5 Door Painting Tips

Introduction

Painting a door is not the same as painting interior walls.

If in the past you’ve tried to use the same tactics on a door just like a wall, you probably learned that’s not a good idea.

Here’s 5 door painting tips that can really bring you better results for future

1.) Remove the door

Despite of the pros painting a door vertically, here’s a reminder that you’re not a pro.

Take time to detach the door from the frame, also remove the hardware.

If you can find a well-ventilated area and set it on a sawhorse, that’d be your best bet.

The reason why we suggest to remove the door is it is easier to paint a door when it’s horizontal. One other benefit is that doing this will help prevent drips, along with sloppy mistakes you can encounter when working hastily.

Doing this can be a little tougher on older doors, if you’re having trouble, contact us as we can give you a free project estimate.

2.) Sandpapering

Next step is sanding your door.

This step is crucial because it gives the door a tad of texture. What that means is the paint will bond stronger.

You don’t need a power sander. A piece of sandpaper or sanding block will be just fine.

3.) Should You Prime?

Here are a couple scenarios when you should use a couple coats of primer.

One scenario is if the door is bare wood or stained wood. Also if the door is dark and you are looking to use a lighter color paint.

What type of paint used is also significant.

A question to ponder, is the door already painted with latex paint or oil? If you’re unsure, go ahead and wet a rag with ammonia then rub the door.

What you’re looking for is if the latex paint comes off it is latex, but oil will not come off.

You can do latex over latex, along with oil over oil. But don’t forget that you’ll need primer if you’re painting over oil with latex.

4.) Paint Panels

If your door has panels, paint them first. The most optimum method to paint them is with a small roller. After you smooth that color on, then utilize a brush to for any touch up for the missed spots then you can even out where paint is too thick or too thin.

After you smooth that color on, then utilize a brush to for any touch up for the missed spots then you can even out where paint is too thick or too thin.

Then after the panels, you can paint the cross pieces in between.

5.). If You want best

Next use roller-then-brush tactic again for the rest of the door. Do not forget to always follow the grain of the wood when using a brush. The majority of the time the grain will run from the very top all the way to bottom, but then be sure to check before you start.

The majority of the time the grain will run from the very top all the way to bottom, but then be sure to check before you start.

Also do not forget to paint the door’s edges. Lastly let the door dry.

Make sure you allot at a minimum of a couple of hours. Best is to let it dry overnight, before painting the other side or rehanging it.