How To Paint Doors

Doors are scratched by pets, bumped by laundry baskets and rammed into by riding toys, so it’s a good idea to learn how to paint doors. Doors are one of the easiest things to repaint in your home.

To paint doors, you will need:

• Screwdriver or drill with a screw bit
• Sawhorses
• Paint remover
• Putty knife
• Sand paper
• Tack cloth
• Paint brush
• Small roller
• Paint
• Primer

1. Remove the door. Take a screwdriver or a drill with a screw bit and take out the screws holding in the hinges. The easiest way to paint doors is to lay them across two parallel sawhorses. Then remove the door knob assembly and any remaining hardware.
2. Remove the old paint. If the existing paint is thick or flaking them remove it by apply a chemical stripper. Let it sit for the specified time on the product package and then scrape it off gently with a putty knife. Be careful not to gouge the wood. You can do one side and the edges and then turn the door over to remove the paint on the other side.
3. Sand the door. Once the paint is removed sand the door with medium-grade sandpaper. Remove sanding dust with tack cloth. Then sand the door again with fine-grade sandpaper. Use the tack cloth again and be very thorough in removing all of the dust because if any remains as it will be stuck under the paint.
4. Prime the door. Use a wood paint primer by rolling it on with a small roller and using a paint brush to reach into any details of the door. Be sure to cover all of the edges of the door to protect it. Turn the door over once it has dried and prime the other side.
5. Paint the first coat. Once all of the primer has dried completely then roll on the first coat of paint. Do one side and the edges, let it dry and then coat the other side. Let the second side dry.
6. Paint the second coat. Now paint on the second coat and let it dry. Turn the door over and complete the painting. Don’t forget to paint all of the edges.
7. Reinstall the hardware. When you paint doors the hardware may be covered with paint. If you want to replace the hardware this is the time. Once the door is dry, reinstall the doorknob. Screw one side of the hinges into the door while it is still on the sawhorses. They with a helper, stand the door up in the door way and holding it level screw the hinges securely into the door frame.