Question on doors

[kevinz]

Thanks for the help on paint for the walls, but I have another question about prep and paint for all of our doors. They are all 6 raised panel solid wood doors, pine I am guessing. Looking like they have been painted a few times over the years before we got here. Some of the panels have some paint buildup in the corners from too much paint when they did them. Some cracks in the paint on joints, holes, banged up.

What is the best way to clean these up and get them looking nice again? Is there a stripper I could use on the smaller detail areas, like between the panels. The rest I would rather just sand than have to strip, I have power sanders. Just won't help me in the tight areas and with all the paint build up in the corners, etc/

Also what is the best product to fill holes, dings, etc.. Some type of epoxy product?

And lastly the paint, is there a spray setup I can get that isn't over say $500 to paint all the doors and trim? Eventually I will be doing all the doors and trim in the entire house, would like to spray if possible to get the smoothest finish.  Was recommended to use Benjamin Moore Satin ImpervoŽ Enamel on all doors/window/trim.

Thanks for all your help
Kevin

[admin]

Kevin,
The raised panels in wood doors are "floating" panels. The edges of the panels float within the grooves in the door stiles and rails. Paint shrinkage combined with (environmental) movement of the wood is the most common cause of paint line cracks around the panels. You can limit the wood movement by sealing the door's TOP and BOTTOM edges. Hand sand the panel corners with the edge of a sandpaper wrapped wood block or use a "safe" stripper to loosen the paint buildup. A paintable acrylic caulk can be used if you wish to eliminate the natural hairline crack at the panel joints. The caulk will tolerate min. movement of the panels. Prime the entire door. Patch in dings and holes after you prime using a standard carpenters wood fill. Spot prime patches after you feather sand.
Spray out the doors with a HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray system. These do not require a compressor and are available for less than $500.00 at most discount hardware stores.

Best Regards,
Admin   Pro Painter