How to Paint an Interior Timber Door

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Woodie's DIY will show you how to paint an interior timber door. This is a great way to change the look of your doors and tie them into the colour scheme of the room.

How to do it

Step 1

Prepare your area. Wedge the door in place. Put dust sheets or newspaper under where you will be painting to avoid damaging the floor.

Step 2

If possible remove the door handle, if not cover with masking tape to avoid damaging with paint. Make sure you have plenty of space to work in and that the area is well ventilated.

If painting a previously painted door and it is in good condition simply clean the surface with sugar soap then rinse with water. Then lightly sand with a fine sandpaper to key the surface for your paint. If you are painting onto a bare timber surface you will need to apply primer to the door before choosing your finishing paint.

Step 3

As this is a bare door I will need to apply primer. Begin by sanding down the door using the medium grit sandpaper/sponge. This will remove any blemishes or dirt on the wood and will help the primer stick to the door and give a better finish. Be sure to wipe away all the dust off the door before priming. If your door is in good condition, you can use Owatrol ESP (Easy Surface Prep) instead of sanding.

When sanding wood always sand in the direction of the grain of the wood.

Step 4

Apply the primer to the door using a paint brush. If you are going to use a water-based paint, use a water-based primer. If you are using an oil-based paint, use an oil-based primer. Leave the primer to dry. If there are any spots or patches when dry, apply a second coat of primer.

Step 5

Apply the primer by painting in the direction of the grain using even strokes. Make sure you get yourself a good 2 or 2½” paintbrush that won’t shed hairs.
Follow the same order of work whether you’re painting or staining.
1. Any mouldings first
2. Then panels
3. Then central verticals and horizontals
4. Then top and bottom horizontals
5. Then inner and outer verticals, edge and frame
6. And remember to paint the rim of the door to match the room that it opens into so that it blends with the decor

Step 6

When the door is dry, sand down the surface gently using fine sandpaper/sponge. This will ensure an even surface for painting.

Step 7

Read the instructions carefully to see if your chosen paint requires an undercoat or not. It’s personal preference as to the finish you want. Some like a high-gloss shiny finish while others prefer a more subtle satin sheen. I am going to use a Satinwood which doesn’t require an undercoat.

Step 8

Brush on your first coat of paint. Use the same order of work as when you painted on the primer.

Step 9

It is so important when applying the paint that you don’t overload the brush. Lay the paint on by making two or three separate down strokes.

Step 10

Without reloading the brush, fill in by cross brushing. Still without reloading, lay off with light even strokes, then finish and smooth out with very light upward strokes.