If you’re thinking about renovating your home, chances are you’ve stood staring at those old dark wooden doors and thought they make everything look smaller and dated. The solution that comes to everyone’s mind is replacing them with bright white interior doors.
But then the big question hits: is it worth lacquering your doors, or is it better to buy new ones? The quick answer is that, in the vast majority of cases, lacquering them is the smarter, more cost-effective, and cleaner option. However, it all depends on the quality of the wood you already have.
In this article we’ll tell you the truth about prices, the differences between a professional finish and a DIY one, and how you can give your home a whole new look without going through the chaos of a renovation in Barcelona.
Is it worth lacquering sapele, oak, or pine doors?
This is the question our clients ask us most. Many homes from the 1990s and 2000s have dark, heavy wooden doors.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth lacquering sapele, oak, or solid pine doors, the answer is a resounding yes.
The reason is simple: the quality of an old solid wood door is almost always infinitely superior to that of the standard doors sold today at lower price points.
- They provide excellent insulation — both acoustic and thermal.
- They’re very robust and withstand the test of time without warping.
Throwing away a solid wood door to fit a new hollow one (made of honeycomb-pressed cardboard) just because you want it to be white is a mistake. Lacquering that quality timber is the best investment you can make.
Expert note: If your current doors are hollow, heavily swollen from damp, or structurally damaged, then yes — we’d recommend buying new ones. The lacquering process beautifies, but it doesn’t fix serious structural problems.
White lacquered doors vs. painted doors: What’s the real difference?
It’s common to mix up the terms and search for white lacquered or painted doors as if they were exactly the same thing. But the end result couldn’t be more different. Some people have had bad experiences because they hired someone to “paint” their doors rather than “lacquer” them.
- Painting (The DIY method): Usually done with a roller or brush using synthetic enamels. The result shows brush marks, tends to yellow over time, and feels rough to the touch. It’s the cheap short-term option, but it chips and peels with knocks.
- Lacquering (The professional method): Uses two-component polyurethane lacquer-enamels (anti-yellowing). Applied with a spray gun in a pressurised spray booth. The result of a lacquered door is a completely smooth, silky, uniform, and highly durable surface.
To achieve a truly high-end lacquered door, the process requires sanding, applying primer, sanding again, and applying several thin coats with a spray gun. It’s not a simple weekend DIY job.
Lacquering your doors vs. buying new white interior doors (comparison)
If you’ve already decided you want white lacquered interior doors, here’s the definitive comparison to show you why restoring your existing ones is usually the winning option.
| Factor | Buying new doors | Lacquering existing doors |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | High (door + removing old frame + installation + bricklayer). Fitting new lacquered doors is a significant investment. | Medium / Low (saves between 40% and 60% compared to buying a new solid block door). |
| Disruption and mess | High. Generates rubble and dust, and often requires repairing the plaster or wall paint on adjacent surfaces. | Minimal. We take the door leaves to our workshop. Only the fixed frame is lacquered on site, with everything fully protected. |
| Time in your home | Several days of noise, dust, and professionals adjusting frames. | A few hours. We’re only there to remove the doors, lacquer the frames in situ, and return another day to hang them. |
| Sustainability | Generates a large amount of waste (old doors sent to landfill). | 100% eco-friendly. A quality material is recycled and given a second useful life. |
The bestseller: the smooth white lacquered door
White remains the undisputed king of modern renovations. Installing a smooth white lacquered door completely transforms any home, giving it the feel of a brand-new build.
The advantages of having white lacquered interior doors are many:
- They multiply light: They reflect natural light, making dark hallways and entrance halls look twice as large.
- They’re timeless: A white lacquered door never goes out of fashion and pairs perfectly with any type of flooring — wood, porcelain, or microcement.
- A sense of cleanliness: They bring a crisp, orderly aesthetic that instantly elevates the entire décor.
Beyond white: lacquered doors in on-trend colours
Although white lacquered doors are the safest and most popular choice, there’s plenty of room to play with tones that bring real personality to a space. If you’re looking for something different, you can also opt for coloured lacquered doors.
- Sand and beige lacquered doors: Ideal if you’re after a warm, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. Beige lacquered doors pair beautifully with white walls and natural wood floors.
- Grey lacquered doors: Ranging from a soft pearl grey to a deep anthracite. Grey lacquered doors are perfect for homes with a more industrial or minimalist style.
At Solera Reformas we can match the exact colour you have in mind, so your white lacquered doors — or whatever shade you choose — fit your home down to the last detail.
The Solera Reformas process: Immaculate doors with zero dust in your home
We know that the biggest fear when making changes at home is the dirt and dust. Our working method in Barcelona is designed for your complete peace of mind:
- Quick removal: We come to your home, take down your doors, and take them to our workshop. Your home stays clean and fully functional throughout.
- Workshop treatment: There we sand, apply primer, and lacquer with a spray gun in a booth to guarantee a perfect finish — whether white lacquered doors or any other colour.
- On-site frame lacquering: While the doors dry at the workshop, we come to your home to treat the fixed frames. Everything is meticulously masked and covered. Zero marks on your walls.
- Final installation: We return with your finished doors, fit new handles if you wish, and leave everything adjusted to perfection.
You’ll have white lacquered interior doors that look fresh from the factory, without the dreaded renovation chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions about door lacquering
Which is cheaper — lacquering doors or replacing them?
Lacquering doors is significantly cheaper. When you buy a new door, you’re not just paying for the door itself — you’re also paying for the labour to remove the old frame, install the new one, take the rubble to the waste centre, and often patch up the surrounding wall with bricklaying and paint. Lacquering your existing doors eliminates all those extra costs.
How much does it cost to lacquer 6 doors white?
The price varies depending on the condition of the wood and whether the doors have complex mouldings or glass panels. But it’s consistently a very strong investment. In Barcelona, a full professional door lacquering job typically saves between 40% and 60% compared to buying the same number of new high-quality solid doors.
How long does door lacquering last?
A professional lacquering job lasts for many years in perfect condition. By using two-component polyurethane lacquers cured in a spray booth, the finish doesn’t chip or yellow over time, and stands up effortlessly to the daily wear and tear of a family home.
How do you clean lacquered doors?
Maintenance is incredibly simple. Because the surface is completely smooth and non-porous, dust barely sticks to it. A soft cloth slightly dampened with water and a little mild soap is all you need. It’s important never to use abrasive scourers or chemical products containing ammonia, as these can strip the lacquer’s sheen.
What door colour makes a home look more expensive and elegant?
Without question: off-white, pure satin white, or very soft sand tones. These colours convey understated luxury, cleanliness, and a sense of space. Combine them with modern door handles or hardware in matt gold, matt black, or brushed steel, and your home’s look will go up a level immediately.
Door lacquering company in Barcelona
Renewing your doors doesn’t have to be a lengthy or chaotic process. With the right guidance and a professional team, you can add real value to your home and enjoy the brightness you’ve been looking for.
At Solera Reformas we specialise in modernising homes in Barcelona. We assess the actual condition of your wood and tell you with complete honesty whether restoring or replacing is your best option.
If you’d like to know how much it would cost to give your home a new lease of life and enjoy spectacular lacquered interior doors, the process is very simple.
Want to know how long it would take and what a door transformation would cost?
Contact us today. Send us a couple of photos of your current doors via WhatsApp and we’ll give you our expert assessment and a detailed plan with no obligation whatsoever. Transforming your home is easier than you think.
