How can I fix a sticky door?

Question

I haven't painted it. It is solid wood. Will staining it or painting it keep it from expanding once I make sure it no longer sticks? Will it shrink in winter once it is painted or stained? If I paint it (which I am leaning towards painting it more so than staining it,) what type of primer and paint should I use?

Answer 1

First locate the area where it rubs(top or side)...check the door hinges to be sure the screws are all tight (don't over tighten) Now instead of messing with the door try adjusting the jamb where it rubs.

With the door open, take a sturdy block of wood and holding it at the rub area (top or side)lightly strike the block, forcing the jamb away from the door ( like a dime's thickness). imediately try closing the door. you can repeat this process until you are satisified but do not over do it. If the door closes, stop. You can adjust either side of opening or both to balance the amount you spread the opening. I have also used long finish nails to open it up a little and hold it there.

If you decide to paint over the clear finish, lightly sand it first ( just to rough it up) and any good primer and paint will work. consult the people where you purchase your paint.

Answer 2

If it sticks now, rest assured that it'll stick more when you add a couple of coats of paint. If it only sticks slightly, try rubbing a bar of soap on the door and the jamb where necessary. It's possible that shimming one or other of the hinges with thin cardboard to adjust the angle slightly will solve the problem. If all else fails, sand the door.  

Answer 3

You should use an enamel paint as this won't stick to the jamb like an acrylic paint would. You should also seal the top and bottom as well as the back and front edges of the door as moisture will be absorbed into the wood if you do not.

Answer 4

soap. rub a bar of soap where it rubs and this should help or get a carpenter to adjust the frame. this should have been done when the door was installed.maybe the installer didn't know what they were doing and didn't shim it properly.good luck