Painting the interior of your home is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to spruce up a room. It’s a great weekend project and one that’s virtually guaranteed to create ambiance.
Even if you know how to cut in a room and paint the walls, you might be stymied when it comes to painting the door. Maybe during past painting jobs, you’ve tried to treat the door like just a smaller, more mobile wall. As you likely learned, that’s not such a great idea. Now it’s time to learn how to paint a door so that it looks professional and perfect!
1. Remove the Door
Yes, it is possible to paint the door while it is vertical, and that’s how the pros do it. But you are not a pro. Take the time to remove the door from its frame, removing the hardware while you’re at it. Set it on sawhorses in a well-ventilated area.
It will be easier to paint the door when you’re working horizontally. This method will also help prevent drips, as well as sloppy mistakes you might make because you are in a hurry.
This is tough with some older doors. If you’re having trouble it’s best to call in a professional.
2. Next, Get Out the Sandpaper
Sanding your door is the next step. Sanding is important because it gives the door just a tiny bit of texture. This means the paint will adhere better.
That said, there’s no need to rev up the power sander. A sanding block or even a piece of sandpaper will suffice.
3. To Prime or Not to Prime?
There are a few instances when you should use a coat or two of primer. First, if the door is bare wood or stained wood, primer will be necessary. The same is true if the door is dark and you want to use a light-colored paint.
The type of paint also matters. Is the door already painted with oil or latex paint? (If you’re not sure, wet a rag with some ammonia and rub the door; latex paint will come off but oil will not.
Latex over latex is fine, as is oil over oil. But you will need a primer if you’re painting over oil with latex.
4. Tackle the Panels First
Does your door have panels? The best way to paint them is to use a small roller. After smoothing the color on, use a brush to touch up any missed spots and even out anyplace where the paint is too thin or too thick.
After the panels, paint the cross pieces between them.
5. For Best Results
You can use the roller-then-brush method again for the remainder of the door. One important tip, though: always follow the grain of the wood when using a brush. Most of the time, the grain will run top to bottom, but be sure to check before you start in.
Don’t forget to paint the edges of the door. Then, it’s time to let the door dry thoroughly. Plan for at least a couple of hours of drying time, or overnight to be on the safe side, before painting the other side or rehanging it.
That’s How to Paint a Door!
By taking a little time to remove the door, sand it, and paint it methodically, you are bound to get better results. You will enjoy your new door for years to come!
Now that you know how to paint a door, why not learn how to match and complement interior paint and decor colors?
