How to repair 1950’s front door with glass panels?

We purchased our 1950 built house in the Adelaide Hills in mid 2024. We love the front door but it is in desperate need of repair. I want to strip it back and somehow repair the strips across the glass panels. Some of the ‘putty’ behind the strips has fallen out. Hoping someone can offer advice. We don’t have the option of sending the door to an offsite refurbished (min 4-6 weeks) or buying a door for the interim. Hoping I can find a way to do everything at home, even if it takes a while and I need to work in stages.

Paint has been tested and it’s not showing as lead based but will still take all precautions.

Final note: this side of the house is west/north west facing so gets a significant amount of sun and weather exposure, though we are going to see if we can install some additional protection for the porch and doors.

Thanks in advance

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Comments

EricL

Hello @MattNBex

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your door.

It is difficult to tell what kind of filler they used back in the 50's, but I would suggest using Selleys 430g White No More Gaps Exterior Gap Filler as a possible replacement. In regards to the actual glass separator/holder, I propose having it remade in plastic by engaging the services of a 3D replication shop. You can therefore get the exact fitting with the same dimensions and it will save you from having to modify the door.

In regards to the painting of the door, the general steps would be the same which is to sand it down, clean, then prime and paint. It's good to hear that you've had the door paint tested, this is an excellent safety step to take before you begin your project.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

R4addZ

Hi @MattNBex

Hope this gets to you following the upgrade of the site.

Your biggest issue in repairing this door is that in order to replace the channel between the pieces of glass it will be necessary to remove the glass and that won't be easy. The original filler in these tracks and around the edges is probably a linseed oil putty which is actually quie easy to work with albeit a little messy. I would ask a glazier for a quote to replace the track before deciding whether to proceed. One other thought is that if the track is lead then a good glazier should be able to solder it up in situ

EricL

Hello @MattNBex

Just a friendly reminder that working with glass is dangerous, a sudden hit with a tool or when too much force is applied can make the glass shatter and cause injury. Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when handling glass.

Eric

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