Yep, all the (original) doors and hardware in my house have been painted over. So many layers of paint. Unfortunately they have also had stuff screwed in, nailed in, have been drilled through for various additional hardware, etc. so they can’t really be refinished to be restored…
I’m repainting them and changing the hardware out completely (it’s the old style inset locking mechanisms, so limited options), but that’s all I can do without replacing the doors themselves.
As someone who has dealt with this (including taking the original hardware, ordering replacement cover plates and misc gears, cleaning and polishing everything, greasing, etc)…
Replace the door, it will save you a lot of misery.
If its for a front door, replace everything, frame included, and get a nice insulated assembly.
Yep, all the (original) doors and hardware in my house have been painted over. So many layers of paint. Unfortunately they have also had stuff screwed in, nailed in, have been drilled through for various additional hardware, etc. so they can’t really be refinished to be restored…
I’m repainting them and changing the hardware out completely (it’s the old style inset locking mechanisms, so limited options), but that’s all I can do without replacing the doors themselves.
As someone who has dealt with this (including taking the original hardware, ordering replacement cover plates and misc gears, cleaning and polishing everything, greasing, etc)…
Replace the door, it will save you a lot of misery.
If its for a front door, replace everything, frame included, and get a nice insulated assembly.
YMMV. My mileage was horrible. Do not recommend.
If I was keeping the place I probably would.
I’m selling it tho so I really don’t care. Let them find all the problems the paint is hiding if they want later.