Wooden Doors painted in either a bright colour or in a neutral colour for a classic look. Here are the steps for you to get the perfect finish on your door.
🧰 Tools & Materials You’ll Need
- Screwdriver
- Drop cloth or old sheets
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper (120-220 grit) or sanding sponge
- Degreaser or mild detergent
- Paintbrush (2–2.5 inch angled brush)
- Foam roller (for smooth finish)
- Primer (exterior, if needed)
- Exterior paint (satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish)
- Paint tray
- Optional: door wedge or stand
🪟 Step 1: Choose the Right Day
- Choose a dry day with mild temperatures (10–25°C or 50–77°F).
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight or when rain is expected.
🔧 Step 2: Remove or Protect Hardware
- Remove the door handle, lock, and any accessories with a screwdriver.
- Or, tape them off with painter’s tape if removal is difficult.
🧼 Step 3: Clean the Door Thoroughly
- Wash with warm, soapy water or a degreaser.
- Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
🪵 Step 4: Sand the Surface
- Lightly sand the door to remove old paint gloss or rough patches.
- Use 120–220 grit sandpaper.
- Wipe away dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth.
🧻 Step 5: Tape Around Edges
- Apply painter’s tape to edges, glass panes, and areas you don’t want painted.
- Lay a drop cloth under the door to protect flooring.
🧱 Step 6: Prime (if needed)
- Use primer if:
The door is bare wood or metal
You’re making a big colour change (e.g. dark to light) - Let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
🎨 Step 7: Apply the Paint
Option A: Leave Door Hinged
- Wedge door open slightly during drying.
- Paint the edges first, then panels, then flat areas.
Option B: Remove the Door
- Place it on sawhorses for easier access.
- This gives a smoother finish but takes more time.
🖌️ Step 8: Use the Right Technique
- Brush into corners, panels, and details.
- Roll large flat areas with a foam roller.
- Apply thin, even coats – usually two coats are best.
- Lightly sand between coats for a smoother finish (optional).
🕰️ Step 9: Let It Dry
- Allow full drying time between coats (check the paint can for recommended drying times).
- Avoid closing the door too soon — paint can stick or peel.
🔩 Step 10: Reattach Hardware and Remove Tape
- Once completely dry (often 4–6 hours or overnight), reattach the handle, lock, and accessories.
- Carefully peel off painter’s tape at a 45° angle.
🌟 Step 11: Enjoy Your Freshly Painted Door!
- It may take several days to cure completely, so treat it gently at first.
✅ Extra Tips:
- Paint Finish Tip: Gloss or semi-gloss paints are durable and easy to clean.
- Colour Tip: Bold colours add curb appeal; neutrals exude a classic look.
- Wood grain: Always paint in the direction of the grain.
By following these steps you will have a perfectly painted front door. Why not One Stop Joinery do the majority of the work by supplying a front door manufactured from one of our sustainable woods. Specifically completed