Add decorative moulding to interior doors

In this DIY project we’ll show you how easy it is to transform plain hollow-core doors into a feature using inexpensive pine moulding. It is a simple and affordable way to add detailing to boring doors and one that you can easily do in a day.

 

 

 

Your average hollow-core door is inexpensive at a cost of around R300, but it’s also flat and boring and doesn’t add anything to a home. We are going to show you to revamp a plain door into an attractive feature for a home.

YOU WILL NEED:

Pine moulding
180-grit sanding pads
Plascon water-based velvaglo
Wood filler
Pattex No More Nails adhesive

TOOLS:
Drill / Driver + assorted bits
Orbital sander
OPTIONAL: Dremel MultiTool and cutting disk
Foam paint roller and paint tray Small paintbrush
Mitre box and back saw, jigsaw or mitre saw
Tape measure and pencil
Clean cloths or rags

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. It is far easier to remove the door from its hinges in order to sand, paint and apply the moulding. Have someone on hand to hold the door while you unscrew from its hinges.

GOOD TO KNOW
If you discover that screws are stripped and cannot be removed, use a Dremel MultiTool and cutting disk to cut a slot in the screw. This allows you to use a flathead screwdriver to remove stripped screws quickly and easily.

2. Once the door is removed and out of the way you can pay attention to stripping hinges of layers of paint from the hinges. Use an eco-friendly paint stripper such as Plascon RemovALL to strip all the paint from the hinges and then re-apply water-based enamel.

3. Take the door outside or into your garage and place on a couple of sawhorses or workbenches. You want to be able to sand the front and back, as well as all the edges. Pay particular attention to chipped paint or damage, as this can easily be fixed up.

4. After sanding, wipe the door to remove all traces of dust. Apply Plascon water-based velvaglo enamel paint using a foam roller. Don’t overload the roller with paint and if you see small air bubbles on the surface, continue rolling and spreading the paint across the surface of the door.

5. You will need to apply 2 to 3 coats of paint for complete covering. Allow drying time between each coat and then make sure the paint is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

6. Measure to determine the length of the moulding strips to make the panels. Use a mitre box and backsaw, jigsaw or mitre saw to cut 45-degree angles on the lengths of moulding. Test fit to ensure the moulding fits together nicely.

7. Use Pattex No More Nails adhesive to secure the panels onto the door. Wipe away any excess adhesive that oozes out with a damp cloth before it has time to dry.

GOOD TO KNOW
You can also use Pattex No More Nails adhesive to fill in any gaps at the corners.

8. Once the adhesive is dry, use a small paintbrush to apply paint to the moulding. You can smooth this finish with a foam roller between coats. After letting the paint dry, have someone on hand to help you re-hang the door on its hinges. You will find a wide selection of pine moulding at your local Builders Warehouse. If they don’t have moulding in stock, ask them to order for you. Once you discover how easy it is to add decorative detail to a door you will be wanting to apply this technique to all the doors in your home!