Tips for Painting a Wooden Door

The appearance and colour of a front door or interior door can go a long way in terms of tying the colour scheme of your home together. If your home has a wooden door that is starting to look a bit worn or you are having the surrounding surfaces painted, it may be the perfect time to update its appearance. Though this may appear to be a simple task, certain doors may require a different process compared to others. For example, a previously painted wooden door will require additional prep compared to a brand-new door. As leading providers of quality interior and exterior painting services, the professional painters at Dunbar Painting understands that some projects are not as simple as they may first appear. That is why we have provided some tips for painting a wooden door to help you get the job done right.

Learn about some key tips for painting a metal garage door.

How to Paint Different Types of Wooden Doors

When painting a wooden door, you will first need to identify the type of door you are working with. Wooden doors can typically be classified as one of the following 3 types:

1. Previously Painted Wooden Doors

If your door has been previously painted, you will need to perform some additional prep and potential repairs before painting. First, mask or remove all hardware including doorknobs, locks, and hinges. If there are any holes or gaps in the wood, fill them with Bondo or another type of quality wood filler and prime any spots of bare wood. Next, scuff sand the entire surface of the door. Be sure to perform more detailed sanding in areas where the old paint is bubbling or peeling to ensure that all surfaces are even. Once this prep has been completed, apply 2 coats of premium paint in your desired colour and sheen.

Learn how to repaint a wooden door.

2. Bare Wood/Stained Wooden Doors

If you want to paint a bare wood or stained door, start by removing or properly masking all attached hardware. This includes the lock, handle, hinges, and any other metal elements that can be detached. Once this hardware is removed, scuff sand the surface to remove any loose stain or the clear coat. The surface should be smooth when finished. Prime the door and then apply 2 coats of premium paint in your preferred colour and sheen.

Find out find how stain protects wood. 

3. Brand-New Wooden Doors

Brand-new wooden doors typically require the least amount of prep. Simply remove or mask all hardware, prime the bare wood if required, and then apply 2 coats of high-quality paint. Be sure to choose a colour that goes well with the appearance of your siding or the walls in the surrounding rooms.

Should you spray, roll, or brush paint onto a door?

If you would like a team of experienced professionals to handle your painting project, get in touch with the team at Dunbar Painting. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your project.