Paint or stain for softwood patio doors

[JamesCarters]

Afternoon all. I have just bough some bi fold softwood doors for a shed office. The doors were originally painted but have been stripped back to bare wood, however the frames are still painted. Ideally I would like to stain them as it would better match the rest of the shed.

1. Is there any reason why I couldn't/shouldn't stain them?
2. If I can what would be the best product(s) to use?
3. What would be the best way to remove the paint from the frames?

 

[vibrobullit407]

I would use a heat gun and shave hook to remove the majority of the paint from the frames taking care not to burn them. I would take whatever paint is left off with a liquid paint stripper.

If staining I would recommend dulux weathersheild or maybe sadolin woodstains as my preference but some others will have there faves as I'm sure will be mentioned.

 

[JamesCarters]

Thanks vibrobullit, would you just do the recommended 1 coat of Sandolin Classic followed by two of Sandolin Extra?

I don't know if the doors were treated with a preserver, is there any downside to applying more wood preserver if they were?

 

[misterhelpful]

One important thing to consider is how the doors were stripped.

If they were dipped then you need to ensure they were neutralized before you attempt anything. This is usually done as part of the dipping process but some caustic contamination may remain. You should do a test with litmus paper to check and if it shows alkali then you should check with the stripping company how best to completely neutralize before staining (a weak vinegar solution can sometimes work well). If you wanted to paint, you could counter this problem by using an alkali resisting primer.

Of course, if the doors were stripped another way you will not need to do any of this.

 

[TheDec]

Perfect Mr H.

Dec

 

[vibrobullit407]

Thanks vibrobullit, would you just do the recommended 1 coat of Sandolin Classic followed by two of Sandolin Extra?

I don't know if the doors were treated with a preserver, is there any downside to applying more wood preserver if they were?

The system you have stipulated would be fine. It will give a long lasting finish. My 1st choice would be dulux weathersheild basecoat and then 2 coats of the weathersheild stain but sadolin comes very close to this in my opinion.

As misterhelpful states you need to neutralize the surface after stripping , in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

 

[TheDec]

Mr H if the doors have been stripped there would also be a need to apply a knotting agent to counteract any resinous bleed.

Dec

 

[misterhelpful]

Mr H if the doors have been stripped there would also be a need to apply a knotting agent to counteract any resinous bleed.

Dec

Quite right, Dec!

 

[JamesCarters]

Thanks all, I will talk to the suppliers about the stripping agent. I'll no doubt be back with more questions.