How to Paint a Door
I’ve painted a lot of doors over the years, and I get questions about my process every time I share. Painting is such an easy and affordable way to update a room or your millwork, but it can be intimidating to paint a door if you haven’t done it before. In this post, I’m walking you through exactly how I paint interior doors… from the tools I use to the method I follow to get that perfectly smooth finish- without any brush marks.
As we’ve slowly been renovating our home, we’ve been replacing each door as we update room-by-room. We’re swapping the inexpensive hollow core doors for a solid core, three-panel option that better fits our aesthetic. If you missed this, definitely read my guide on how to order and replace an interior door… I also included my designer recommendations, if you’re struggling to choose the right style for your home.
Supplies I Use Every Time
Before we dive into the painting tutorial, check out this post for more information on how I select interior doors and hardware. Once you’ve selected your door and installed it, here is everything you’ll need for the painting interior doors:
- Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Paint (I used Halcyon Green SW 6213 for this one)
- High Density Foam Roller Kit
- Handy Paint Pail and Liner
- Angle Trim Paintbrush
- Drop Cloth
I always go with a semi-gloss finish for doors. It’s easy to clean and gives just the right amount of sheen for architectural details. Save or bookmark my designer guide for choosing the best paint sheen or finish, if you’re unsure when to use which finish.
A Few Quick Tips Before Starting
- Always use a self-leveling paint. I like Sherwin-Williams Emerald because it dries beautifully and wears well.
- Test a couple swatches first. Door colors can look totally different depending on the light.
- Don’t rush it. Working in thin layers and allow adequate drying time makes all the difference.
Step-by-Step: How I Paint My Doors
Step 1: Prep the Door
My door came pre-primed, but I still gave it a quick wash with soap and water to remove dust or grime. I scuff sanded the surface lightly and wiped everything down with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 2: Stir Your Paint
Even if the can is brand new, I always stir it thoroughly to make sure the color is mixed evenly.
Step 3: Cut In With a Brush
I use my angle trim brush to cut in around the panels, hinges, and any tricky areas. Don’t stress about brush strokes here. This paint levels out really well once it’s dry.
Step 4: Roll the Flat Surfaces
Next, I switch to a high-density foam roller and work in long, even strokes across the flat parts of the door. The high density foam roller leaves a super smooth finish. Remember to work in thin, even layers.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Repeat
Once the first coat dries completely (usually about four hours), I repeat steps 3 and 4. Two coats is usually perfect for full coverage.
Note: If the first layer looks splotchy as it dries, don’t panic… the second coat will even everything out! You also can’t judge the texture or finish until it’s totally dry. This is how my finished painted door looked…
Choosing the Right Hardware
Obviously the finishing touch is the door hardware. I feel strongly about investing in quality and classic hardware. If you need help or pointers on selecting the right hardware for your home, give this post a read: how to measure, select, and install interior door hardware.
FAQ
It’s all about the tools and purchasing a quality self-leveling paint. I start by brushing the paneled areas and details with a good angled trim brush, then follow with a high-density foam roller on the flat sections. That combo gives me the clean, smooth finish I’m after… no texture left behind.
You can give it a light sand if there are any imperfections, but if you’re using a self-leveling paint, you don’t really need to. Just make sure the surface is clean and dust-free before your second coat.
Not necessarily. I usually leave the door on its hinges unless I’m spraying it or changing out the hardware. I think it’s easier to paint a hanging (or installed) door. As long as you can access all areas and get a smooth finish, it’s fine to paint it in place. I just lay down a good drop cloth and tape off anything I want to protect.
Related Painting Posts
Looking for more posts that break down painting tips or DIY projects? I’ve shared quite a few tutorials and behind-the-scenes peeks into my process, and I’ll link them for you below to help with your next room refresh…
- The Top Black Paint Colors Designers Always Use
- How to Get Perfectly Smooth Walls: A Skim Coating Tutorial
- 24 of My Favorite Neutral (Non-White) Paint Colors
- Tips for a Durable, Professional Looking Spray Paint Finish
- My Favorite Benjamin Moore Paint Swatches
- My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
- How Paint Color Percentages Work and When To Use Them
- How to Paint Exterior Brick
If you have any door painting questions, or just general paint questions… drop them in the comments for me. I genuinely enjoy painting and don’t mind doing it. It’s one of those simple projects that gives you a big payoff pretty quickly. I like to put on a podcast, listen to music, or get lost in a paint project… it’s therapeutic! Anyone else?
Love the green! It really highlights that beautiful hardware. I definitely vote for green trim! I should probably use this as inspiration because I have a few doors that could really use a fresh coat of paint…Happy Monday!
Hi Sarah, Have you ever painted doors that were previously stained ? If so can you spell out the preliminary steps?
What do you do with the border of the door where it meets the trim? We had our doors painted and now they stick every time they open? Just wondering for next time! Thanks!!
Does This also apply to exterior doors? Do I need to apply a poly to the top to prevent scratching?
Beautiful door, color, and hardware!! I’ve got a million-feels like-doors to paint. We replaced all the doors in our house. I’m curious if the paint roller works the same on doors with that grain texture? I thought I would have to take them all down to paint so seeing you paint in place is 👍. Do you do anything different when painting exterior doors other than using an exterior paint? Thank you so much for the tutorial!
When painting bedroom doors do you paint both sides or just the inside door.
I love that color! Do you use the Emerald Interior for trim too, or do you have other suggestions for good trim paint? My husband and I bought a 1920s house with all original trim (that needs a fresh coat of paint). We’ve only painted one room so far, and I’m not really happy with the trim paint we used (didn’t cover or level well), so I’m trying to decide what to use for the rest of the house.
Hi. What do you recommend to do differently if your door already has paint? Just prime and paint over? Or strip first?
Thanks for this
Sure thing, Sam :)
Hi Sarah, what finish is the door knob?
Hi Ann! It’s vintage brass.
Hi, I’ve noticed two different styles of door panels on your blog all 3 panels but different design. Is one style from a previous home or do you have two styles in your current home? ie. the style in the colorblock hallway and the style in the guest bathroom
Yes, exactly! The color blocked hallway was in our previous home… the square 3 panel doors are in our current home. Hope that helps to clarify!
Your antique brass Door hardware are to die for. Do you have photos of the levers on the closet doors in your home?
I don’t have close ups, but you can see them in some of my room reveal posts :)