Not all wooden doors strip the same way. A lot comes down to whether you’re dealing with pine or a hardwood like oak, and knowing the difference helps set the right expectations before any work begins.
Here’s what tends to happen with each.
1. How Pine Responds to Stripping
Pine is soft and porous, which means it strips relatively quickly but needs a gentler touch. It can absorb chemical stripper into the grain, so a thorough rinse and dry afterwards matters more than with denser woods. Pine also tends to show any knots and grain variation clearly once bare.
2. How Hardwood Responds to Stripping
Oak, mahogany and other hardwoods are denser and more resistant to damage during stripping, but old paint can sit stubbornly in the grain and take longer to lift fully. The reward is usually a richer, more consistent grain pattern once the layers of paint are gone.
3. Colour and Grain Differences Once Bare
Pine typically comes out pale gold with a fairly straight grain, while hardwoods often reveal deeper tones and more pronounced grain patterns. If you’re not sure what’s under the paint, stripping is usually the only way to find out for certain.
4. Finishing Considerations for Each Wood Type
Pine tends to soak up oil quickly, so it often needs a couple of coats to get an even finish. Hardwoods are denser and absorb less, meaning a single coat can go further, though it may need longer to cure fully between applications.
5. Which Holds Up Better Over Time
Hardwood generally handles knocks and daily wear better thanks to its density, though a well finished pine door can still last for decades with the right care. Either way, a professional strip gives both types of wood the best possible start.
When to Call North West Door Stripping
Whether your door is pine, oak or something in between, our dip and strip process suits both. We’ll let you know exactly what to expect once we’ve had a look at the door in question.
Get in touch for a free quote. We offer free collection and delivery on orders over £250 across the North West.
