Painting doors can be a rewarding way to freshen up your home’s interior and give it a renewed sense of style. Whether you are aiming to match existing decor or create a whole new look, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a professional finish.

Preparation:

Gather Your Materials: Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials:

Sandpaper medium and fine grit

Primer

Paint latex or oil-based

Paintbrushes angled and flat

Paint tray and roller if preferred

Painter’s tape

Prepare the Door: Start by removing the door from its hinges if possible. Lay it flat on sawhorses or a workbench to make painting easier. If removing the door is not feasible, ensure you have enough space around it to work comfortably.

Clean and Sand: Clean the door surface thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease. Use a mild detergent solution and a sponge or cloth. Once dry, lightly sand the entire surface with medium-grit sandpaper to create a smooth base for the paint. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a polished finish.

Apply Primer: Apply a coat of primer to the door using a paintbrush or roller. Primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a more even finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.

Painting Techniques:

Choose Your Paint: Select paint suitable for doors—either latex or oil-based. Latex paints are easier to clean up with water and dry faster, while oil-based paints offer a durable finish.

Painting the Door: Start by painting the recessed or detailed areas of the door using a brush. Use smooth, even strokes to avoid drips or visible brush marks. Apply paint evenly and avoid overworking it to prevent uneven drying.

Allow for Drying Time: Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats. Typically, latex paint dries to the touch within a few hours, while oil-based paints may take longer. Ensure each coat is fully dry before applying the next.

Apply Additional Coats if Needed: Depending on the color and coverage desired, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before assessing if additional coats are necessary.

Finishing Touches:

Remove Painter’s Tape: Once the paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove painter’s tape from any hinges, handles, or adjacent surfaces. This helps achieve clean lines and a professional finish.

Reattach the Door: Once the paint is fully cured according to the manufacturer’s instructions, how to paint doors reattach the door to its hinges. Take care not to damage the freshly painted surface during reinstallation.

Final Inspection: Inspect the door for any missed spots or imperfections. Touch up as needed with a small brush to ensure a flawless finish.