Preparing doors for stripping starts with a few simple checks. Before your doors leave the house, it helps to know which room each one belongs to, what fittings are attached and whether there are any repairs that need attention.
You don’t need to remove the old paint yourself. A little planning makes it easier to agree the work and put everything back in the right place afterwards.
1. Take Clear Photos Before Booking
Photograph both sides of each door, along with the edges, panels and any damaged areas. Include close views of glass, decorative mouldings and old repairs. These details help us assess the door and discuss the most suitable approach before collection.
Tell us if you know the door’s material or history. Painted surfaces can hide different types of construction, so a photograph is a useful starting point rather than a guarantee of suitability.
2. Agree What Happens to the Fittings
Handles, locks, hinges and other fittings need to be considered before stripping. Ask which items should be removed before collection and which can be dealt with as part of the job. Keep screws and fittings together in labelled bags so they can return to the correct door.
3. Label Each Door by Room
Doors that look identical may fit their frames differently. Make a simple list of room names and take a photograph showing each door in place. Agree a suitable labelling method with us so the identification survives handling without marking the finished wood.
4. Point Out Loose Panels and Repairs
A sticking latch, loose joint or split panel is worth mentioning at the start. Paint removal can reveal earlier repairs and filler that were difficult to see. Stripping removes the coating; it doesn’t automatically repair every underlying defect.
5. Plan for Removal and Rehanging
Arrange safe removal and rehanging with someone competent, especially for heavy or glazed doors. Think about privacy and access while the doors are away. Ask about the expected turnaround and allow time for the agreed finishing work before rehanging.
For more background, see our door stripping services and frequently asked questions.
Talk to North West Door Stripping
Planning a project in the North West? Request a free quote and send us photos of your doors or furniture. We can discuss suitability, preparation and the finish you have in mind. We offer free collection and delivery on orders over £250.
