Period Living

Could you advise on whether it’s appropriat­e to strip old doors?

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QThis recent practice is generally inappropri­ate historical­ly and can cause harm. Most old doors comprise softwood that was originally painted. An exception is pre-18th-century oak doors that, where not limewashed, could be left unpainted. Additional­ly, sandblasti­ng may spoil the surface of timber. Dipping in ‘acid baths’ can raise the grain and, by softening the glue, weaken joints.

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