How to Paint a Door
Need painting advice for how to spruce up your front door? This is a fun and easy weekend project, and a great way to convey your personality! Welcome guests to your home by painting a bright or bold color on your front door, or make a statement by painting interior doors a surprising color. Follow these steps to do the job right.
How to Paint a Door
Painting Advice
Preparation
Be prepared with the right tools, the right paint and enough time to complete the job right.
TIME: 1–2 Hours
TOOLS NEEDED: Sandpaper, Painter’s Tape, 1–2” Angled Brush, Roller
PAINT SHEEN: Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss
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How to Paint a Door
Painting Advice
Step 1
Scuff sand* both sides of the door.
Clean the door to remove dirt and dust from sanding.
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WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD, or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.
How to Paint a Door
Painting Advice
Step 2
Remove the door from its hinges and place on a flat surface.
Remove knobs, plates and locks or block off with painter's tape.
Note: If you use painter's tape, be sure to remove it as soon as possible after the door is painted, before the paint is completely dry. Otherwise, you may need to gently score the edge where it meets the door before removing the tape.
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How to Paint a Door
Painting Advice
Step 3
For a flat door:
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Use a roller for the main part of door and an angled brush for sides.
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Do not paint the door in direct sun.
For a paneled door:
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Use an angled brush first to paint inside the recessed areas.
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Use a roller for flat surfaces, first down the center, then across the door, finishing with down the sides to smooth it all out.
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Use an angled brush to finish the outer edges of the door.
Let dry per product instructions. Allow the door to be left open/off the hinges to dry for as long as possible.
Though it may be dry to the touch, with a semi-gloss or gloss paint, you will most likely experience blocking if the door is re-hung prematurely.
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Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.