Paint a door, which is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to update your space. A newly painted door will make all the difference whether you need to improve the curb appeal of your house or your interior décor. A good-quality finish is within everybody’s reach with the proper tools, skills, and preparation.
We will walk you through each step of the process here, from preparing the doors to the top coat, so you can be assured of completing your next do-it-yourself painting project.
Why Paint a Door?
Doors are high-traffic areas that endure daily wear and tear, which can lead to chipped paint, scuff marks, and faded finishes. Giving them a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just improve their appearance—it also helps protect the material from moisture, UV rays, and dirt buildup.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, painted doors are a great value-adding touch. For those simply wanting a style upgrade, new door colours can dramatically change the vibe of any room or entryway.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready to go:
- Screwdriver (for removing hardware)
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths or old sheets.
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Degreaser or mild soap
- Paint primer
- Paint (latex or oil-based, depending on the door material)
- Paintbrush (angled for precision)
- Small foam roller (for smooth application)
- Tack cloth
- Stir stick
- Optional: wood filler or putty for imperfections
A flawless paint job or a drawn-out, long-lasting mess solely relies on having the right equipment.
Step 2: Prepare the Door
To achieve a more professional and finished look, if you’re painting all four sides of the door, start by removing the door from its hinges. Place the door on a stable surface, such as two sawhorses. If you’re only painting the front face and don’t want to remove the door, be mindful of your drips.
Remove the lockset, hinges, and knob and any additional hardware from the door. Mask areas you don’t wish to paint with painter’s tape, such as peepholes or glass inserts.
Next, thoroughly clean the surface. Grease, dust, and oils may be removed with a degreaser or soapy water. Completely dry the surface before going on to the next step.
Step 3: Sand and Patch
Sanding creates a smooth, even surface and improves the adhesion of the paint. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper (about 120-grit) to smooth out minor imperfections or strip old paint. Complete with a higher shine finish using a finer grit (about 220 grit).
Now would be the time to fill in any deep scrapes or holes. Use putty or wood filler, allow it to dry, and then sand it smooth.
When sanding is complete, remove any dust with a tack cloth. Any leftover dust can destroy the final finish, so this must be done.
Step 4: Prime the Surface
Primer prepares the door for paint by providing a better bonding surface, evening out colour, and sealing porous areas. This is especially important if you’re painting a darker door a lighter colour or if your door is made from a material like bare wood or metal.
Use a brush for corners or delicate motifs and a foam roller for flat areas to apply a uniform layer of primer. Give the primer time to dry completely, which could take a few hours. For comprehensive instructions, see our tutorial on how long paint primer takes to dry, which will help you plan your project accordingly.
Step 5: Paint the Door
The exciting part is about to begin: painting!
First, mix your paint thoroughly. Use an edge brush to paint corners and edges and a small foam roller to cover large, flat areas for a smooth, brush-mark-free finish.
Apply even thin layers of paint. Thin layers of two or three are preferable to a single layer that may drip and not cover well. Before adding the next layer, let the previous layers dry. Observe the drying time recommended on the paint can for optimal results.
If your door is part of your home’s exterior, be sure to choose weather-resistant exterior paint. Likewise, interior doors often benefit from durable semi-gloss or gloss finishes for easy cleaning.
Step 6: Reassemble and Touch Up
Gently replace the door hardware once the last coat of paint has completely dried. If you removed the door, rehang it on its hinges.
Inspect your work and do any necessary touch-ups with a small artist’s brush. Finally, allow the paint to cure over the next few days to ensure it hardens completely before subjecting the door to heavy use.
Pro Tips for a Long-Lasting Finish
- Utilise the highest rollers and brushes. They enable you to achieve a perfectly even, smooth finish and leave very few marks.
- Use grainy paint. When brushing or rolling, pay attention to the wood grain texture of your door.
- Never paint in damp weather. It may interfere with the finish and slow down the drying process.
- Take it slow. A quality finish is assured when every layer has dried thoroughly.
Thinking Beyond the Door: Bigger Painting Projects
Once you see how rewarding it is to refresh a door, you might feel inspired to take on larger painting projects. Whether you’re tackling fences, walls, or driveways, choosing the right product is key. For example, outdoor concrete paint is specially formulated for patios, steps, and driveways to withstand heavy wear and fluctuating weather conditions.
If your project feels too big to tackle on your own, we’re here to help. At Stretch Paints, we offer comprehensive painting services across Brisbane. Whether it’s residential painting to refresh your home’s interiors, commercial painting to maintain a polished business façade, or body corporate painting for strata-managed buildings, we deliver quality, professionalism, and lasting results.
Your Door, Your Style
Painting a door is a rewarding and straightforward task that can transform the look of your house for virtually nothing and with minimal effort. A smooth, professional-looking, durable finish is within reach using the right materials, time, and preparation.
At Stretch Paints, we’re just a phone call away if you need assistance knowing where to start or would like to let the pros take care of it. Whether it be one door or an entire house renovation, our professionals are on standby to bring your dreams to life.
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