Internal door care guide

How to store your internal door

If you’re renovating a room, delays are bound to happen at some point, so you may end up with a door that isn’t quite ready to be hung. It’s also strongly advised not to fit your doors if the room has recently been plastered, or if the room is damp and unheated – that’s asking for trouble.

If you’ve taken delivery of your door and you’re not quite ready to fit it yet, there is a correct way to store a door! Keep it in its original packaging (if you haven’t been tempted to unwrap it like a present) and store it flat off the ground, using 3 even supports to keep it balanced. Keep it in a well-ventilated area which isn’t too humid or too dry.

Treating your doors

We know you’ll be eager to hang your new doors, but you should check if it needs to be treated first. Some of our doors will arrive fully finished and ready to go, but if your door is unfinished or primed, it’ll need to be treated with your chosen paint or varnish before you can fit it.

You shouldn’t skimp on this bit, as using a quality wood finish adds years onto the lifespan of your door. There’s plenty to choose from, but we’d advise against water-based finishes or Danish oil on our doors.

How to use wood oil

Think of wood oil like a moisturiser with built-in SPF – it permeates deep into the wood grain and protects it from the inside.

Door oils will nourish the wood and prevent it from cracking or splitting due to changes in temperature and humidity, whilst letting the natural beauty of the wood shine through. They should be used on unfinished doors to give a luscious look to the wood grain, and shouldn’t be used on any doors that have existing treatments like varnish or paint.

Bear in mind that using oil tends to make the wood slightly darker, enhancing the character and natural colour.

Applying a wood oil couldn’t be easier. They usually require 2 thin coats, but double check the instructions first to make sure. Grab a microfibre cloth and apply a thin layer all over the door before leaving to dry for the recommended timeframe. Some oils can take a while to dry – a couple of days in some cases – so plan ahead if you’re going to be using oil.

Another brilliant thing about wood oil is that scuffs or scratches can easily be fixed with a small amount of oil for an almost invisible finish – ideal for busy homes!

Top tip: Whenever you’re using an oil for the first time, you should test a tiny part first to make sure you like the look.

How to use wood varnish

Staying with the health & beauty theme, wood varnish is like a hairspray – it creates an airtight banner around the door which stops moisture from getting in or out.

A varnish gives a subtle sheen to your door and will help to preserve the original colour of the door with a clear coating.

To apply, simply grab your paint brush and apply a thin layer, using your brush to follow the natural grain of the wood. Don’t forget the sides and top of your door too!

How to use wood stain

Using a wood stain is similar to using an oil or a varnish, but has the added benefit of subtly adding colour to your door if you’re after a richer finish.

How to use wood paint

If your door is primed, it’s waiting for a coat of paint to make it yours! The great thing about interior wood paint is that you have full control over the colour, which you can always sand back in the future if you’re inspired to change the colour.

Apply your wood paint evenly with a paint brush before leaving to dry fully. If you have a panel door, why not get adventurous and paint the panels in a contrast colour? Make sure you get some nice, neat lines by using masking tape for a pro finish.

Top tip: If you want to use wood paint on a door which isn’t already primed, you’ll want to hit it with a coat of primer first to avoid a patchy finish

How to maintain your internal doors

For something that’s used as often as a door, we reckon it deserves a little refresh every now and again to keep it looking ship-shape. Whether you’ve used an oil, varnish, or paint, keep hold of the tin and make a note of when it recommends re-applying. Keeping on top of treatments will keep your door looking good as well as protected from the everyday wear-and-tear of home life. Make sure your doors stand the test of time by following our step-by-step maintenance guide!

1. Clean the door

Your doors will always thank you for the odd dust or wipe down with a damp cloth. If you need to give the door a deeper clean, you’ll need to follow the guidance of whichever product you used to treat it – however, it’s hard to go wrong with some mild soapy water and a cloth for stubborn stains. Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to scrub your doors with anything abrasive, or use harsh chemicals. You’re at risk of damaging the finish, and even the material underneath, so don’t risk it!

2. Reapply treatment

If your door arrived unfinished and you treated it yourself, it’s a good idea to give it a top-up every few years. Lightly sand the surface and wipe it down before applying your treatment, as this will remove the old varnish or paint and help your treatment sink in better!

3. Check door hardware

While you’re at it, you can check over the hardware and moving parts on your door such as hinges, handles, and latches. If they’re a little stiff or noisy, apply some light purpose oil to keep things working smoothly.