Hot on the heels of my (cranky) criticism of a newspaper columnist suggesting painting wood trim comes a very good question from one of our readers. Anyone have good advice?
I don't have a period house (it is maybe 10 yrs old) so real restoration is not an issue. Unfortunately, however, I hate the orangy-tinted stain that is all over the house (no, I'm not the original homeowner). I've gotten used to it over the years, but I still don't like it.
For a 2 story house, with baseboard, door trim and doors plus stairs, the idea of having it all refinished is a nightmare. I can't imagine how much it would cost, and so painting over it seems like a much more manageable and affordable solution. (esp when the doors and trim are not a nice flat surface, but instead have a lot of grooves).
For someone who can handle painting but not refinishing, please convince me! [for example, would it be more affordable to try to sell the trim/doors and start from scratch??]
Is the trim work a hard wood (i.e. oak) or is it a soft wood (i.e. pine).
It sounds as if it’s a soft wood as I don’t know of a stain that comes out orange on hard wood. If so, I’d paint.
Thank you very much for your response, Rich!
I looked online while staring at my closet door and I couldn’t figure out what type of wood. After getting up close to a few doors, I realize that at least parts of the trim on the door are made from pieces. This would explain why I can’t figure it out!
If the door facades are made from multiple pieces of wood, I’m assuming it would be risky to refinish. If correct, then I don’t feel so bad about painting.
I don’t know much about wood bleaching or restoring I come here to learn about all that type of stuff
Depending on the wood, why not strip it yourself and re stain otherwise just paint and give it an antique look, maybe in a lighter color cream or off white.