What to do with unsightly architraves?

[GreenandNew]

Hello, we’ve recently moved into a Victoria house that was rented to tenants for decades. The architraves are scuffed and covered in many layers of paint. What’s the best way to make this look nice? Replace them or try to strip and repaint? I’ve attached a pic of the architrave around the front door as an example. Thanks

 

[foxhole]

Both are options replacement is usually quicker .

 

[GreenandNew]

Thanks Foxhole, appreciate the tip

 

[johnny2007]

With the cost of wood today, I'd be more inclined to keep them and refresh.
A lick of white works wonder, especially with walls of a different colour.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

Never mind a lick of white, how about giving them a wipe?
The chances of success for a novice are much better for rub down/repaint than rip and replace. You've still got painting to do even if you replace them.

 

[Diver Fred]

Wash down with 'Sugar' soap. I strongly recommend that you do not rub down with abrasive paper as the paint could be Lead based. The dust is evil. If you wish to take back to bare wood use a paint stripper fluid.

The best tool you buy as a new DIYer is a well fitting dust mask. Yes, they are not cheap but how much is your health?

 

[GreenandNew]

Never mind a lick of white, how about giving them a wipe?
The chances of success for a novice are much better for rub down/repaint than rip and replace. You've still got painting to do even if you replace them.

Haha, if only it were that easy! I’ve scrubbed them and that dirt is unmovable. It’s truly disgusting. A repaint would be a decent temporary fix, as you say.

 

[GreenandNew]

Wash down with 'Sugar' soap. I strongly recommend that you do not rub down with abrasive paper as the paint could be Lead based. The dust is evil. If you wish to take back to bare wood use a paint stripper fluid.

The best tool you buy as a new DIYer is a well fitting dust mask. Yes, they are not cheap but how much is your health?

Thanks Fred! Good tip. There are many layers of paint and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them have lead.

 

[Tigercubrider]

I’d use paint remover, allow time for it to act.
You’d be surprised how effective a professional stripper is.

Get it from a decorator centre, not a shed.

 

[johnny2007]

You’d be surprised how effective a professional stripper is.

Yes, especially when squatting and rubbing her crotch against the architrave...

 

[aveatry]

I have sent doors to a dip and strip place before and its amazing what detail appears, I even got back a door that was actually 2 glass panels in the top and not wood like I thought it was as there was so many layers of paint. I bet when you take off all of that paint there will be some great detail in the moulding. But I'm sorry I know its rude but the rest of the area is not worth the love in restoring the architrave. The skirting does not look the same age as the architrave looks newer. Unless you are going to do and spend the money on a full restore then scrub with sugar soap and paint over.