I recently tried reversing the hinges on my child's door so it opens outward, thinking it would make it easier to get to them when they cry. I watched some tutorials, gathered my tools, and began the project, but my father-in-law pointed out some mistakes I've made (maybe I shouldn't have let my OCD guide me so much). Now, I'm worrying about the visible blunders and considering starting over with a whole new frame, which seems like overkill. I'm decent with DIY projects, but my ADHD and OCD can make things feel overwhelming. What's the best way to fix this so it doesn't look like a toddler did the job?
3 Answers
Just a heads up, doors that open inward are typically safer in fires because they don’t trap you inside the room. Be cautious if you're changing hinges, as you might be breaching some safety codes.
A quick and easy fix is to paint over the areas where you made mistakes. You can also use wood filler to smooth out those spots on both the door and the frame. Once it's sanded down, it should blend nicely after a coat of paint.
For the hinge spots, you might need to shim them or just fill the gaps well and clean everything up after. Take your time, and it'll turn out fine!
Caulk and paint truly transforms a project! Just remember to let the wood filler dry completely before sanding to get the best finish.
I think using wood filler is a solid plan! Just ensure you smooth it out well and then paint over it. Experimentation might yield the best results when it comes to hiding those old hinge marks.
Exactly! I've dealt with similar issues, and painting over filled areas hides a lot. Just make sure to get the right color match.
Oh man, I wish I had known that before! But my little one won't be able to open the door for quite a while, so I’m trying to not stress too much. Thanks for the tip though!