12 Simple Steps to Paint Interior Doors Like a Pro

Painting interior doors is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home’s appearance. This simple DIY project can refresh outdated doors, hide wear and tear, or complement a new color scheme. With the right materials, preparation, and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that will enhance your home’s aesthetic for years to come.

How to Paint Interior Doors

Selecting the appropriate paint is crucial for achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your interior doors. Pro Tip: Semi-gloss is usually the ideal choice for interior doors. It shows fewer roller or brush marks than gloss paint, allowing for a faster paint job. We recommend water-based paints (acrylics or latex) for interior doors because they:

• Dry quickly. (typically 3-5 hours between coats)
• Have lower odor.
• Clean up easily with soap and water.
• Remain flexible over time, reducing cracking.
• Maintain color without yellowing.

Oil-based paints can provide a harder finish but require longer drying time (24+ hours between coats), stronger odors, and special solvents for cleanup. “Related article: Oil based vs water based paint.”

Materials Needed

Gather these supplies before starting your project:

• Paint: One liter covers approximately two doors with two coats .(5 liters for 10 doors)
• Primer: About half the amount of your paint quantity. (2.5 liters for 10 doors)
• Small, short-nap roller (3.9-inch/10cm): Provides smooth coverage on flat door surfaces.
• Angled paintbrush (2-3 inch): For detailed areas and edges.
• Painter’s tape: Protects hardware, hinges, and walls.
• Drop cloth or plastic sheeting: Protects flooring.
• Sandpaper (180-220 grit): For surface preparation.
• Paint tray and liners: For neat, controlled paint application.
• Screwdriver: For removing door hardware.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Interior Doors

Step 1: Remove or Cover the Door Hardware

For the best results, start by removing all hardware from the door. Unscrew and take off doorknobs, locksets, and plates, then store the screws and other components in a labeled bag to keep them organized. If removing the hardware isn’t an option, carefully cover it with painter’s tape to protect it during painting.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Remove the Door

You have two options: leave the door hung or remove it. Leaving it hung is easier but requires careful painting around the hinges, while removing it allows for better access but needs more space and assistance.

If removing the door, place wooden shims underneath for support and rotate it for even painting. If keeping it hung, use painter’s tape to protect the hinges and wedge the door open with a doorstop to prevent movement.

Step 3: Clean the Door Thoroughly

Wipe the entire door with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. For greasy or heavily soiled doors, use a mild detergent solution. Let the door dry completely before painting.

Step 4: Sand the Door (If Necessary)

Sanding helps paint adhere properly. For glossy or semi-gloss doors, lightly sand the surface. If the paint is peeling, remove loose paint and smooth the edges. For new, unfinished doors, sand to eliminate mill marks or rough spots. Use 180-220 grit sandpaper, sanding in the direction of the wood grain.

Step 5: Fill Any Holes or Imperfections

Apply wood filler to any dents, holes, or damaged areas and allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions. Once dry, sand the filled areas until they are flush with the door surface. Be sure to remove any dust before proceeding with the next steps.

Step 6: Apply Primer

Primer creates an optimal surface for paint adhesion. For unpainted doors, always use a primer. For painted doors changing colors, especially when transitioning from dark to light, applying primer is essential. If the door is in good condition and you’re using the same color, you may skip the primer.

Apply primer using a roller on flat sections and a brush for detailed areas, working in the direction of the wood grain or panel design. Allow the primer to dry completely, preferably overnight (minimum of 5 hours). Once dry, lightly sand the primer with 220-grit sandpaper to achieve an ultra-smooth finish.

Step 7: Apply the First Coat of Paint

For paneled doors, follow this sequence for the best results: start by painting the recessed areas of the panels, then paint the horizontal rails, followed by the vertical stiles, and finish by painting the edges of the door.

For flat doors, use a roller for the main surfaces, working in sections, and a brush for edges and detailed areas. Be sure to maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.

Pro Tip: For a smoother finish, thin strokes are better than heavy application. Two thin coats will always look better than one thick coat.

Step 8: Allow Proper Drying Time

Patience between coats is essential for achieving a professional finish. For water-based paint, wait at least 4-5 hours between coats. For oil-based paint, allow 24 hours of drying time between coats. Keep in mind that environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, can affect drying times. “Related post: How long to wait between coats of paint.”

Step 9: Lightly Sand Between Coats (Optional)

For the smoothest possible finish, once the first coat is completely dry, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper (220 grit). Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth before applying the second coat. While this step is optional, it will help achieve a more professional result.

Step 10: Apply the Second Coat

The second coat is crucial for achieving a uniform, durable finish. Follow the same painting sequence as the first coat, paying special attention to any areas that appear uneven. Apply the paint with smooth, even strokes, ensuring consistent coverage across the entire door.

Step 11: Final Inspection and Touch-ups

After the second coat has dried for at least 24 hours, inspect the door in good lighting for any missed spots or imperfections. Apply touch-up paint as needed and allow it to dry completely.

Step 12: Reinstall Hardware

Wait at least 24-48 hours after the final coat before reattaching hardware. Carefully remove all painter’s tape, then reinstall doorknobs, plates, and other hardware. Make sure all hardware functions properly after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions