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Re-skining an old wood entrance door

7 years ago

My 70 year old, 32x78 inch, front door is protected by a eight foot deep porch. It is a simple mahagany , "slab", solid core door with an octagonal window.

I was in the process of refinishing this door and had it stripped and lightly sanded, when one night, the local high schoolers utilized ketchup to write "Seniors --- Happy Graduation" on it's raw wood veneer.

After my high school senior daughter was unable to completely remove the tomato and sugar based, organic matter, the veneer quickly molded and peeled.

Now, I have lost three layer of veneers, the thin mahogany exterior layer, plus most of the two heavier, base layers, and the door core pieces are partially exposed. I believe the lost layers added up to a bit over an 1/8th inch.

My wife wants the door salvaged....

Is reveneering this door possible?

If so, what product should be used?

How should it be applied, and where can I obtain that product?

Would "lauan", if painted, hold up or would the high humidly of south Louisiana quickly destroy it?

Any advice (other than building a nice fire) would be greatly appreciated.

Kyle

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Comments (4)

geoffrey_b
7 years ago
Buy a new door.
kudzu9
7 years ago
Although this was unfortunate, the door should not have had that much damage simply because of the prank. It may have been deteriorating internally without you realizing it or the stripping process may have precipitated a serious, structural delamination. Re-skinning the door would take a lot of prep and a lot of woodworking clamps to accomplish properly....probably the services of a professional if you don't have the tools and experience. It's sad to lose an old door, but I reluctantly agree with geoffrey that buying a new door may be the best option.
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What I noticed when looking at the photo of the house. All the windows are framed in dark brown. The door is not, which is why it looks so barefaced. I would recommend replacing the center panel, painting white again. But the small strip around the door should be dark brown. And, I would go with a good hardwood sill, and paint the facing edge dark brown also. However you finish the rest of the sill, you need the same look for the door frame as the windows all have. Since the door frame shows hinges for a screen door, I'd look for a wood worker who could make you a screen door in dark wood. Whether you request inset screen to change out with glass inset is your choice. Most people have no use for a screen door with glass. Unless you like the extra light it could afford you. These may be decisions you can make later. Drive around, see if there is another home with your style and see how the front door is done. Glass inset screen door, or just screen? Give that one some time. Good luck on your door, am happy to see you want to do it right.
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woodbutcher_ca
7 years ago
Hello, I have repaired cabinets that were faced with Formica that had holes in them (public housing) I just glued a new piece of Formica on top.

I think if you find a door skin that you like you could repair the door. Sand the door flat then glue the skin with contact cement ( no clamps). Cut the skin about a half an inch big then cut with a knife or sand it to fit after you glue it down. Use a knife and rasp to make the holes for Knobs and window after it is glued. Make sure you research using contact cement.

Good Luck Woodbutcher
klem1
7 years ago
I agree door can be reskinned at home. Butcher's method is good as any but I would alow lots more than half inch over size and remove excess with bearing guided laminate trim router bit. +1 about studying up on contact cement before starting. In case you don't see them in your research,here's some tips. Lay several wood dowels across door after glue dry's then lay skin with dry glue on dowels. The dowels will not stick to dry contact cement. Adjust skin to overhang door on all sides then starting at one end or center,carefully pull dowels from between door and skin one at a time. As dowels are removed carefully press skin in contact with palm of hand until all dowels are removed,then roll it. Beg,borrow,buy or steal a laminate roller and really lay into it while rolling skin. If you can't use a roller,do this to make sure bond is good. Use sandpaper to ease sharp edges and corners on a block of hardwood then slide block around on skin while hammering it with blows equal to driving 12D framing nails.

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