Are 1970’s/80’s internal veneered doors worth sanding down?

Landen · 12 May 2019

Hi, just moved into a 1980’s built bungalow, can’t afford to change doors just yet (13 altogether) they are the standard flat panelled stained veneered doors of the 80’s, I’ve sanded a patch and they have come up a nice lighter colour. I’m wondering if anyone else has done this? And if they end up looking okay or just a bit cheap? Also if I decide to go all the way, what should I finish them with? I don’t want to paint them, so a clear varnish of some kind?
Thanks in advance

Tigercubrider · 12 May 2019

Worth a go.
I expect the veneer to be thin. Probably polyurethane varnish
I would buy a sander and fine paper and start really slowly so that you gauge the job as you go
Or even manuallly using a block

I would remove the doors a few at a time and sand outside as summer is here (almost) as you can sand them flat and also refinish them flat. Be careful on edges as it is easy to round off any corners

JohnD · 12 May 2019

are they hollow doors?

if so, they cost about £30 new, so not worth investing a lot of time and effort.

When the time comes, I'd suggest something more solid. As well as feeling better, they will muffle sound more. Especially useful for bedrooms and bathrooms.

BTW a matt varnish will look better than gloss. Clear, not tinted.

Landen · 12 May 2019

I

Yes they are hollow doors :/ I guess I’m thinking about cost more than anything, if I were to buy new then I’d wait until I could afford solid doors but with 13 doors , the hardware and fitting that’s going to be a pretty penny! And my husband is not a DIY man! I’m just a bit sick at looking at the current doors as we’ve plastered, put down new light oak flooring and painted etc and the doors are now an eyesore as the varnish is so dark.

JohnD · 12 May 2019

Landen said:
my husband is not a DIY man!

but, DIY is woman's work!

Landen · 12 May 2019

You’re right... at least it is in my house! Lol

JohnD · 12 May 2019

it will darken a bit when you revarnish. You can get an idea by rubbing the surface with a damp cloth.

Landen · 12 May 2019

That’s a good point! In that case they may be a bit too dark for what we want anyways. Any idea on what wood the veneer is? Thanks

JohnD · 12 May 2019

I'd guess Sapele.

There are a lot of reddish tropical hardwoods that are inaccurately called "mahogany"

Landen · 12 May 2019

Yes I think you’re right, okay well thanks for your help, I think I might do the inside of one door and go from there.

Andy2121 · 12 Feb 2024

Landen said:
Hi, just moved into a 1980’s built bungalow, can’t afford to change doors just yet (13 altogether) they are the standard flat panelled stained veneered doors of the 80’s, I’ve sanded a patch and they have come up a nice lighter colour. I’m wondering if anyone else has done this? And if they end up looking okay or just a bit cheap? Also if I decide to go all the way, what should I finish them with? I don’t want to paint them, so a clear varnish of some kind?
Thanks in advance

Hi, l know this is an old post, but how did you get on with your doors? I’m in exactly the same position as you with the exact same doors. The only difference is my doors are not a standard size (1998 mm)so l would have to customise a new door size and they are a couple of hundred per door. I’m thinking of trying to see if l can grey wood stain them or something. Or see if l can just get a paint spraying company in to spray them.

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Are 1970’s/80’s internal veneered doors worth sanding down?

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