How to fix a chipped door frame

MitchellMc

Difficulty: Beginner

Door frames often suffer from unsightly chips and damage due to frequent door movement, especially on their architraves. An architrave is a decorative timber moulding that surrounds the door frame.

Here is a simple guide on how to fix a chipped architrave using a two-part filler. As this project involves chemicals, please follow all product and safety guidelines provided by manufacturers and use the recommended protective gear.

Steps

Step 1

Prepare the filler.

Two-part fillers are typically made up of a red catalyst and a white filler. They are more robust than single-part fillers and are perfect for repairing surfaces that are damaged frequently, like architraves.

Mix the white filler into a small portion of the red catalyst. Refer to the instructions on the product label for how to mix them.

Your filler should now be an even pink colour.

1.1 Damaged door architrave.png 1.2 Proportioning out filler and catalyst.png 1.3 Mixing filler and catalyst.png 1.4 Filler mixed.png

Step 2

Apply the filler.

Use a scraper to apply the filler to the damaged section of the architrave. Work your way in from both sides of the edge to form a peak towards the middle.

Allow the filler to dry for an hour.

2.1 Filler applied to damaged area.png 2.2 Smoothing out filler.png 2.3 Filler sanded ready for second coat.png

Step 3

Sand the filler.

Wrap your 180-grit sandpaper around the sanding block.

Sand the filler to create a smooth edge on your architrave. Use the block’s sharp edges to follow the architrave’s shape.

If more filler is needed to create a smooth edge, prepare another small portion of filler and re-apply it to the damaged section. Sand it again using the 180-grit sandpaper when dry.

3.1 Sanding filler.png 3.2 Sanding filler.png 3.3 Smoothing out filler.png 3.4 Second coat of filler applied and sanded.png

Step 4

Sand the architrave.

Wrap your 180-grit sandpaper around the sanding block. Sand along your architrave until any gloss finish is dulled.

Pay special attention to any areas where the paint is peeling or fading. Sand those areas until a solid layer is found.

4.1 Sanding architrave.png 4.2 Peeling paint .png

Step 5

Apply the undercoat.

Wipe the architrave with a damp cloth.

Apply painter’s tape on the wall and floor surrounding the architrave.

Now use a brush to apply a layer of undercoat around the architrave where it meets the wall and floor. Switch to your roller and apply another layer to the architrave’s face, including the repaired section.

Allow the undercoat to dry as per the instructions on the label.

5.1 Wiping down architrave.png 5.2 Applying painters tape around architrave.png 5.3 Cutting in around architrave with undercoat.png

Step 6

Paint the architrave.

Rinse your roller and paint tray. Add enamel paint to the clean paint tray.

Now paint the architrave with the roller. Let it dry before applying a second coat.

You’ve now successfully repaired and painted your chipped architrave.

6.1 Apply enamel paint to architrave.png 6.2 Repaired door architrave.png

Materials

180-grit sandpaper
Undercoat, like Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat
Enamel paint, like Taubmans 1L White Semi Gloss Water Based Enamel
Two-part filler, like Turbo 175ml Builders Bog Flexipack
Cloth
Painter’s tape.

Tools

Sanding block
Paint roller
Paint tray
Paint brush
Scraper
Safety gear, including a face mask, safety glasses and gloves.

Images

1.1 Damaged door architrave.png 1.2 Proportioning out filler and catalyst.png 1.3 Mixing filler and catalyst.png 1.4 Filler mixed.png 2.1 Filler applied to damaged area.png 2.2 Smoothing out filler.png 2.3 Filler sanded ready for second coat.png 3.1 Sanding filler.png 3.2 Sanding filler.png 3.3 Smoothing out filler.png 3.4 Second coat of filler applied and sanded.png 4.1 Sanding architrave.png 4.2 Peeling paint .png 5.1 Wiping down architrave.png 5.2 Applying painters tape around architrave.png 5.3 Cutting in around architrave with undercoat.png 6.1 Apply enamel paint to architrave.png 6.2 Repaired door architrave.png