Transform your interior doors with a fresh coat of paint to add style and personality to any room. This guide covers everything you need to know—from preparation to finishing touches—to get a smooth, professional-looking result.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
For a professional door painting project you will need the following:
Paint:
High-quality interior acrylic latex paint
Brushes, Rollers, and Frames
- Angled trim brush
- 9″ roller frame (or smaller)
- High-capacity rollers
Trays and Accessories
- Paint trays and liners
- Painter’s tape
Other Tools and Supplies
- Sanding block or sponge
- Drop cloths
- Degreasing dish soap
- Clean cloths
Choosing the Right Paint for Interior Doors
Picking the right type of paint is important for both appearance and durability. Popular finishes include satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs.
- Satin Paint: This finish has a soft sheen and is great for low-traffic areas. It’s easy to clean and looks smooth, making it a good all-around choice.
- Semi-Gloss Paint: Ideal for high-traffic areas, this finish resists stains and moisture. It’s perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and frequently used doors.
- High-Gloss Paint: This option offers a shiny, bold look. It’s highly durable and super easy to clean, making it a standout choice for doors that see a lot of wear and tear.
Tips:
- Choose durable, high-quality paint for long-lasting results.
- Smooth finishes are easier to clean and maintain.
- Pick a color that complements your room’s decor.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Before painting, make sure the door is clean. Use warm water and degreasing dish soap to remove dirt, grease, and oils. Scrub the surface with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely. This step helps the paint stick better and last longer.
Pro Tip: Make sure door is completely clean and dry before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Door
Proper preparation is essential for a flawless finish. Follow these steps:
Remove Hardware:
Take off doorknobs, hinges, and locks to prevent accidental paint marks. Label each piece to make reinstallation easy. If you prefer, you can remove the door entirely and place it on sawhorses for a more stable painting surface.
Repair Imperfections:
Check the door for dents, scratches, or holes. Fill these with wood filler or spackle, then let it dry. Once dried, sand the areas smooth.
Related: How to Paint Front Doors
Sanding the Surface:
Use medium-grit sandpaper (120–150 grit) to smooth the entire door. Focus on rough areas and edges. After sanding, wipe off dust with a damp cloth.
Apply Primer
If the door has bare wood, stains, or an uneven color, apply a primer. Use a brush for detailed areas and a roller for flat sections. Let the primer dry completely before painting.
Pro Tip: Cover hinges and edges with painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want painted.
Step 3: Painting First Coat
Follow these detailed steps to paint like a pro:
Paint the Details First:
Start with a small angled brush to paint any detailed areas, like panels, edges, and corners. Use light, even strokes and follow the wood grain if visible.
Move to Larger Areas:
Switch to a roller for larger flat sections. Apply thin, even coats, slightly overlapping strokes to avoid streaks or lines. Don’t press too hard to avoid drips.
Avoid Brush Marks and Streaks:
- Don’t overload the brush or roller with paint.
- Work quickly to blend wet edges before they dry.
- Smooth out any drips or excess paint immediately.
Helpful Tip: Use a paint calculator to estimate how much paint you’ll need.
Step 4: Applying the Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry (about four hours), check for uneven spots or brush marks. Lightly sand any imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe away dust.
Apply the Second Coat:
Repeat the same method—brush for details and roller for flat surfaces. Apply thin, even layers to build a rich, durable finish.
Drying Time and Hardware Reattachment:
Allow the second coat to dry for at least four hours, or overnight, for the best results. Once dry, reattach all hardware, including doorknobs and hinges.
Final Inspection and Touch-Ups:
Examine the door under different lighting to spot any missed areas or flaws. Use a small brush for touch-ups if needed.
Pro Tip: Keep leftover paint for quick fixes in case the door gets scratched later.
Step 5: Final Touches and Cleanup
Once the paint is completely dry, it’s time to wrap up the project:
Reattach Hardware
Install doorknobs, locks, and hinges securely. Make sure everything is aligned and working properly.
Related: How to Paint Closet Doors
Clean the Workspace
Remove painter’s tape, fold up drop cloths, and clean your brushes and rollers with water or paint cleaner. Store any leftover paint for touch-ups.
Inspect and Enjoy
Give the door one last inspection for quality. Touch up any minor flaws and let the paint cure fully before using the door regularly.
Pro Tip: Store a small container of leftover paint for future touch-ups.
Why Hire Professional Painters?
While painting your interior doors can be a fun DIY project, sometimes you need a professional touch for the best results. At RGB House Painters, we specialize in delivering flawless finishes that last. Serving London, Ontario, and surrounding areas, we understand the needs of busy homeowners who value quality and peace of mind.
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise: Our skilled team knows the best techniques for achieving smooth finishes and long-lasting results.
- Efficiency: We complete your project quickly without sacrificing quality, so you can get back to your routine.
- Peace of Mind: We handle all the prep work, cleanup, and finishing touches—no stress or mess for you.
- Local Trust: As a trusted local business, we take pride in enhancing homes throughout Southern Ontario.
Conclusion
Painting your interior doors is a simple yet impactful way to refresh your home’s look and feel. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a semi-professional finish that enhances your space. From choosing the right paint and prepping the surface to applying coats with care and adding final touches, attention to detail is key to a flawless result.
However, if you’re looking for a stress-free experience and exceptional results, consider leaving it to the professionals. At RGB House Painters, we provide expert services tailored to meet the needs of busy homeowners in London, Ontario, and surrounding areas. Whether you want to save time, avoid hassle, or ensure long-lasting quality, our team is here to help.
FAQ
How do I avoid brush marks when painting doors?
To avoid brush marks, use a high-quality angled brush for detailed areas and a smooth roller for flat surfaces. Apply thin, even coats and work quickly to maintain a wet edge, blending strokes before the paint dries. Lightly sand between coats for a flawless finish.
Do I need to remove the door to paint it?
Removing the door is optional but can make painting easier. If you choose to leave the door in place, use painter’s tape to protect hinges and hardware. If you remove the door, lay it flat on sawhorses for better control and less risk of drips.
What type of primer should I use for interior doors?
Use a high-quality bonding primer, especially for bare wood or stained surfaces. For previously painted doors, a stain-blocking primer is ideal to prevent bleed-through and improve paint adhesion.
How long should I wait before closing a freshly painted door?
Allow at least 24 hours for the paint to dry completely before closing the door. For high-humidity areas, extend the drying time to 48 hours to prevent sticking.
