12009 Help Save an Old Door

I want to restore an old door that is 100+ years old (see pics - Old Door in situ and Old Door awaiting help!) . I basically want to clean it without being too aggressive and carry out some basic repairs. Any cleaning suggestions would be much appreciated. I am afraid I don't know what the wood is. [IMG]https://www.italtmagazine.com/forums/members/luce-dell-amore-albums-sunset-over-martina-franca-picture629-old-door.html[/IMG] [IMG]https://www.italymagazine.com/forums/members/luce-dell-amore-albums-sunset-over-martina-franca-picture630-26-03-09-012.html[/IMG]

Category
Building/Renovation

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 08:37

Hi Luce
If its really heavy, then my guess is it could be Oak, looking at the pics, its very wet , so first thing would be to let it dry out, laid flat on a few bricks , so that the air can get under it, when its dry it will be like concrete, so cleaning is easier because you can use heavy tools/sandpapers on it with less less damage to the wood it self, if that makes sense ?
I have 3/4 doors like this stored and waiting to be done this year ...or maybe next LOL............its a long job, but worth it...............good luck.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 12:38

Try a PM to Oil di lino he restores old doors, and I know he is doing a bit of work down in Pulia soon.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 14:07

lol at the face peering through in the first image! P.S. Is that you in the avatar ;)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 18:57

I think Olive is the obvious answer (think QI) but given the age of the door and that the area used to be heavily populated with oak woods then it is a good chance it is oak. Also I do know that untreated oak will go a silver grey colour when exposed to the elements.

I am married to the avatar:smile:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 19:18

At the risk of sounding rude, it's not a very special door in the grand scheme of things, special to you of course. I think a good sander will revive it to it's true beauty. Most supermarkets seem to have sanders on offer, at all times of the year - I'll see if I can find you a link. :smile:

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 20:46

[quote=Lollita;114696]At the risk of sounding rude, it's not a very special door in the grand scheme of things, special to you of course. I think a good sander will revive it to it's true beauty. Most supermarkets seem to have sanders on offer, at all times of the year - I'll see if I can find you a link. :smile:[/quote]

I disagree Lollita - I think it IS a special door - and sanding it would surely ruin it's intrinsic beauty and then it wouldn't fit in with the surroundings. I would want to retain as much of it's character as possible, and try very hard not to sand it but to maybe find a liquid wood restorer.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/28/2009 - 02:11

As always there are two sides to every discussion and I understand what Lollita means - in fact the builders advice was - burn it! Mind you they wanted to cut down some trees to make some building work easier but after my wife threatened to chain herself to the trees they got the message!
Carole you are exactly on our wavelength, I have all the powertools under the sun but I do not want to destroy the rustic beauty and was looking for smart tips for a gentle restoration. I think Deborahandricky's advice is the way to go - lots of elbow grease. However I have also made an appointment on Monday with a local (in the UK) barn restorer to get his advice and will report back with any top tips!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/28/2009 - 05:14

This seems to be an interesting read

[url=http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/ppuk_discovering_article_023.shtml]Period Property UK - The definitive guide to wood stripping and sanding[/url]