Ireland is known for having many historic homes, but it’s not always easy to restore those antique doors. If there is extensive damage, original materials, like vintage doorknobs and locks, are harder and harder to come by. If your doors are still in good condition, and you would like to restore them to their original state, restoration is possible.
To restore an old antique door that is in need of a little care, and can be renewed with a sanding and a new stain, start by removing and cleaning old hardware as best as you can. In many cases, previous tenants or owners may have painted over the original doorknobs and metal plating. Stripping and cleaning old metal hardware is relatively easy to do, and it can do wonders to help revive your gorgeous antique door. You can try boiling the metal to help lift the paint, making it easier to remove. Never reuse the pot you boil the painted hardware in for food. Be sure to take extra care with any lead-based paint. Also be careful to never boil any glass hardware, as it can crack from the excessive heat.
After the hardware is stripped of paint and cleaned, you can use a metal polish to shine them up, or you might choose to maintain their rough original tone. Finish them up by using some WD40 or spray with a clear lacquer, to protect it from future tarnish. Then you can apply a stripper to the paint on the door and scrape it off, refurbishing it to its original wood. Follow with grit paper with a fine or rough surface, depending on the need. Be wary of being too aggressive with the very abrasive grit, so you do not wear down the wood too much.
Depending on the condition, with some care and attention, or the help of professionals, you can restore old doors to their former glory. Sometimes the job can be more than you can handle, whether too difficult or time consuming, or the original door may just be too far gone, so be sure to use the advice of local experts in Ireland whenever needed.
