How To Paint Interior Doors Without Making Them Appear Cheap?

1. Put down a drop cloth and tape it to your floor or baseboards to prevent movement when opening and closing the door.
2. Remove hardware with a screwdriver, using your fingers to twist out any stuck screws.
3. Determine the existing paint type and choose between oil or latex-based paint.
4. Paint interior doors to brighten your space and make it feel fresh.
5. Use wood shims to keep the door from moving during painting.
6. Use high gloss paint for doors that are wipable, watering it down as directed.
7. Fake the look of a quality door by following the grain pattern.
8. Clean your doors thoroughly with a favorite cleaner (or just water and soap) and a rag.
9. Use an angled brush to paint in any grooves of your door. If your door is flat, skip this step.

By following these steps, you can paint interior doors with a professional finish that will transform your space. Choose bold colors for drama or muted colors for low-key style. For doors that are cheap hollow core, follow the grain pattern to create a designer-inspired look.

To prepare your doors for painting, use a clean cloth, a rag, and a angled brush to wipe down the door thoroughly.

How do you get a smooth finish when painting an interior door?

In the case of a plain door, it is recommended that a foam roller be used to apply the paint, with an angled brush employed for the sides. It is advisable to avoid the formation of roller lap marks and to smooth the paint surface with a lightly loaded roller. In the case of a panel door, it is recommended to utilise an angled brush for the recessed areas and to apply paint to the raised areas. The paint should be rolled down the center of the door with the aid of a foam roller. This process ensures a smooth and clean finish.

Should interior doors be painted flat or gloss?

To paint an interior door, remove all hardware and choose paint with a durable gloss or semi-gloss sheen. Clean the door with a degreasing cleaner before painting, fill holes with sandable filler or spackle, and use 120-grit sandpaper for a smoother surface. Remove dust before priming or painting and put down drop cloths.

This method can be used for panel doors that remain on their hinges, as it doesn’t require waiting for one side to dry before painting the other. Cover hinges with painter’s tape to keep them free of paint.

When painting a panel door, use a paint brush rather than a roller. Apply paint to the inside of top panels, smooth out the paint, and coat recessed areas first. If the door has a vertical center stile, paint it next and blend in brush marks when painting the horizontal rails. Paint the rails or horizontal framing members, starting with the top rail and working your way to the bottom. Paint the remaining vertical stiles, starting on the left, and feather brush marks while they are still wet. Brush or roll the edges, but be careful not to get any runs on the door’s face.

Ensure the door can remain open long enough to fully dry, as closed doors may stick to the door frame.

Should doors be lighter or darker than walls?

Painting interior doors can be a simple and inexpensive way to update your home’s look. They can be painted the same color or a similar hue to blend in with the walls, or darker than the walls for a dramatic effect. Painted doors are a colorful, playful way to add character to a space with less risk and commitment than accent walls or fully painted rooms. Experts suggest incorporating painted doors into your home’s decor, such as Tina Nokes of Five Star Painting Loudoun and Elyza Brillantes of Colorado-based interior designer.

Do you need to prime interior doors before painting?

To paint a door, primer is necessary if painting over oil-based paint, and no primer is needed for latex-based paint. If priming is necessary, sand the entire surface with 220-grit sandpaper after it dries. Always paint the door in one go, as pauses can cause uneven drying and a patchy finish. Latex-based paints take about four hours to dry between coats, while oil-based paints take 24 hours. After the first coat, sand the surface with 320-grit sanding paper and wipe clean and dry with a mineral spirit dampened cloth before moving on to the second coat. Paneled doors should be painted in a specific order.

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

Paint brushes are a versatile tool for the application of paint, particularly for interior doors. With experience, the technique of brushing becomes more straightforward. The use of foam rollers facilitates the process, preventing the formation of drip marks and ensuring a uniform 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.

Should interior doors be matt or gloss?

Matte doors are optimal for larger residences, imparting a subtle and welcoming aesthetic. Conversely, glossy doors are well-suited for minimalist interiors, facilitating effortless maintenance. An awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of matte and glossy finishes can assist homeowners in making an appropriate selection based on their requirements. For further inspiration, we invite you to explore this selection of modern Italian doors.

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.

Can I paint straight over gloss doors?

Gloss paint, once the standard for wood, has become less popular due to the popularity of matte finishes. Gloss is hard-wearing and cannot be painted directly over, but with proper preparation, it can be easily painted over. To prepare, move furniture blocking the area, put down dust sheets, and use decorator’s tape to protect surfaces and create smooth lines. Place this on areas like light switches, above skirting boards, or below cornices. This will ensure a smooth and durable paint application.

What is the most popular color for interior doors?

White is the most popular interior door color, renowned for its purity and simplicity, which can blend with any interior design style. It is often associated with rustic farmhouse chic or modern minimalism, and can effortlessly enhance your chosen aesthetic. White doors act as reflectors, bouncing light around the room and creating an illusion of a larger, more open space. This is particularly beneficial for rooms that are small or lack natural light. White doors also have a positive impact on mood, making your home a place to thrive.

While black doors may be in style, it is important to remember that trends and fads change, and what’s in style today might not be tomorrow. White doors offer a calm, brightness, and elegance that can be experienced with every step, making them a popular choice for both designers and homeowners.

Is it a good idea to paint interior doors?

Painting interior doors or door frames can add a pop of color to your space, making it more unique and appealing. Interior designers and bloggers have praised the power of these doors, as they can be customized to any color to make your space more personal. Painting any door throughout your house, whether it’s leading into your bedroom, kitchen, or at the end of a hallway, can instantly refresh and give your space a fresh look that will last for quite some time. Overall, painting your interior doors can be a powerful and unique way to enhance your home’s aesthetics.