Archive for the ‘doors’ category

Touch-Up Marker Stains on an Unfinished Door

March 3rd, 2010

My 2-year-old grandson became an artist with a furniture touch-up marker on a hollow, unfinished wood bathroom door. I really do not want this door painted. Is there any way to get this off? Some of the marks are from a permanent marker.

Answer:

You will need to prime with a stain killer such as BIN, then paint the door. You will not get the stain out of the bare wood.

Hollow core doors are inexpensive and not worth the effort to try and remove the stains. Since the stain is in bare wood, it will not come out. Replace the door or stain it a very dark color.

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Posted in doors, stain removal, wood, wood finishing

Patio Door Sticks in Winter

January 7th, 2010

Question:

My patio door is harder to close when it gets cold. I think it needs to be lubricated on the bottom. What kind of lubricant should i use?

Fran

Answer:

A patio sliding door often sticks in the winter because of changes in temperature and humidity that causes wood to move or expand. The frame, door, and home structural framing move. This movement also makes any lack of lubrication or dirt compound the problem.

You should clean the lower track with a vacuum, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Follow the dampened-cloth with a silicon lubricant on the raised lip of the track. The silicone will lubricate the metal and limit dirt accumulation.

To properly lubricate the rollers, you will need to remove the door. You need to remove the top, inner stop that is normally screwed in place. Tip the top of the door in, then inspect, clean, and lube the top and bottom rollers. This is a two-person job, so have a helper.

You should also observe the operation of the door in the opening. If it’s rubbing on the track, then raise the door with the roller adjustment. If it’s rubbing on the top, lower the door. You might be able to solve your problem with a simple adjustment.

Tom

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Posted in doors, exterior, seasonal

Squeaky Door Hinge

December 31st, 2009

Question:

How do I quiet a squeaky brass door hinge?

Ray

Answer:

Just lubricate the hinge with a few drops of oil. I use a 3-in-1 household type oil. Hold a tissue at the bottom of the hinge pin while you put a few drops of oil at the first hinge joint, or at the top of the first pin/hinge connection. The oil will be sucked into the hinge by capillary action, and any excess oil will be caught by the tissue.

Repeat this for all hinges. While you’re at it, do it to all the doors in your home. Repeat this every year or two.

Tom

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Posted in doors