How to restore timber door sill?

vas90

What would be the best way to restore the sill? Oil or paint with weather suitable product.

EricL

I propose oiling it instead of using paint. Paint when used on the floor often tends to chip and scratches on its surface is very noticeable. Whereas using oil will give your door sill the resilience of a deck. It will be hard wearing, and dust and dirt will not be easily seen. I propose visiting your local store and having a look at the oil finish display board in the paint department. It will give you a much better idea of what the finish will look like.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @vas90

I would go oil for sure I just think it has an overall better "feel" to it.

I would remove the rest of the varnish thats there first and then oil.

Id just use paint stripper and a scraper, if it is resistant to that then a wire brush attachment for a drill.

It will come up sleek and modern.

Dave

vas90

Thank you @Dave-1

What type of oil to do recommend? I suppose that question is quite open ended.

I suppose something that is weather resistant? I just don't want to have to do it so often.

Nailbag

I just did this job last week @vas90 as part of a full entry restoration and agree 100% with @EricL on using an oil not paint.

I would start with an 80G sandpaper and block in straight lines the length of the sill concentrating on the two ends where the old stain is visible. Then move to a 180G across the entire area and finally a 240G.

I highly recommend this Cabot's product, which I have been using for years. I usually go a heavier first coat, then use a 400G paper very lightly over it once dry. Then two more lighter coats. Then it should be right for a couple of years at least depending on its environment and traffic.

I've included photo below but it doesn't show the sill very well sorry

Nailbag

MitchellMc

Hi @vas90,

For exterior oil, I'd recommend Intergrain 1L Natural Exterior Nature's Timber Oil. If the area is relatively sheltered from rain and sun, you might only have to reapply it every couple of years. It will only take 5mins to apply maintenance

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Dave-1

Morning @vas90

I would go down the route of a clear oil likeCabot's 4L Natural Decking Oil

Yes you will need to re-oil it every so often. I am currently reoiling bits and pieces around my place. The surpprising thing is that everytime I reoil it looks brand new as if Ive gone to all teh effort of doing it in the first place As @MitchellMc says "5mins" and really the hardest part to do will be to open the tin

Dave