smooth finish.
• Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.

6. Repairing imperfections

• Fill cracks, gouges, or holes with wood filler. Once dry, sand it smooth to match the surrounding surface.

7. Final cleaning

• Wipe down the door with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust.

8. Staining (optional)

• If changing the door’s color or enhancing the wood grain, apply a wood stain.
• Use a brush or cloth to apply the stain evenly, wiping off excess with a clean cloth.
• Allow the stain to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions.

9. Applying the varnish or clear finish

• Choose a suitable varnish (e.g., polyurethane or marine varnish for outdoor doors).
• Apply the first coat using a high-quality brush, working in the grain’s direction.
• Allow the first coat to dry as recommended (usually 6-24 hours).

10. Sanding between coats

• After the first coat dries, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-320 grit) to remove imperfections or bubbles.
• Clean off sanding dust with a tack cloth.

11. Applying additional coats

• Apply at least two to three more coats of varnish, sanding lightly between each coat.
• The number of coats depends on the level of protection and sheen desired.

12. Final drying and curing

• Allow the final coat to dry thoroughly and cure for several days before rehanging the door and reattaching the hardware.

Why choose Custom Painting, Inc.?

Here are the reasons why you should choose us when it comes to door refinishing and varnishing:

• Experienced professionals: Our team brings years of experience and expertise to deliver a flawless and long-lasting finish.
• Customer satisfaction: Custom Painting, Inc. focuses on delivering high-quality results and exceeding expectations.
• Attention to detail: Our paint experts meticulously prepare surfaces and apply paint, varnish, or any coating on your doors for a polished look.
• Customized solutions: We also offer tailored advice on door colors, finishes, and techniques to suit your preferences.
• Competent and transparent pricing: We offer reasonable, clear, and accurate estimates with no hidden costs.
• Warranties and guarantees: We ensure your peace of mind with long-term protection of workmanship.

Contact us!

Ready to transform your home’s entrance and enhance its overall curb appeal? Call Custom Painting at 925-294-8062 or message our contact page to request a free, no-obligation quote!