Last updated on November 30th, 2018
I’m on a roll! Last week, I scraped, primed, and painted the ugly radiator pipe in the entrance hall. And yesterday, I cleaned and polished the interior side of my ancient front doors. Watch me work, and maybe pick up a tip or two for restoring some old wood in your own home:
Thank for watching. Also, thanks for keeping me company while I tackle an assortment of odd jobs here at Clover Hill!
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xKevin
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Janis says
Dear Kevin, the doors look lovely and so clean. I recall bringing back to life old pieces of fine furniture. The mineral is something I had not used. Sounds nice and lightweight. No tacky build up. I used tung oil or linseed, usually 2 light coats only. A trick a furniture maker long ago retired taught me:
Heat the linseed oil. Apply one light coat everyday for a week; then once a week for a month; then once a month for a year. He said the finish would last for decades. I cannot attest to this never having had the patience to get past three months but the finish sure has been durable.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Janis – Mineral oil is really easy to work with. Thanks for watching the video!
rje says
Hi Kevin! Mineral spirits will destroy the finish of a door that has a shellac finish – [like all of our old doors]. Always test a spot that won’t show first. If the mineral spirits lighten the finish, then stop immediately.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi rje – Alcohol (such as denatured alcohol or methylated spirits) will dissolve shellac, but mineral spirits won’t. Mineral spirits is safe for varnish, lacquer, and shellac.
Linda stoddard says
Kevin,
Your doors look awesome! Our door is fine on the inside but it really needs a good cleaning & finish on the outside. What recommendation do you have for nice exterior doors?
Linda
Elke says
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for sharing you days with us. I love reading what you are doing.
You have a lovely home!
Linda Cramp says
I use a product called lemoil from Daly’s in Seattle. It smells good and is less toxic. You can get it on Amazon.
Georgeann says
Your house is beautiful!! Everything you do is tried and true, that’s why I don’t ques tion your methods and will do what you do. Thanks for your info
Marcy MacDonald says
Your doors are beautiful, I love the covered keyholes. I just love everything about your house. I’m a Victorian fanatic.
Carolyn says
What a great idea. Wish I had the energy to do it on the woodwork.
Love your post.
patrice says
thanks for the cleaning tips Kevin.
Julia Hofley says
Thanks for the advice on cleaning. I look forward to trying this on plant stands.
Penelope says
Kevin:
You’ve inspired me to clean ‘n shine an old mahogany dresser. Thank you for showing me How To
Karen Thomas says
Kevin, I think many of us are “control freaks”. I thought your tip about poking just a hole in the foil seal of the mineral oil was brilliant. So simple yet so practical.
Ruth says
Lovely to watch your dedication to an old home and bringing out its beauty. Truly appreciate your sharing with us. Are the keys to your front door as old as the doors?Thanks
Ruth says
Kevin, my solid oak kitchen cabinet doors need some refinishing. When we updated the kitchen about twenty years ago I stained and polyurethaned them. I am very much on the fence what to do with them. I looking for a less labor intense method of refinishing than stripping, staining and then polyurethaning them. Do you think this method that you used on your front doors would be a good idea on my cabinet doors? Would it hold up? Or any other suggestions? Thank you! Love looking at your house and gardens!