How to Paint an Interior Door

Doors are one of the first things people see when they walk into a room, so it’s important to make sure they look their best. Luckily, painting an interior door is a relatively simple process that anyone can do. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a new door in no time.

First, remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on a drop cloth or other surface that can get messy. Then, use a medium-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the door. This will help the paint to stick better. Next, wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Now you’re ready to start painting! Begin by applying a thin layer of primer to the door. Once the primer is dry, apply your first coat of paint. Let the paint dry completely before applying a second coat. Once the second coat is dry, you can rehang the door and enjoy your new look!

Paint an Interior Door

To paint an interior door, remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on sawhorses. If the door is currently painted, start by sanding the surface to create a smooth base for the new paint. Once the door is sanded, use a brush or roller to apply a primer. Once the primer is dry, paint the door with a brush or roller, using long strokes in the same direction. For best results, use two thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Once the paint is dry, rehang the door and enjoy your new look!

Type of Paint to Use

When it comes to painting the interior of your home, there are a few different types of paint that can be used for doors.

The most common type of paint is latex, which is easy to apply and clean up. However, latex paint will not adhere well to glossy surfaces, so it is not recommended for use on doors.

Oil-based paint is another option that can be used on door interiors. It is more durable than latex paint and can provide a more polished look. However, oil-based paint can be difficult to work with and cleanup can be time-consuming.

For a quick and easy option, consider using spray paint. Spray paint can be applied in a matter of minutes and dries quickly. However, it is not as durable as other types of paint and may need to be reapplied more often.

Painting Interior Doors

When choosing paint for your interior doors, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, opt for an acrylic-latex paint, as this type of paint is both durable and easy to clean. Next, decide on the level of shine you want.

Eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss all have a bit of shine, but flat or matte paints will have a more natural look. Finally, keep in mind that some doors require special treatment. If the door is bare wood, it’s likely meant to be stained and coated. Clear pine doors and unfinished wood veneer doors should be stained and clear-coated, not painted.

If you do decide to paint these doors, they should first be primed with two coats of interior primer. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your interior doors look their best.

Paint Door in Place or Remove It?

When it comes to painting a door, there are two main approaches that you can take. The first is to remove the door from its hinges and paint it in a separate area. This approach can be effective, but it can also be time-consuming and messy.

The second approach is to paint the door in place. While this may seem like the easier option, it can actually be more challenging, since you’ll need to be careful not to get paint on the floor or surrounding walls.

In addition, painting a door in place can make it difficult to achieve an even finish. Ultimately, the decision of whether to paint a door in place or remove it will come down to personal preference and the specific circumstances of the project.

Paint Door After Removing It

Anytime you plan on painting a door, it is best to remove it from the frame first. This way you can easily paint all sides of the door without any obstacles in the way. Plus, it will be easier to paint a smooth and even coat this way. You should also make sure to sand the door down before painting it. This will help to rough up the surface so that the paint will adhere better. Once you have removed the door and sanded it down, you are ready to start painting. Just be sure to put down a drop cloth or some old newspapers to protect your floors from paint drips.

Painting Door Without Removing It

To paint a door without removing it, start by putting down a drop cloth to protect your floor. Then, use a putty knife to fill any holes or cracks in the door with spackle. Once the spackle is dry, sand the door until it’s smooth. Next, use a brush or roller to apply a coat of primer to the door. When the primer is dry, apply your first coat of paint. Let the paint dry for at least two hours before adding a second coat. Finally, let the door dry overnight before reattaching the hardware.

When to Paint an Interior Door

When it comes to painting an interior door, there are a few factors to consider. One is whether the door is made of wood, metal, or another material. If the door is made of wood, it will need to be sanded and primed before painting. Metal doors can usually be painted without any additional prep work.

Another factor to consider is the finish of the door. High-gloss paint is best for doors that get a lot of traffic, as it is more durable and easier to clean. Semi-gloss paint is a good option for doors that don’t get as much wear and tear. Once you’ve decided on the type of paint, you’ll also need to choose a color.

White is a classic choice that can be used with any color scheme. Black is also a popular choice for interior doors. If you want something more unique, you can experiment with different colors to create a bold statement. Whatever color you choose, make sure it coordinates with the rest of the room. Once you’ve finalized your plans, you’re ready to start painting!

When you’re planning a remodel, it’s important to take the order of your projects into account. You don’t want to paint your doors before you’ve installed your flooring, for example, or you’ll risk getting paint on your new floors. It’s best to leave doors off their hinges for as long as possible, and paint them as one of the last steps in the project.

This way, you can avoid obstacles to installing flooring, door casing, and trim. And you won’t have to worry about wall, ceiling, or trim paint ending up on your newly painted door. So when you’re planning your next remodel, keep this advice in mind and paint your doors last.

Equipment / Tools

Cordless drill or manual screwdriver

Drop cloth

Utility knife

Sanding sponge

4-inch foam roller set

Paint brush

Paint tray and liner

Tack cloth

Shop vacuum

Hammer

Nail

Materials

Interior acrylic-latex paint

Primer (optional)

Instructions

Paint Door by removing It

Take Door Off

1. Take out the pins on the hinges of your door. The sharp edge of the nail on the top of the hinge. Tap until the pin extends to lift it out with your hand. Once the pins are removed then move the door away. The other half remains on hinges in the doors casing.

Remove all Hinges and other items from the door.

1. The door should be placed on the sawhorses. Take the hinges off the door. Also, remove the doorknob, faceplate in a rectangular shape, the rose-covered cover (the circular trim) as well as any hooks for the door or wall protectors.

Sand Door

1. Sand the door lightly using your sanding brush. Sand the back and front as well as those two edges, and the edges at the top and bottom.

Tip

1. If you have doors that are primed, go slow with the sanding process to avoid scratching away the prime.

Clean Door

1. Make use of the shop vacuum and the tack cloth to scrub the door.

Paint Edges and Panels

1. Utilizing using the brush Paint on the edge of the door with the brush. If the door is made of panels, paint those as well. Fill the brush with a small amount of paint in order to avoid drips and sags. Be aware of drips on the edges.

Tip

1. Do not paint the mortises of the hinges (the indentures along the edge of the door to serve as those hinges). Paint can alter the swing of the door.

With Foam Roller Paint With Foam Roller

1. If the paint is wet, change onto the roller. Paint on all flat surfaces. As you go, clean any drips left by the brushwork.

Apply Second Coat

1. It will take about two hours until the paint is completely dry. Apply an additional coat.

Paint Another Side of Door

1. It is recommended to wait for at minimum two for two hours prior to turning the door to paint the opposite side. Since the pressure of the paint may cause indentation and smudges, it’s best to put off the paint for a whole period of time before turning the door.

Replace the door and Hardware

1. Replace the hinges and the hardware. The door can be repositioned on the hinges of the frame of the door. Reset the pins on your hinges.

Paint Door without Removal

Remove all objects from the door

1. With a screwdriver, take off the knob, faceplate rose-covered cover (the cut-off in the round) as well as hooks and any other item except the hinges, that are not to be painted.

Add Drop Cloth

1. The door should be opened so that it’s open about halfway. The drop cloth should be slipped under the lower edge of the door. Make sure the drop cloth covers the entire length of the door and outwards a few inches.

Steady the Door

1. Put a soft object like towels under the lower edge on the inside of the door. Check the door’s stability by pressing it against it. It shouldn’t move.

Apply the painter’s Tape

1. Tape over hinges. Lay strips of tape on the hinges. After that, cut the tape with the utility knife to ensure that all hinges and only hinges will be completely covered.

Paint Door

1. Paint the door in the same way as had you removed the door. Some differences:

• The edge at the bottom of the door will not be painted.
• Be cautious when painting near the hinges taped-over to avoid accumulating excessive amounts of paint.
• Paint can drip on vertical surfaces. Therefore, often you should touch up drips as they begin to develop.
• Both sides are able to be painted at the simultaneously.

When do you need to call a professional?

Although painting just only a few doors is generally doable, painting every door within a home can take a long time and be tedious. If you’re in a hurry professional painters can make the task easier usually completing projects similar to this in just a few hours.

Conclusion

Painting an interior door is a task that can be done by most people, but it does require some preparation and attention to detail. In this article, we have outlined the steps necessary to paint a door successfully, from removing the hardware to taping off the hinges. We also suggest waiting for a certain amount of time before painting the opposite side of the door to avoid smudging or indentations. Finally, if you are in a hurry or do not feel comfortable painting a door yourself, professional painters are available who can complete the job quickly and easily.