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Learn how to make your PVC doors shine with Reed Glass Membrane and faux crystal details on a budget.
I never liked white uPVC doors. I know they meet many “reasonable” requirements in that they are durable, safe, and easy to maintain, but in my opinion, these practical benefits often come at the expense of aesthetic appeal, which I can say (with less pride). Master!
For the past six years, this pesky door has taken care of itself in our kitchen, which is also white most of the time, so it fits in nicely and I can ignore it. Then came a budget kitchen renovation with grey-green cabinets, tubular peninsula texture, microcement countertops and black accents, and suddenly the outdated door stuck out like a sore thumb and I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I also can’t justify the cost of a new door, especially since the door is not only free of any problems, but it meets all of the above criteria. Just one thing… budget makeup and if you follow my instagram you know that DIY pocket projects are one of my favorite types…
Painting the door is always a big deal, then for extra style points you can add some faux crystal details and a cane glass membrane like I did here. This makeover was a lot of fun and it was quick and easy to make which is always a bonus.
As with painting PVC window frames, there are many ranges of paints specifically designed for the job, you don’t have to search social media for many examples of completed projects, but a simple painting won’t work for this particular door. Another downside to this is that it comes out on a very ugly wall.
Unfortunately, since this wall belongs to our neighbors, we have limited lighting options, so instead of trying to change the look, I decided to hide it by adding a smart and stylish (check more) cane-effect glass film that I found in the glass. Movies (opens in a new tab). They make a lot of privacy protectors in a wide variety of styles, but the one with the reed really caught my eye.
In the past, cane glass doors were often out of reach on a modest budget, but not now, thanks to the invention of this shiny glass film that not only looks great, but also provides privacy, in our example, hiding a less-than-pleasant view of the other side of the door. I recommend using the installation kit (opens in a new tab) as it makes applying the film much easier, which is critical to a good end result.
8. Glass film installation kit: (This window film application kit (opens in a new tab) makes applying glass film much easier)
It is not recommended to paint uPVC doors that are less than a year old, as resins in the manufacturing process can affect paint adhesion.
If your door is outside and exposed to bad weather, you should choose a weatherproof paint, check the instructions for use in the tin.
Clean and dry both sides of the door from top to bottom with diluted dishwashing detergent. Scratch the glass surface and dry with a scraper. Lightly sand (with a wrench) the door frame for better adhesion. Apply masking tape (opens in a new tab) around the edges of the door frame, lock, and hinges.
Apply two or three coats of multi-purpose paint or PVC paint, I used Rust-Oleum Matte Black All-Purpose Paint (Opens in a new tab), allowing time to dry completely between coats.
Don’t worry if the first coat doesn’t cover well, it’s normal when painting PVC doors, the second coat will look much better. You don’t need to paint both sides of the door, but if you leave one side blank, you will need to paint the baton you attach to that side white to match the color.
Measure and cut the glass film to the desired size, leaving an additional 20 mm. (I only covered one side of the door and it worked well, but you can coat both sides if you like.) Spray your hands with mounting fluid and remove the protective film from the glass film. Spray the mounting fluid onto the adhesive side of the glass film, making sure it covers the entire surface. Spray the glass with mounting fluid, making sure again that there are no dry spots.
Apply the wet adhesive side of the film to the glass aligned with the top of the door. Spray the front of the glass film with mounting spray to keep the squeegee (opens in new tab) from sticking to it.
Go down the center of the glass and use the squeegee to squeeze the water out from under the film. After the glass film has adhered to the glass, use a green card scraper and a “crowbar knife” to cut it to size. After cutting the film, proceed to remove the remaining water up to the edge of the glass. After removing the water, dry the edges with a cloth.
Select the design for which you want to create the Faux Crittall effect on the door and measure the required length of the wood trim (opens in a new tab). Cut off the strips and lightly sand the cut ends. Apply at least two coats of the universal paint (opens in a new tab) that you used on the door frame to the cut molding to ensure color and finish is consistent. Don’t forget to add wood planks on both sides of the door, because if you only stick them on one side, you will see the back of the baton through the glass.
Place the pieces on the door for a final check, then apply adhesive to the back one at a time. Place each bead of adhesive on the door and check the level before pressing hard. Let the glue dry.
After the moldings are dry, check for gaps between the door frame and the paint stripes; if you do, they can be filled in and painted for a super smooth finish. That’s all, a completely redone door is several times cheaper than a new one.
I am happy when I have a drill or a brush in my hands! I specialize in home makeovers on a budget and love experimenting with different styles and techniques which I share on my Instagram. I believe your imagination, not your budget, should be the limiting factor when remodeling a room, and I like to think of creative ways to use flatpack or recycled finds to create custom and custom furniture.
I also love to write and my home improvement blog (ClaireDouglasStyling.co.uk (opens in new tab)) is a passion project of mine where I share interior styling ideas as well as DIY tips and tutorials.
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Post time: Nov-20-2022