How to Paint Internal Doors: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Thinking about a renovation of your bedroom with a new coat of paint? Painting your interior doors is an easy, fast, and affordable means of bringing a room a fresh new look — without having to be a professional. Asking yourself how to paint a door for the first time or just restoring a battered surface, we've got all the information you need.
We'll walk you through the basics of painting a door and frame, and pick out special considerations for different types — from wooden and panel doors to more specialist jobs like how to paint a composite door, how to paint a garage door, or even how to paint a upvc door.
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Door Painting Preparation Tips
How do you prepare an internal door for painting?
A worthwhile prep job before you even pick up a brush. Start by:
Cleaning the door with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dust and grease.
Removing handles and hardware like locks or hinges (or taping them over with painter's tape if you're in a hurry).
Protecting the floor beneath the door with a dust sheet or newspaper to catch any drips or splashes.
What type of paint works best for internal doors?
Satin or semi-gloss paint is best for most interior doors. They are durable, clean easily, and have a smooth finish. When painting a wood door or an item already painted, a high-quality water-based acrylic paint or solvent-based paint is your best choice.
If you're wondering how to paint a painted door, make sure the existing paint is in good shape. Otherwise, a light sand and primer can be done.
Should you use a brush or roller on interior doors?
Both are useful:
Brushes are ideal for cutting in edges and into panel door grooves.
Rollers give a smooth finish on flat surfaces and are quicker.
Pro tip: Use a combination of both — start with an edge and detail brush, then switch to a mini foam roller for larger, flat areas.
Can I paint an internal door without removing it?
Yes! It is fully possible to paint a still hung door. Simply make sure it is securely stuck and will not swing on you. Mask over hinges and fixtures with painter's tape, and place a protecting sheet below.
Do you need primer on internal doors?
Plain wood doors: Yes, always prime first in order to seal the surface and improve paint adherence.
Doors already painted: If the initial paint remains in good shape, a light sanding and wash should be all right prior to repainting.
Is sanding necessary before painting interior doors?
Sanding is employed to create a smooth surface upon which to paint. It's especially crucial if the door is lumpy, chipped, or already has a shiny finish. Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 120–150 grit), then a clean damp cloth to wipe away the dust.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint an Interior Door
Step 1: Take away or mask door hardware
Take off handles, knobs, and any ornate hardware. If that's not possible, mask firmly with masking tape.
Step 2: Sand and clean the surface
Lightly sand out flaws or gloss, and then wipe the door down with a damp cloth. Let dry thoroughly before moving on.
Step 3: Put on primer (if needed)
If you're painting naked timber, or going from dark to light, use a coat of primer. Allow it to dry thoroughly before painting.
Step 4: Paint panels, then edges, then frame
If your door is panelled, start with the recessed panels using a brush. Then paint the horizontal sections, followed by vertical ones. Lastly, paint the outer frame. This technique avoids visible brush marks and creates an even finish.
Step 5: Apply a second coat
When the first coat has dried (normally after 4–6 hours depending on the type of paint), apply a second coat for full coverage and a smooth, professional finish.
Step 6: Touch up and reinstall fittings
Check for drips or oversights and touch them up with a small brush. Once the paint is completely dry, replace the handles and other fittings.
Get Professional Help with Homerun.co.uk
If you are short of time or would rather have the perfect finish, why not get the experts in? On Homerun.co.uk, you can have suggested local professionals who are familiar with painting a front door, painting a composite door, or painting a garage door to precision.
Whether it's painting a wooden door, bringing an old favourite back to life, or painting an unusual surface, our professional painters have got you sorted.
With good preparation and a bit of patience, painting interior doors is an easy DIY task that can instantly make your area look brand new. Good luck — and happy painting!
Image Credit: pexels.com, pinterest.com
