How to Paint a Stained Door

Preparation is the key to a beautifully painted door.

Painting over a stained door, or any wood product, can be tricky if you are not aware of the finishes and how they adhere to each other. Follow a few painting rules to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish on your door.

Things You'll Need

• 200- to 400-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Primer
• Paint
• Wire brush
• Angled paint brush
• Roller
• Painter's tape

Instructions

1. Determine if there is a clear sealer over the stain on the door, and how long the door has been stained. When the door does not have a clear sealant over the stain and the stain is less than two weeks old, wait until the stain has had time to completely cure to paint.

2. Sand the door with 200- to 400-grit sandpaper once the stain has cured, or if the stain is older, or protected by a clear finish. Sand the entire surface lightly, while sanding the edges a little more aggressively.

3. If the door has carved details, take a wire brush and try and rub it over any irregular surfaces.

4. Wipe the entire surface with a tack cloth. Do not use any kind of cleanser or chemicals, as this may keep the primer from adhering to the surface.

5. Tape off any hardware on the door to avoid getting paint on it.

6. Apply a thin coat of an oil-based primer with a paintbrush. Water based primers may not adhere to this type of surface to provide a long lasting bond.

7. Allow the primer to dry -- about two hours, or whatever is recommended by the manufacturer. Lightly sand the entire surface again with 400-grit sanding paper. Clean with a tack cloth.

8. Apply a second coat of primer and let it dry.

9. Apply your choice of paint over the primer. Use a roller on larger spaces and a small, angled brush on on panels and details. Let dry and apply another coat if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• An assortment of various grits of sanding paper can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores at a reasonable cost.

• Use only fine to very fine paper for the preparation.

• Applying several thin coats of paint yields better results than one heavy coat.

• Use a good quality of oil-based paint if this is an exterior door.

• Using a water-based primer over this type of surface can lead to the paint bubbling and/or peeling.

• Make sure the stain has cured for at least two weeks in above 60 degree weather before attempting to repaint. Not doing so may cause the finish coat to blister/peel.

References

• Ask The Builder: Paint Door