How to Paint an Interior Door Jamb

When it comes to doors and door jambs, you can elect to either paint or leave the wood finish. Painting an interior door jamb can blend the jamb and door in with the paint of the room to give it all a finished look. If you have decided to paint a door jamb, here are some things you should know before taking on this project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dropcloth or cardboard
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Blue masking tape
• Damp cloth

1. Lay down a dropcloth or cardboard if you're painting a door jamb over a finished floor. Remove the door and hinges and door latch strikeplate.

2. Sand over the woodwork of the door jamb to remove any rough spots. Wipe down the door jamb to remove any dust and debris after sanding. Apply a coat of primer to the wood.

3. Start at the top of the door jamb. Dip the edges of the paintbrush bristles into the paint and use the tips of the brush only. Start at the outer edge of the jamb and work your way toward the inside.

4. Paint up to the edge of the doorstop around the middle of the door jamb. Start from the top and work you way down as you paint the sides of the door jamb. Apply two coats for the best finish.

5. Allow the paint to fully dry before reinstalling the door hardware and door. If the paint is not dry the door will stick when closed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you leave the hinges in place and paint around them, simply wipe off any paint that might get on them with a damp rag. Be careful not to paint over the screwheads as this can cause problems later if you need to remove the hinges.
• Use blue masking tape on the walls around the door jamb to avoid getting paint where you don't want it.
• As you will be using only the tips of the bristles when painting a door jamb, it does not matter what size paintbrush you use.