How to renovate your wooden gate with these tips
Wooden gates have an undeniable charm… But to keep them, it is essential to take good care of them. As an authentic material, wood is both elegant and fragile, and it can be attacked by many factors – including the bad weather or small animals that gnaw it. There are simple but powerful gestures that can be used to restore the beauty of your wooden gate. Déco.fr has also uncovered the advice of a pro on renovating a wooden gate.
What should you do to renovate your wooden gate?
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In summary:
Is there anything I can do if a small animal attacks the wooden gate?
What is the best way to remove old paint from a wooden gate?
If your wooden gate’s varnish has blistered, what should you do?
How should you renovate your wooden gate?
Is there anything I can do if a small animal attacks the wooden gate?
Wood is a living material, so it can be invaded by different pests, such as xylophagous worms, insects, fungi or mold, which leave dust deposits and small, unsightly holes…
In order to resolve this issue, follow these steps:
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Sand the gate with an electric sander or sandpaper.
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To ensure a smooth and clean surface, dust the surface well after sanding.
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Use wood putty to fill the small holes made by the insects. If the holes are large enough, skip the wood filler and use wood putty instead. Once the product has been applied, if necessary, sand off the excess paste to achieve a smooth surface.
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To prevent the invasion of new small animals, apply a fungicide or insecticide. Let it rest for a few hours (check the instructions).
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Finish by applying two coats of varnish or special wood stain, ensuring that the exposure times between coats are respected.
Wear protective gloves during the operation.
Old paint on a wooden gate: how to remove it?
For the raw and natural appearance of your wooden gate, you will need to remove the old paint from it! To do this, follow these steps:
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Using a heat gun or chemical stripper to remove several layers of paint will cause the paint to blister, so you can simply scrape it off with a small spatula.
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Then sand the wooden gate with an electric sander or sandpaper, dust it off, and apply two coats of varnish or wood stain, allowing each coat to dry for 24 hours.
When the varnish on your wooden gate blisters, what should you do?
The varnish on your wooden gate may have blistered, so you should sand the wood with sandpaper or an electric sander (do not forget to dust afterward) and apply two coats of varnish or stain, respecting the recommended application period.
If you want to renovate your wooden gate, when is the best time to do so?
In the end of summer, wooden gates are very dry, so renovations are the best time to do them. However, do not work in the sun, make sure the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees, and always work in the shade. The frequency depends on the climatic conditions: wind, rain, sun… A wooden gate can last 5 to 10 years before it needs a blow.