Repainting a wooden door is a great way to add a new lease of life to a room. Painting a door is a relatively simple job, and one that even inexperienced DIY-ers can do. These tips will help you to achieve a great-looking, professional finish.
Tools Needed
You will need the following:
- Fine sandpaper
- Heavy duty sandpaper
- A cleaning cloth
- Paint rollers (small and large)
- Paint brushes (in various sizes)
- Paint thinner
- Paint tray
- Primer
- Paint
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by covering any areas that you don’t want to paint (such as the door knob, or glass panes) with masking tape.
- Remove the door from the hinges and lay it flat on a table
- Check that the door is free from scratches and dents. If you notice any damaged areas, fill them in with putty, allow the putty to dry, then sand the spot smooth before you start painting.
- Depending on the surface you are painting on, you may need to apply a primer. If primer is necessary, apply a coat and allow it to dry.
- Apply the topcoat, using a generous amount of paint and even strokes. Use rollers to paint large panels, and a fine brush for smaller areas.
- Give the paint time to dry between coats.
- Once the second coat has dried, flip the door over and repeat the same process on the other side.
Painting Tips
Depending on the kind of paint you are using, you may be able to get away with using just one coat of paint on an internal door. Exterior doors, however, will likely need more than one coat.
Note that certain kinds of paint do not mix well together – for example, it is not a good idea to try to put a coat of a water-based paint over the top of an oil based paint. Instead of doing this, sand the existing paint off the door, and then re-prime the door before painting it again.
Always try to paint in the direction of the wood grain (never across the grain) so that you get a smooth and even, professional looking finish.
Internal Vs External
Take extra care when painting external doors. Remove fittings such as the letter box before painting, and use masking tape to cover the area where any panes of glass meet the wood work.
Prepare the door with sandpaper, and make sure that you apply primer and an appropriate topcoat. Not all paints are suitable for outdoor use, so double check this before you start work. Remember that external doors will be exposed to wind, rain and sunlight, so the paint you choose must be good enough to protect them from this. You may need to apply multiple coats for adequate protection. Make sure that you cover the entire surface (including the bottom and edges of the door) so that the wood is protected from water damage.
