Paint a Plain Door in 10 Easy Steps for a Quick Refresh
A fresh coat of paint can make old and worn doors look brand new. But a botched paint job can have the opposite effect, even if you are working on a plain door. Follow these simple tips to ensure your door colours aren’t wasted when painting a door.
Prep Your Door
Before painting a door, prep it by following these steps:
Step 1
Remove the lock, plates, and knob and place all of them in marked bags. Use painter’s tape to mark off each piece of hardware if you don’t want to take them off.
Step 2
Use trisodium phosphate to scrub the door clean. The substance will dissolve grease and dirt, and a rough sponge can ‘sand’ the surface allowing the paint to adhere to the wood. Clean with mild soap and water if the door is not as dirty.
Step 3
Fill holes with putty and sand and clean them. Cover up the fixed areas with primer. Otherwise, the paint will rub off easily when it dries.
How to Paint a Door
Once your door is primed, follow these steps to paint it:
Step 1
Use a paintbrush to spread a thin coat of water-based primer.
Step 2
Once it dries, spread the first coat of paint on the door using long and even strikes. Paint from the top down. Don’t forget to paint the sides and edges.
Step 3
Allow the coat of paint to dry, then sand it with gritty sandpaper.
Step 4
Apply the second coat of paint and sand it with the same sandpaper.
Step 5
Apply the third coat of paint and allow it to dry for 48 hours.
Step 6
You aren’t done yet. Once the paint dries completely, apply a urethane finish to seal the paint. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Each brand has its own finishes and application procedure.
Step 7
Allow the finish to dry completely before re-attaching the hardware you set aside. Do not close the door till everything is done! It may stick otherwise.
Painting a plain wooden door is not as tricky as a custom-made one with several dips and ridges. Consider hiring a professional to paint those, specifically those with years of experience painting custom furniture. Use the steps in this guide to paint plain wooden doors as practice if you want to tackle complex doors net.
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