Start Over to Fix Sticky Door
Question: I painted my formerly stained front door with gloss exterior latex, and the paint sticks to the rubber weatherstripping. In fact, it pulls the paint right off the door. The paint also seems like it never dried. Before painting, I sanded the door until the surface was dull. What is the solution?
Answer: It sounds like the latex paint is not compatible with the previously stained finish, or the door wasn’t properly prepared for the fresh paint. In either case, you probably aren’t going to like the solution.
For a long-lasting, nonstick finish, start from scratch. Sand off the gloss exterior latex paint, down to the previously stained surface. Apply a coat of high-quality oil-base primer, and touch-sand it smooth, when dry. Vacuum the dust, and apply two thin coats of high-quality oil-base enamel in the luster of your choice.
Although you could again use latex paint, we suggest that you use an oil-base finish. Oil-base paint is more abrasion-resistant and easier to keep clean, and it will cling to your entry door.
Though we prefer oil-base for all interior doors and trim, you can get away with using latex if the surface is properly prepared and you use good-quality paint.
If your door is sticking, the paint quality might be inferior or it might have been applied too thickly.
In either case, a light sanding application of a thin coat of finish should do the trick.
Be certain that the door is not closed until the paint has had an opportunity to fully dry (it usually takes at least a week). This might mean removing the weatherstripping until the paint has dried.
How to Replace, Securea Broken Door Jamb
Q: The door latch side of my door frame is broken. Would you tell me how to replace it?
A: If you can, you should try to patch the jamb (door frame).
First, remove the trim piece from the door frame that travels vertically down its center. Use a razor knife to put a slit in the paint between the trim and the frame so that it can be removed without damage.
One or both casings (trim molding between the door frame and the wall) also should be removed, depending on whether either would restrict the repair. With the trim removed, you can easily re-glue the damaged section or cut it out and patch it.
A jigsaw is best for cutting out a damaged piece. Use glue and plenty of screws or nails to connect the new piece.
With the stop and the casing removed, you are simply dealing with a long, narrow, flat piece of wood that is held to the framed door opening with nails and shim-shingles.
For long splits, glue and clamp the separated pieces. Once the patch (or clamped job) is completed, a little Bondo is all it will take to hide even the worst connections.
A Paint Undercoating to Which Magnets Stick
Q: I’ve heard about a paint that magnets will stick to. Is there such a thing, and where can I get it?
A: The product that you are referring to is called Magnetic Creations. Although it goes on like paint (with a roller), it really is an undercoating that is designed to be covered with a coat of finish paint.
The product is filled with tiny iron particles that attract magnets, thus eliminating the need for tacks, pins and tape when hanging posters, pictures and plaques. You can get more information about the product by logging on to https://www.mymagneticcreations.com.
Calculating the Amount of Plywood for Exterior
Q: How many sheets of plywood would I need to do the outside of my house? Measurements are 21 by 15 feet, 11 by 10 feet and 11 feet by 18 inches. I am doing three sides of the house.
A: We assume that you are going to use 4-by-8 sheets. We will also assume that the first dimension you have given is the width, and the second the height.
For the first wall, you will need 11 sheets (4-by-8 sheets), which will cover an area 20 by 16 feet.
For the second wall, you will need five 4-by-8 sheets to cover the 11-by-10-foot wall, leaving you enough to finish the last foot of the first wall.
Finally, you will need one sheet to finish the last wall. If you use 4-by-10-foot sheets, you will need 12 sheets instead (one fewer). This assumes that your stud walls are laid out on perfect 16-inch centers. Chances are you will need one or two more sheets than we recommend if the stud layout is not perfect.
Use Wood Bleach and Preservative on Decks
Q: What products can be used for washing and finishing a wood deck and where can you find them?
A: The wood bleach we like is called Weather Blaster. The wood preservative we have been using for more than 15 years is Penofin. The same company makes both products. Its Web site is https://www.penofin.com; phone number: (800) PENOFIN.
The wood preservative is made with oiticica (oh-tah-see-ka) oil (rosewood oil), a vegetable oil that is very thin and has strong penetrating power. The deeper that an oil penetrates wood, the longer lasting the protection.