How to update an old door?

Dyeing

This is one of the most traditional ways of reworking a door leaf, but, despite the seeming simplicity of the process, painting requires accuracy and strict adherence to technology. If possible, remove the door from the hinges; if not, lay a film on the floor to protect it from paint drips.

1. Unscrew the handles.
2. Remove the old paint coat with a hot air gun or a special remover. Simply sand the laminated surface with sandpaper for better adhesion and degrease.
3. Smooth out all chips and scratches with putty on the wood, and after drying, go over with fine sandpaper again. Be careful and patient, try to make the surface smooth, otherwise the paint will accentuate all imperfections and defects.
4. Most resistant to external influences paints - acrylic and latex. They are almost odorless, making repainting at home just a pleasure. Special compositions for painting furniture are also suitable, but they are more expensive. Cover the canvas in two layers, allowing the amount of time indicated on the package to dry.

Advice! Choose paint from trusted manufacturers that does not require a protective varnish coating - this way you will save money. Repainting a door will be cheaper than buying, shipping and installing a new one.

Wallpaper

This method of decoration does not require careful leveling of the surface: dense non-woven or bamboo wallpaper will hide minor imperfections. You can use the leftover material after repairs or purchase a roll of new ones - buying one copy will not hit your wallet. A more costly but effective option is wallpaper that can visually deepen the space.

To carry out the work as accurately as possible, carefully measure the dimensions of the door and apply markings on the wallpaper. Instead of regular wallpaper glue, you can use PVA.

Do not choose paper products if you want the door to last as long as possible. But if there are no other options, be sure to cover the finished product with acrylic varnish. Pay special attention to the edges.

Painting

Not everyone will be able to decorate a door leaf with an image - this requires artistic skills. After preparing the "canvas", you should apply a drawing with a pencil and only then proceed to painting with acrylic paints or permanent markers.

For those who do not dare to draw, stencils have been invented that are not difficult to find in needlework stores or cut out on their own. Or if you're interested in geometric patterns and lines, use masking tape.

It is necessary that the template or adhesive tape fit snugly against the door, otherwise the paint will seep in and ruin the drawing.

Mirror

Mirrors have long ceased to be a rarity in the house and now they are hung not only in the bathroom and hallway, but also in the rooms: they visually expand the space, optically complicate the environment and reflect light.Hang the mirror on the door, securely fixing it: the product must withstand constant vibrations.

An easier way to decorate a door - stick the so-called flexible mirrors on it. They are sold not only as a single piece, but also in the form of hexagons, squares, circles. Despite the limited functionality, mirror elements will look very impressive.

Self-adhesive

This material continues to be popular due to its availability and wide range of colors. To decorate the door leaf, level it with sandpaper, otherwise all minor defects will appear after pasting.

1. After making the necessary measurements, cut a piece of the film.
2. Peel off some of the insulating layer and press the foil to the surface.
3. Smooth the material with a rubber trowel or rag, expelling the air and moving down gently.
4. Tuck the edges by heating the film with a hair dryer.

Rivets

Meditative work that requires perseverance - decorating the door leaf with metal furniture studs. Rivets, buttons and even gears with nuts will do if you want to create a steampunk composition.

Fix the details along the contour of the panels or create a dynamic ornament by first sketching on paper and drawing lines on the door.

Moldings

To give expressiveness to an ordinary flat door will help moldings - depending on their shape, they will perfectly fit into both classic and modern interiors. The framing can be made of thin plywood - you need a jigsaw, a miter box and precise calculations.

Advice! If you want to go the easy way, buy foam skirting boards from a hardware store: they are easier to cut and glue. After painting, the material will become harder and stronger.

Antique staining

An option for brave and creative people, since the finished product must organically fit into the interior. It will look impressive against the background of a perfect renovation in scandinavian or eco-style, as well as in a room with notes of boho and shabby chic.

1. Prepare the surface by degreasing, sanding and priming.
2. Paint the canvas dark or light.
3. Use a candle to rub the areas with future scuffs.
4. Paint the door in a contrasting shade to the previous one.
5. Sand the paraffin-covered areas with fine-grained emery paper.

You can also use the dry brush method or craquelure varnish for artificial aging.

Adding an outlet

Another creative idea that doesn't require a lot of investment. A ceiling rose is easy to find at a hardware store: opt for a lightweight styrofoam product.

1. Clean the canvas, degrease and make the necessary marks so that the decorative piece is exactly in the center.
2. Apply "Mounting" or "Universal" adhesive evenly to the back of the rosette around the entire circumference.
3. Stick the rosette on the door, press firmly. If necessary, fix with self-tapping screws and putty the joints.
4. Paint the product in the color of your choice and install the handle.

Decoupage

Using this technique, the door can be turned into a real work of art. Floral decor, made up of napkins and fixed with glue, is familiar to everyone. But flowers do not always fit into a modern interior and are more suitable for thematic rooms in country style and provence.

For decoration, you can use pages from books, sheet music, photographs, geographical maps. The collage will grab everyone's attention and replace the wall painting. Techniques can be mixed by adding paint and embossed details that turn a humble canvas into an art object. Ideal for fusion interiors.

Chalk board

A great idea not only for the nursery, but also for the kitchen, living room and bedroom. On the slate door, you can draw pictures, learn to write (option for toddlers), leave positive messages, make a menu or a shopping list.

One can of blackboard paint is enough to decorate a single product. Its cost is high, so you can make the composition yourself by mixing black acrylic paint with a small amount of dry building mixture (putty, tile glue or grout for tiles will do). For a more durable and wear-resistant coating, you will need two layers.

the cloth

If you love handicrafts, why not reflect your passion in your surroundings? With scraps of fabric, you can create a composition in patchwork stylethat will look like a soft blanket and thus give the room a cozy feel.

Instead of cotton fabric, you can use a leather substitute: this is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your interior. Leatherette is sold in household and construction hypermarkets, as well as fabric stores. Before buying glue, be sure to read the instructions on the packaging, which will indicate what materials it is suitable for.

To complete the alteration of the door leaf, replace the fittings: new handles will successfully put an end to the spectacular transformation.