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How do you remove paint from wooden door?
This exterior wooden door has at least 6 coats of paint on it and I would like to restore it to it's natural condition. What is the best way, or best product to use, to remove the existing paint that is on it?
Answer: Before I retired I was painting contractor and charged $450 to refinish a wood door. It is a good DIY project.
It is easiest to pull the hinge pins to put the door on saw horses so you can work on it. (Can be done in place but easier not too)
I don't like caustic strippers and have found latex paint strippers are just as effective. Apply the coat with a cheap throw away brush and let sit for about 15-20 minutes making sure to keep wet by applying more stripper.
With a putty knife start removing the layers of old paint. Be careful not to gouge the wood. For any designs in door use steel wool or stiff brush to get in the crevices.
It will probably take a few coats to break all the old paint loose since so many coats of paint. Once all the old paint is off you can rinse the door back down with the water hose. This is the true advantage of a latex stripper.
Hang it back in place letting it dry a couple days. Sand the door as needed and recoat with a Marine varnish. Marine varnish is perfect for exterior applications.
After about 3 coats of varnish you have your beautiful door back to its original splendor.
