How To Paint An Interior Door
Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to paint a door with a brush and small foam roller.
Print Tutorial
Equipment
- Old Rag
- Synthetic Paintbrush
Supplies
- 220 Sandpaper
- Painter's Tape
- Deglosser
- Latex Enamel Paint Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel Paint or Benjamin Moore Pro Advance
- Optional: Wood filler
Instructions
Before You Begin
- Decide if you'll paint the door while hung or off its hinges.
- Use painter's tape to cover hinges and other areas you don't want to paint.
- Place the door on sawhorses or prop it open and protect the floor if you are not removing it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lightly sand the surface and wipe it down with deglosser.
- Prime the door if needed (check reasons in the post).
- Paint the edges of the door first with a roller.
- Paint the interior panels using a brush and a foam roller for a smooth finish.
- Paint the vertical middle panel, then the horizontal panels, and outside vertical panels.
- Let each thin layer dry before applying 2-3 more coats if necessary.
- Remove tape carefully and touch up any imperfections with a small brush.
- Reinstall the door and hardware if removed.
Notes
- Paint in thin layers.
- Check for drips as your paint is drying. If you do have any drips a light sanding in between layers can help get a smoother finish.
- You may need to prime your door if switching from oil to water-based paint, for glossy surfaces, sloppy previous paint job, dark to light color change, or paint doesn't adhere.
Cost: under $60