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Style & materials 03/20/2025

Yellow doors? How to whiten them

Yellow doors? How to whiten them
Whether you have light oak or white lacquered interior doors, we can certainly say that they tend to yellow over time, losing their original charm and giving an impression of neglect. If you too find yourself struggling with yellowing light oak interior doors or white lacquered doors, don't worry. Here is a sophisticated and detailed guide to help you whiten yellowed doors and bring light back into your space.

Why do doors turn yellow?

Understanding the causes of yellowing doors is the first step towards preventing future problems and adopting the most appropriate solutions. 

The main factors that cause this transformation include:

  • Exposure to sunlight: UV rays can degrade the surfaces of doors, whether painted or lacquered, causing a change in colour;
  • Oxidation of materials: over the years, the natural oxidation of wood and painted surfaces leads to a loss of gloss and consequent yellowing;
  • Ageing of finishes: paints and protective products can wear out over time, leaving room for chemical change in the surface structure.

By knowing the causes, we can take targeted action to counteract these damaging effects. 

Materials needed to whiten yellow doors

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Remember, every detail counts for an excellent result. 

Here is what you will need:

  • Mild detergents for deep cleaning of the surface;
  • Sandpaper or electric sander to prepare the door;
  • High adhesion primer, specifically for interior doors;
  • High-quality white or light oak-coloured door paint, if this is your preferred shade;
  • Brush or roller for even application;
  • Painter's tape to protect surrounding areas;
  • Microfibre cloths for finishing.

Now that you are ready, let's proceed to restore the shine to your doors! 

How to whiten yellow doors: step-by-step guide

Bringing your white or light oak interior doors back to their original state takes time and precision, but the result will be flawless.

1. Thorough cleaning: first of all, make sure that the surface of the door is completely free of dust, dirt or oily residues. Use a mild detergent and a microfibre cloth, taking care to reach every corner. 

2. Surface preparation: use sandpaper (or an electric sander for greater precision) to remove yellowed paint or surface finish. This step is essential for the primer and new paint to adhere to the surface. 

3. Primer application: to ensure an even base and lasting coverage, apply a specific primer coat. Make sure you choose a primer that is suitable for the type of door (wood or lacquered). Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Main painting: using a high-quality roller or brush, apply two coats of white paint or the desired light oak shade. Let the first coat dry completely before moving on to the second. This will ensure an even, imperfection-free finish. 

5. Finishing and checking: once you have finished painting, use a micro-fibre cloth to wipe off any residual dust or imperfections. Carefully check that every corner has been properly covered. 

6. Reinstallation and final details: reassemble any handles or decorations and admire the result! Your door will have regained all its original beauty.

Take a look at Ermetika interior doors!

How to prevent future yellowing of doors

Now that you have restored your doors to their original brilliance, it is important to take some preventive measures to keep them looking flawless over time.

  • Use products with UV protection: applying a finish with UV protection can slow down the yellowing process. 
  • Regular maintenance: cleaning doors with mild detergents and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals ensures a longer life of the surface. 
  • Avoid direct exposure to the sun: if possible, protect your doors from excessive exposure to sunlight by using curtains or protective window films. 
  • Reapply paint or finish periodically: this will provide an extra layer of protection, keeping the beauty of your doors intact. 

Restore elegance to your doors 

Turning a yellow door into a beautiful white door or a refined light oak tone is a process that requires patience, attention and quality materials. With the steps and tips provided, you will be able to achieve professional results even on your own. 

Investing in the renovation of yellowed white lacquered doors is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a decision that elevates the value and charm of your home's interior. 

Take the first step towards a brighter home, start whitening white lacquered doors now with the professional methods you learned today!