1930s door restoration

Rishi2024 · Post by **Rishi2024** » Mon Apr 01, 2024 4:30 pm

Hi,

I inherited an original 1930s door from the previous owner of my house. I would like to get it dipped, stripped and sanded. However the beading seal around the window on the inside isn't in great shape and will probably fall off during stripping/sanding. I'm worried about spending money getting it stripped/sanded for the window to fall out or be too loose.

This isn't the 'front' front door, there are solid porch doors in front of this door so I am wanting to keep this one for style and aesthetic purposes, so not too worried about security and insulation. Please see photos below.

Any ideas how it can be repaired or secured? Do I speak to a carpenter or a window fitter or door makers? Or would you dump the door and replace? Any help much appreciated.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Mon Apr 01, 2024 6:27 pm

From your photos, it looks like it is putty holding the glass in. Firstly, tread lightly or you will bugger it up, avoid dipping as all the glue will break down and the door joints will become loose. The leaded light is made up of individual panes held in channeled strips of lead soldered together, it is delicate. I would use a paint stripper such as Peelaway but if budget is important then you can make your own up with caustic soda powder from Screwfix mixed in with wallpaper paste into a stripping gel. Protect eyes, skin, and breathing. If you want to do this right there are no shorts cuts. Forget trying to have a natural finish as the original primers will have soaked in and no amount of sanding will get anything better than a patchy finish. This might sound like I am being a bit arsey but I assure you it is said with the best intent.

DWD

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Tue Apr 02, 2024 8:17 am

I'd try to keep the door if possible , always nice to keep period features although saying that a few years ago I replaced a similar door that was made to accommodate the original leaded glazed light.
Looking at your pictures it looks like there is some damage , rot perhaps , on the top rail. That would need repair , a splice or filling at least. If there's rot in the top rail I'd investigate the condition of the rest of the door to make a decision on whether to keep or replace. As dwd says it looks to be putty which I'd say to carefully remove. There's likely to be pins or small nails as well holding the glass in place. With a bit of care the panel should come out which will make it easier to strip and repair. I'm not a fan of dipping. As said it damages the glues and I always feel it sort of denatures the wood itself. There's a possibility of lead paint so take precautions if sanding or burning off.

Rishi2024 · Post by **Rishi2024** » Thu Apr 04, 2024 9:34 am

Thanks so much for both of your replies, they are both very helpful. I think I will avoid sending off for dipping now as a few have said this could result in more damage. Not after a perfect finish, just want it looking as best as what I'm capable of.

The whole rail around the leaded light is rotted which is what was concerning me the most. It's going to have to come off but either myself or a carpenter will replace with new bendable wood as other people have suggested.