Painting interior doors is a simple yet impactful way to refresh the look of your home. Whether you’re updating old doors or giving your space a new style, the right paint and techniques can transform your interior. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the best materials, prepping your door, and applying the paint to achieve a flawless, professional finish. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned DIYer, this step-by-step approach will ensure your doors look as good as new.
Painting Interior Doors
When choosing paint for interior doors, it’s important to decide on the level of sheen. Interior doors are typically painted with a satin or semi-gloss finish. However, you may prefer a matte or high-gloss look. If you want the doors to match the sheen of your furniture, select a similar finish.
Pro Tip: Matte and semi-gloss finishes are easier to apply because they leave fewer roller or brush marks.
There are several types of paint for interior doors, but we recommend water-based paints. They dry quickly and make the painting process easier, especially for beginners.Before painting, check the condition of the door’s existing paint.
If the paint is peeling, sand the surface and use a water-based filler if necessary to smooth out any uneven areas. If the door has a glossy or slick finish, lightly sand it or apply a primer to help the new paint adhere better.
The door color should complement the room’s furniture and wall colors. Interior doors are usually not painted the same color as the walls. Instead, choose a lighter or darker shade to create contrast. For example:
- Gray walls pair well with white, off-white, or cream-colored doors.
- White walls can be complemented by gray or navy-blue doors. “Related article: Which paint is best for interior walls?”
Materials You’ll Need to Paint a Door
- Paint: One liter of paint can cover approximately two doors with two coats. To paint ten doors with two coats, you’ll need about five liters of paint. However, if you’re switching to a lighter color, you may need more paint.
- Primer: Primer reduces paint absorption and helps the paint adhere better. It also makes it easier to cover dark door colors. For ten doors, you’ll need about 2.5 liters of primer.
- Small, short-nap roller: A 3.9-inch roller is ideal for painting doors. Choose a high-quality roller with a short nap for a smooth finish.
- Painter’s tape: The easiest way to paint a door without removing it is by using painter’s tape. It prevents paint from getting on the walls.
- 3-inch soft-bristle brush: A brush is essential for painting recessed areas of the door. A 2- or 3-inch brush will work best.
- Drop cloth: A drop cloth protects the floor from paint drips and saves time on cleanup.
- Sandpaper (180 to 220 grit): Ideal for smoothing out peeling paint and preparing the surface for a fresh coat.
- Paint tray: Helps control paint usage and prevents over-application.
How to Repaint Interior Doors
Painting interior doors is an easy and effective way to give your home a fresh, updated look. By choosing the right type of paint, sheen level, and color, you can match your doors to your décor. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting interior doors.
1-Remove or Cover the Door Handle
Removing the door handle makes painting easier and faster. However, you can still paint the door without removing it. Simply cover it with painter’s tape.
2-Sand the Door if Necessary
If the door’s old paint has a glossy finish, lightly sand the surface to create a slightly rough texture. This helps prevent the new paint from peeling. However, if you don’t have enough time for sanding, you can use an easier method—priming. Apply a water-based all-purpose primer or a bonding primer for better adhesion.
3-Apply Primer and Wait 5 Hours
Primer prevents the paint from peeling and helps it adhere better. It also allows you to skip the tedious step of sanding. Before painting the door, let the primer dry for at least 5 hours. “Related article: painting over dark color without primer.”
4-Paint the First Coat
After the primer has dried, apply the first coat of paint to the door. Before applying the second coat, make sure the first coat is completely dry. For water-based paint, wait 4-5 hours; for oil-based paint, wait 24 hours.
5-Apply the Second Coat
The second coat in the door painting process is crucial for a smooth, professional finish. It will cover any imperfections from the first coat, so take your time to apply it carefully. Once the entire painting process is complete, check the surface of the door and fix any errors. “Related article: How to fix a cracked door frame?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint do I use on an interior door?
For an interior door, you’ll want to go with a water-based paint, like latex or acrylic. These dry faster, have less odor, and are easier to clean up. For the finish, a satin or semi-gloss is usually a great choice because it gives the door a smooth look that’s also easy to wipe down.
Can you just paint over interior doors?
If the door’s previous paint is matte or satin and there is no peeling, you can paint it without priming or sanding.
What is the best paint for internal doors?
For internal doors, water-based latex or acrylic paint is often the top choice. These paints dry fast, have a low odor, and are simple to clean up. To achieve a sleek, long-lasting finish, go for satin or semi-gloss. These finishes strike the perfect balance between shine and practicality, giving your doors a clean, professional look that’s easy to maintain.
Is it better to paint doors with a roller or brush?
It’s usually best to use a combination of both a roller and a brush when painting doors. A small, short-nap roller is great for covering large, flat areas quickly and evenly. For detailed or recessed sections, like around the panels or edges, a brush is necessary to get into those harder-to-reach spots.
Do I need to prime a door before painting?
If the door’s previous paint is glossy or oil-based, we recommend using a primer before repainting. “Related article: Do i need to prime before painting.”
How to avoid roller marks when painting a door?
When painting interior doors, you should use a high-quality roller with a short nap to avoid roller marks. The brush you use should have soft bristles. Additionally, using a satin or matte door paint can help minimize the risk of roller marks. “Related article: How to paint without streaks?”
