How To Paint Interior Doors With A Smooth Finish?

Painting an interior door is a simple task that requires the right painting supplies. To achieve a smooth finish, follow these simple steps:

  1. Prepare the area by placing a dust sheet down to protect flooring and personal belongings.
  2. Clean, prep, and prime the door using high-quality acrylic latex paint. Choose a paint designed for a smooth finish, such as “enamel” or “door and trim”. Super-smooth paints often cost $25 to $30 per quart.
  3. Clean the surface of the door with degreasing dish soap and rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
  4. Prep the door by using sandpaper to smooth it.
  5. Use Floetrol to get a smooth finish.
  6. Use a $25 paint brush designed for the type of paint being used.
  7. Use an electric sander with P220 grit sandpaper to get the finish off the door. Sand them lightly with 120 and then 220 grit on an random orbital sander, taking care not to burn through the paint that’s already on.
  8. Re-spray the door with Benjamin Moore Advance, which lays down super smooth and dries hard and resists chipping.

By following these simple step-by-step tips, you can achieve a professional finish on your interior doors. Remember to be hyper-aware of drips and uneven spots to fix them before they dry.


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How to avoid roller marks when painting doors?

Roller marks are a common issue when painting doors due to the paint roller leaving a pattern on the surface. These marks can be caused by using lower grade paint or low-quality rollers, as well as low-quality paintbrushes. To prevent roller marks, pre-dampen the roller cover, shake out excess water, avoid lifting the roller from the door too often, and avoid allowing too much paint to collect at the roller ends.

To avoid problems, use good quality paint and work methodically. Rush the job or stop due to distractions, which can lead to problems. Give yourself ample time to complete the paint job and prime the door surface before starting work. Rushing the job can result in unsightly streaks, cracks, bubbles, or lap marks. Proper preparation is more efficient than rushing the job, as it prevents unsightly streaks, cracks, bubbles, or lap marks.

How to get paint really smooth?

The product is designed to effectively remove roller marks and brush strokes by mixing paint with conditioner and stirring the resulting mixture according to the instructions provided.

Is a roller or brush better for smooth finish paint?

Microfiber roller covers are recommended for consistent control and smooth finish on surfaces like cabinets, doors, and metal. They are available in 1/4″ for ultra-smooth surfaces, 3/8″ for smooth surfaces like walls and ceilings, and 1/2″ for semi-smooth surfaces like textured walls, ceilings, plaster, and wood. For larger surface areas, 9″ roller covers are recommended. Brushes are suitable for smaller projects and detailed areas, such as trim, ceilings, and cutting in along corners. They work the stain deep into the surface, providing a better look and durability.

What is the best paint finish for inside doors?

Designer-approved guidelines offer two paint finishes for everyday spaces: eggshell finish, suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, and semi-gloss finish, ideal for trims, cabinets, and doors in highly trafficked areas like mudrooms. Eggshell finish is more forgiving, durable, and easy to clean, while semi-gloss finish offers maximum durability, stain and scuff resistance, and is easier to clean. To choose the right paint color, refer to The 1 Secret to Choosing a Paint Color.

How to paint interior doors without brush marks?

In order to reduce the likelihood of brush marks forming on a door, it is recommended that the hinges be removed and the door laid flat on sawhorses. It is recommended that the natural flow of paint be utilized in order to minimize the occurrence of brush marks. It is advisable to apply paint to the door in a shaded area, as direct sunlight may accelerate the drying process, resulting in brush marks drying before the surface has had sufficient time to achieve a smooth finish.

How to get smooth finish on interior doors?

Spraying or rolling paint on doors can provide a smooth finish, while a paint-rolling technique can achieve similar results. Use a high-quality foam roller and quality paint, and cut in edges before drying. For paneled doors, apply paint evenly using a small foam roller, then cut in panels with an angled brush while the paint is still wet. Choose a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen for durability and a subtle sheen, avoiding higher gloss paints that may show imperfections.

What gives the smoothest paint finish?

In order to achieve a smooth sanding effect on a piece of material, it is recommended that a 400-grit or higher grade of sandpaper be used. This will result in a notable alteration to the piece. Soft sandpaper with a high grit value will suffice; the higher the number on the sandpaper, the later it is in the sequence. Despite the assertion by some paint manufacturers that no final sanding is necessary, it is imperative to refrain from circumventing this crucial step.

Should I use a brush or roller to paint a door?

Paint brushes are a versatile tool for the application of paint, particularly when working with interior doors. With experience, the technique of brushing becomes more straightforward. The use of foam rollers serves to streamline the process, preventing the formation of drip marks and ensuring a uniform and smooth finish. It is recommended that both tools be used in conjunction to achieve the best results, as they provide a more even finish and prevent drip marks.

How do you prevent roller marks when painting doors?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How do you prevent roller marks when painting doors?

Roller marks are a common issue when painting doors due to the paint roller leaving a pattern on the surface. These marks can be caused by using lower grade paint or low-quality rollers, as well as low-quality paintbrushes. To prevent roller marks, pre-dampen the roller cover, shake out excess water, avoid lifting the roller from the door too often, and avoid allowing too much paint to collect at the roller ends.

To avoid problems, use good quality paint and work methodically. Rush the job or stop due to distractions, which can lead to problems. Give yourself ample time to complete the paint job and prime the door surface before starting work. Rushing the job can result in unsightly streaks, cracks, bubbles, or lap marks. Proper preparation is more efficient than rushing the job, as it prevents unsightly streaks, cracks, bubbles, or lap marks.

How do you get the best finish when painting a door?

Professional painters recommend the following steps for a flawless door painting: clean, prep, and prime the door, choose the right paint for the location, use foam rollers and high-quality paint brushes to avoid lines, and paint the trim around the door first if left on its hinges. Doors are not the simplest surfaces to renew, so having a basic understanding of how to paint them can make the task easier. They share their door painting best practices for a smooth finish without drips, brush marks, or sticky door frames. This helps ensure a smooth and professional finish for your door.

What is the best method of painting interior doors?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the best method of painting interior doors?

The proper way to paint a door involves starting with the edges and details using a brush, then using a foam roller for larger flat areas. Both tools can be used for painting doors, but brushes are ideal for edges and details, while rollers provide a smooth finish. Two coats of paint are usually enough for a solid, even color, but an additional coat may be needed for lighter colors.

For beginners, start by removing the door handle, cleaning and sanding the door, applying primer, and painting the edges and details with a brush before moving on to larger areas with a roller. To avoid brush marks, use a high-quality brush and paint in the direction of the wood grain, and consider using self-levelling paint that smooths out as it dries.

Painting doors standing up or laying down has pros and cons, with standing up being less space-consuming and allowing both sides to be painted simultaneously. Painting doors while they’re laying down minimizes drips and runs, so choose the method that best fits your space and comfort.

Use uPVC and composite doors to give them a new look, but be sure to use a specific paint designed for uPVC and thoroughly clean the door to remove dirt and grime. Choose the right type of paint for a durable finish and clean and lightly sand the door before painting.

In the UK, composite door frames can be painted, but need to be cleaned and lightly sanded before applying the paint.


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How To Paint Interior Doors With A Smooth Finish
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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9 comments

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  • This is exactly how it should be done. Anyone saying you should take off the door clearly doesn’t get that as a professional painter, you pretty much won’t get paint on the hardware. Plus its a lot easier and faster to paint while the doors hung, you get to do the whole thing without having any drips or finger marks afterwards.

  • Appreciate the article. Came trying to see if we could paint doors while hung. We painted one side of each door twice (after having someone hang them), and didn’t want to pull them again to do the other side. 1: plenty for a newbie 2: never thought the door behind was messed up 3: why paint the top? Seems like a waste of time (suggested by someone else). Hoping our SW emerald comes out as good. Appreciate you. Oh and F the douches that just have to complain about something.

  • Thank you for the article! We have solid wood doors that were a very dark stain. I painted them white, but did not prime first. What a huge mistake! So now I have to do it over. So I’m assuming I sand a bit, prime and paint again correct? I’ve heard to do a light sand in between coats to get a really smooth finish Is that necessary? Thank you!

  • Another excellent article. I am going to be painting that exact door style except it’s new pre-primed molded panel solid core. I am using BM Advance and plan to use your technique shown in this article but I noticed when I painted pre-primed mdf baseboards that the first coat of advance really soaks in fast and it gets tacky very quickly causing deep brush marks no matter how fast I try to get it on and leave a wet edge. Overlap areas are nearly impossible to avoid. The smooth finish is more important to me on the door than the baseboards so I was wondering if it would be better to re-prime the pre-primed door before painting with advance. Paint color is Simply White in Pearl finish if that make a difference. Thanks in advance for your advice.

  • I only use a microfiber mini roller and 2″” brush (soft bristle Wooster or purdy). We always tip out the texture since most builders and customers don’t like them. Advance paint then cross hatch it. You won’t see any brush marks. Remember advance is self leveling. If done right the brush mark will settle out.

  • Friendly tip! WOW! All this to paint a door? Why not work out of the paint tray? Correct, start with the heel. I would suggest you put more paint on your brush. All you need to paint a door is TSP, sanding sponge, a 6” fabric whizz roller and a 2” quality paint brush. That door would normally take 2 min to paint. The gooseneck guy! Cheers!

  • I messed up and painted the door with Ultra Hide **interior flat paint and then realized it looked like coated with chalk and I can see the streaks . The door was semi gloss initially. Can I paint a coat of semi gloss over it … Do I need to sand the flat paint and there are so many shades of white colors … is there a specific shade for doors

  • Great article! Ugh. Trying to fix to slight marks on beautiful door similar to this one. Guy at Sherwin-Williams told me to use a foam roller and it turned out like crap. I’m moving and it’s my friends door so I’m going to sand down the one panel, maybe the whole thing and do your process. I’ve painted a ton but not these really smooth doors. Should I just use 150 grit or something else then 150?

  • Appreciate the article. Came trying to see if we could paint doors while hung. We painted one side of each door twice (after having someone hang them), and didn’t want to pull them again to do the other side. 1: plenty for a newbie 2: never thought the door behind was messed up 3: why paint the top? Seems like a waste of time (suggested by someone else). Hoping our SW emerald comes out as good. Appreciate you.

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