How to fix a big crack on bedroom wood door?

Hi all, I would really appreciate any advice on fixing a crack in my bedroom door. It’s quite large, and I’d like to repair it in a way that makes it as unnoticeable as possible. I’m not sure which product would work best for this, so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I’m on a tight budget, so I would prefer a decent yet affordable product. Thank you so much in advance! 😊

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EricL

Hello @hoahy005

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Its sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your broken door.

I suggest putting some PVA wood glue on one side of the crack and using your thumb to push the sides back together. When the glue has cured Cover the broken line with some UNi-PRO 500g Multi Purpose Interior Filler - 500g. Sand the surface to a fine finish then prime and paint the surface.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @hoahy005

I would also be following @EricL 's suggestions. I do have a question tho.

Is there any deformation on the reverse side of the door? Internal doors are hollow/hollow wafer type deal so its just a close look check to make sure it hasnt been deformed too far.

Dave

hoahy005

Hi Dave, there is no defomation on the other side. The only damage is extrusion in the picture.

Dave-1

Morning @hoahy005

Cheering! Then I would follow @EricL 's steps. They are the same I would be stepping through.

Note your door looks like its a gloss surface, so when you go to repaint the door (id suggest the whole door repaint, well one side) keep it in mind when choosing the paint type (oil based or water based paint as if you put water based over oil you can end it with bubbles)

Dave

hoahy005

Updated: I have patched and sanded the crack. The attached pics show what it looks like now.

Would you recommend that it's good enough to paint, or should I apply another layer of putty and sand again?

Additionally, I think the paint is oil-based, as it doesn't come off when wiped with water.

Dave-1

Good Evening @hoahy005

Nice work so far 🙂 You might need to do a little more sanding on that last pic. Usually the way I judge it (and even I cringe when im judging my own sanding lol) is to close your eyes and run you thumb over the "join" if you are happy with how it feels then its all good, if its a little proud then maybe some sanding, if there is a dip then sand high parts and fill the inbetween. It can feel like a pain in the neck but your later self will be happy to look at it knowing you put the effort in 🙂

Whichever paint it is, it probarly wont come off with water, It does look oil based enamel but would wait until one of the others that are a little more paint savey then myself has a look 🙂 I dare say that once you sand that area and are happy a paint sample pot hopefully will take care of touching the crack area up.

Dave

MitchellMc

Great job so far @hoahy005.

As @Dave-1 mentioned, the filler still looks a little high in some areas. You want to ensure it is flush with the surrounding door. You've also now got a very flat patch on a faux timber grain door. You might like to take a fine tool and re-create the horizontal grain marks across your patched area.

Once you've primed the filler, you'll be able to use water or oil-based paint to repaint the filler/door.

Mitchell

hoahy005

Hi everyone,

I followed your suggestion and gave the spot another round of sanding, and I'm happy with how it looks now. It seems like I'm ready for the next step – repainting the entire door.

I went to Bunnings today and the staff recommended Dulux Aquanamel Semi Gloss Vivid White. They matched the paint color using a patch, so the color seems fine. However, I'm a bit concerned because it’s a water-based paint. From what I’ve read, many people suggest not using water-based paint over oil-based paint. The problem is, I'm not sure if the original paint is oil-based or water-based. Should I switch to Dulux Super Enamel Semi Gloss Vivid White, or is the Aquanamel fine to use?

Also, the can mentions it doesn’t need a primer. Is that correct? I've come across some mixed reviews about this product, so I'm a bit unsure.

I also picked up a small roller, as I’ve heard it helps reduce brush strokes. My plan is to lightly sand the entire door, wipe it down to remove any dirt, and then apply the first coat. I’ll likely apply the second coat after a few days to make sure the first coat is fully dry.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Dave-1

Afternoon @hoahy005

Well you have solved the issue of water base paint over an oil based paint by the suggestion of a light sand to the whole door 🙂 That will work. Rollers are an easier way to paint and less likely to see brushstrokes.

Id tape over the hinge itself on the door and if you are not removing the handle for painting make sure you put some extra effort into tapping around the handle as close as you can.

As to the a primer, id go with what the can says, you are intending two coats so really it will become a mute point as the first coat I would think of as a primer.

Dave

JacobZ

Hi @hoahy005,

Have a look at How do you know if paint is oil-based or water-based? This is a simple test you can do to tell whether the paint is oil or water-based.

If you discover the paint is oil-based, it would be worthwhile returning the Aquanamel and using the Dulux Super Enamel Paint Semi Gloss Vivid White.

Both the Aquanamel and Super Enamel will require you to spot-prime the repairs. Previously painted areas are fine to just paint, but the filler will need to be primed. For Aquanamel use Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat, for Super Enamel use Dulux 1Step Oil Based Primer Sealer And Undercoat.

Give everything a light sand before applying your primer. Apply the primer with your roller and give it two hours of drying time before giving it a light sand and applying your first coat of paint. Allow the first coat of paint to dry for two hours, give it a light sand and then apply the next coat.

The roller will be fantastic for this job as it will give you wide uniform strokes. Make sure to overlap your strokes to prevent obvious lines between them.

Check out How To Paint a Door for some further guidance.

Jacob

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