How To Test for Lead Paint and Refinish Antique Doors

Antique doors are a great way to add character to a house, but when buying an older door, it’s important to be aware of the potential presence of lead paint. Lead paint was only banned in the UK in 1992, so before you refinish any antique door, it’s crucial that you check it first.

How to test for lead paint

Testing an antique door for lead paint is fairly easy to do. You can buy a lead testing swab kit online or at a DIY shop that will quickly and easily help you determine whether or not there is lead present on your door.

Doors are high traffic areas, and lead paint can become dangerous if it starts to chip or break down. So if the test comes back positive, you will need to remove the paint with a chemical paint stripper.

How to remove paint with a chemical stripper

• Apply the paint stripper using a paintbrush (be sure to use one that you don’t mind throwing away afterwards). Apply a liberal amount onto the flat surface and work it into all the corners and mouldings on the door.
  
  If you have a particularly detailed door, make sure you take the time to work in the paint stripper. Follow the instructions and leave the product on for as long as it recommends.
  
  
• With a flat-bladed scraper, try to scrape back the paint on a test patch. If the door has multiple layers of paint on it, you might need to add a little more stripper and wait for it to break down the paint.
  
  
• Scrape off all the paint on the flat surface to reveal the bare wood. To remove the paint from the mouldings, use a shave hook, pulling it back towards you.
  
  
• Use either white spirit or water (follow instructions) on a cloth or brush to remove all the stripping solution before sanding and refinishing the door.
  
  
• Removing paint may reveal cracks and blemishes in the door. If there are any you want to fill, do so at this point using a wood filler. If you plan on staining the door, use a wood filler that matches the finish as filler won’t take a stain in the same way as wood.
  
  
• Sand the flat panels of the door with a medium grade abrasive paper, working in the direction of the grain. When sanding the door, be careful not to round off any sharp corners or mouldings.
  
  
• Go back over the area again with a fine grade abrasive paper.
  
  
• Fold the fine paper for sanding details, mouldings and corners (take extra care in these areas). Depending on the wood the door is made from, you may be able to use fine grade wire wool instead of abrasive paper. Check the material first though, as wire wool can leave marks on woods such as oak.
  
  
• Finish the door using a paint or wood stain and varnish (depending on the desired appearance). If you are refinishing an external door, make sure you choose an appropriate weather-proof product to protect the wood and keep it looking its best for longer. 

West Yorkshire Architectural Antiques are specialists in genuine, antique doors and door furniture. All of our doors are genuine reclaimed items, as we don’t sell reproductions or artificially aged products. If you’re searching for the ideal finishing touch to your home, take a look at our current stock of antique doors.