How to Patch a Damaged Door
If a wood door is damaged, one way to repair a hole is to patch it. It's important that the new section matches the stain or color of the original door. Because of the material you are using for this repair, particularly the contact cement, work in a well-ventilated area. Also, wear eye protection and gloves for your safety. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Try square
- Lauan plywood
- Utility knife
- Pencil
- Contact cement
- Paintbrush
- Cloth
- Paint
- Wood stain
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the width and length of the damage to the door, using a tape measure. Lay a try square on the piece of lauan plywood and cut a rectangular patch large enough to cover the damaged spot on the door. Use a utility knife to cut the patch.
-
2
Place the plywood patch over the damaged spot. Trace around the patch onto the door, using a pencil. Cut out the damaged area, along the pencil line, with the utility knife.
-
-
3
Measure for two backer strips on the plywood, with dimensions half the width of the patch and 1 inch longer. Use the tape measure and pencil to mark the strip dimensions. Cut out the backer strips, using the utility knife.
-
4
Apply the contact cement around the inside perimeter of the hole cut into the door, using a paintbrush. Apply contact cement to one side of the two backer strips. Allow the contact cement about 15 minutes to dry.
-
5
Place one backer strip on the inside of the door, through the hole. Press the cemented side of the strip against the cemented inside on the left end of the hole, with about half of the strip exposed in the hole. Apply pressure with your finger against the strip. Place the second backer strip into the hole, with the cemented side pressed against the right end of the hole. Allow approximately half of the strip to be visible in the hole, and apply pressure with your finger.
-
6
Apply contact cement to the back side of the plywood patch and to the portions of the backer strips visible through the hole. Use the paintbrush. Allow the cement 15 minutes to dry.
-
7
Press the plywood patch into position in the hole, with the grain running in the same direction as the door. The backer strips provide a stable backing for the patch.
-
8
Wipe the patch clean of dust, using a cloth. Paint the patch to match the rest of the door or apply matching stain, using a paintbrush or a cloth. Work in the direction of the grain.
-
1
