Ways to update an old door: tips and recommendations.

Painting

This is one of the most traditional ways to remake a door leaf, but despite the apparent simplicity of the process, painting requires accuracy and strict adherence to technology. If possible, remove the door from its hinges; if not, lay a film on the floor to protect it from paint drips.

1. Unscrew the handles.
2. Remove the old layer of paint using a building hair dryer or a special remover. Simply sand the laminated surface with sandpaper for better adhesion and degrease.
3. Smooth out all chips and scratches with wood putty, and after drying, go over it again with fine sandpaper. Be careful and patient, try to make the surface smooth, otherwise the paint will highlight all the imperfections and defects.
4. The most resistant to external influences paints are acrylic and latex. They have almost no smell, due to which repainting at home brings only pleasure. Special compositions for painting furniture are also suitable, but they are more expensive. Apply two coats of paint to the canvas, allowing the drying time specified on the packaging.

Tip! Choose paint from trusted manufacturers that does not require a protective varnish coating – this way you will save money. Repainting a door will be cheaper than buying, delivering and installing a new one.

Wallpaper

This method of decoration does not require careful leveling of the surface: dense non-woven or bamboo wallpaper will hide minor imperfections. You can use the material left over after repairs or buy a roll of new ones – buying one copy will not hit your wallet. A more expensive but effective option is photo wallpaper, which can visually deepen the space.

To do the job as accurately as possible, carefully measure the dimensions of the door and apply markings to the wallpaper. Instead of regular wallpaper glue, you can use PVA.

Do not choose paper products if you want the door to last as long as possible. But if there are no other options, be sure to cover the finished product with acrylic varnish. Pay special attention to the edges.

Painting

Not everyone can decorate a door leaf with an image – this requires artistic skills. After preparing the “canvas”, you should apply the drawing with a pencil and only then start painting with acrylic paints or permanent markers.

For those who do not dare to paint, stencils have been invented, which are easy to find in craft stores or cut out yourself. And if you are interested in geometric patterns and lines, use masking tape.

It is necessary that the template or adhesive tape fits tightly to the door, otherwise the paint will leak inside and spoil the pattern.

Mirror

Mirrors have long ceased to be a rarity in the house and are now hung not only in the bathroom and hallway, but also in rooms: they visually expand the space, optically complicate the environment and reflect light. Hang the mirror on the door, securely fastening it: the product must withstand constant vibrations.

An easier way to decorate a door is to stick so-called flexible mirrors on it. They are sold not only as a solid product, but also in the form of hexagons, squares, circles. Despite the limited functionality, mirror elements will look very impressive.

Self-adhesive

This material is still popular due to its availability and wide range of colors. To decorate the door leaf, smooth it out with sandpaper, otherwise all minor defects will show through after pasting.

1. After taking the necessary measurements, cut off a piece of film.
2. Remove part of the insulating layer and press the film to the surface.
3. Smooth the material with a rubber spatula or cloth, driving out the air and carefully moving downwards.
4. Tuck the edges, heating the film with a hair dryer.

Rivets

A meditative work that requires perseverance – decorating the door leaf with metal furniture nails. Rivets, buttons and even gears with nuts will do if you want to create a composition in the steampunk style.

Attach the parts along the contour of the panels or create a dynamic ornament by first making a sketch on paper and drawing lines around the door.

Moldings

Moldings can add expressiveness to an ordinary flat door – depending on their shape, they will fit perfectly into both classic and modern interiors. The frame can be made of thin plywood – you will need a jigsaw, a miter box and precise calculations.

Tip! If you want to take the easy way, buy foam skirting boards from a hardware store: they are easier to cut and glue. After painting, the material will become harder and stronger.

Antique painting

An option for bold and creative people, since the finished product should fit organically into the interior. It will look impressive against the background of an ideal renovation in Scandinavian or eco-style, as well as in a room with notes of boho and shabby chic.

1. Prepare the surface by degreasing, sanding and priming.
2. Paint the canvas in a dark or light color.
3. Rub the areas with future abrasions with a candle.
4. Paint the door in a contrasting shade to the previous one.
5. Sand the places covered with paraffin with fine-grained sandpaper.

You can also use the dry brush method or craquelure varnish for artificial aging.

Adding a socket

Another creative idea that will not require large investments. A ceiling rose is easy to find in a hardware store: choose a lightweight product made of foam.

1. Clean the canvas, degrease and make the necessary marks so that the decorative detail is exactly in the center.
2. Evenly apply “Mounting” or “Universal” glue to the back of the rosette along the entire circumference.
3. Glue the rosette to the door, press firmly. If necessary, fix with screws and fill the joints with putty.
4. Paint the product in the selected color and install the handle.

Decoupage

With this technique, you can turn a door into a real work of art. Floral decor, made up of napkins and secured with glue, is familiar to everyone. But flowers do not always fit into a modern interior and are more suitable for themed rooms in the country and Provence styles.

For decoration, you can use pages from books, notes, photographs, and geographical maps. A collage will attract everyone’s attention and replace a wall painting. Techniques can be mixed, adding paint and relief details that will turn a modest canvas into an art object. Ideal for a fusion-style interior.

Chalkboard

A great idea not only for a child’s room, but also for a kitchen, living room and bedroom. You can draw pictures on a chalkboard door, learn to write (an option for kids), leave positive messages, make a menu or a shopping list.

One can of chalkboard paint is enough to decorate a single product. Its cost is high, so you can make the composition yourself by mixing black acrylic paint with a small amount of dry construction mixture (putty, tile adhesive or tile grout will do). For a more durable and wear-resistant coating, two coats are required.

Fabric

If you love handicrafts, why not reflect your passion in the surrounding environment? Using scraps of fabric, you can create a patchwork composition that will look like a soft blanket and thus add coziness to the room.

Instead of cotton fabric, you can use leatherette: this is a great way to add a touch of luxury to the interior. Leatherette is sold in hardware and construction hypermarkets, as well as fabric stores. Before buying glue, be sure to read the instructions on the packaging, which will indicate what materials it is suitable for.

To complete the redesign of the door leaf, replace the fittings: new handles will successfully put an end to the spectacular transformation.