restaining, bleaching or otherwise altering stained wood
Hot on the heels of my (cranky) criticism of a newspaper columnist suggesting painting wood trim comes a very good question from one of our readers. Anyone have good advice?
What would you recommend for real wood trim and doors but that are in a stain the owner hates?
I don't have a period house (it is maybe 10 yrs old) so real restoration is not an issue. Unfortunately, however, I hate the orangy-tinted stain that is all over the house (no, I'm not the original homeowner). I've gotten used to it over the years, but I still don't like it.
For a 2 story house, with baseboard, door trim and doors plus stairs, the idea of having it all refinished is a nightmare. I can't imagine how much it would cost, and so painting over it seems like a much more manageable and affordable solution. (esp when the doors and trim are not a nice flat surface, but instead have a lot of grooves).
For someone who can handle painting but not refinishing, please convince me! [for example, would it be more affordable to try to sell the trim/doors and start from scratch??]
I don't have a period house (it is maybe 10 yrs old) so real restoration is not an issue. Unfortunately, however, I hate the orangy-tinted stain that is all over the house (no, I'm not the original homeowner). I've gotten used to it over the years, but I still don't like it.
For a 2 story house, with baseboard, door trim and doors plus stairs, the idea of having it all refinished is a nightmare. I can't imagine how much it would cost, and so painting over it seems like a much more manageable and affordable solution. (esp when the doors and trim are not a nice flat surface, but instead have a lot of grooves).
For someone who can handle painting but not refinishing, please convince me! [for example, would it be more affordable to try to sell the trim/doors and start from scratch??]