Distressed 8ft Interior French Doors

These custom interior French doors were refinished to create a soft, aged appearance inspired by timeworn European doors. The goal was to achieve an authentic distressed finish while maintaining durability for everyday use.

The doors were thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and sanded before all hardware and lock components were removed. Because the doors were constructed from pine, they were first sealed with a clear shellac primer to help prevent tannin and knot bleed-through.

To create the layered finish, the doors were painted in Annie Sloan Old Ochre and sealed with General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in Satin. A second coat of Annie Sloan Pure White was then applied and carefully distressed by hand to reveal portions of the Old Ochre beneath. This process created depth, texture, and the appearance of natural wear that develops over decades of use.

Once the desired level of distressing was achieved, the doors were protected with General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in Satin for long-lasting durability while preserving the soft, matte appearance of the finish.

The completed doors bring warmth, character, and architectural interest to the space while maintaining the charm of antique European-inspired design.