How to Paint an Old Wood Door

Are you ready to brighten up the inside of your home? Painting an interior wood door is a great, low cost way to do this. Antique doors have more charm than contemporary doors that are probably not made entirely of wood. This article will tell you the quick, easy steps to get a great looking paint job on that old solid wood door.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Door
• Paint and supplies
• An indoor space large enough to paint a door laying flat

1. Prepare your space for painting. An indoor space is best. Painting outdoors, which seems like a great way to be outside while doing an 'inside' project is not recommended. Various particles blowing in the wind may get trapped in your paint job! Use two items about waist high to lay the antique door on. Sawhorses are great, but any two items that allow a door to be laid flat will work just fine. Be sure to cover those items with drop clothes if you want to protect them from paint. This also stops scratches from showing on your newly painted solid wood door.

2. Prepare the wood door for paint. Remove all door hardware including hinges and door handles. Use wood filler if needed or desired for any holes or scratches. You may want to leave holes or imperfections to retain the character of the wooden door. Quickly run over the surface of the door with sandpaper. This removes surface bumps from the door. Once done with sandpaper, take a damp cloth and run that over the surface of the door. This will pick up any loose particles that may harm your new paint job. Your door is now ready for its first coat.

3. Paint one side of the door with primer. Don't forget the sides of the door too! You will need at least two coats of primer for the best outcome. Allow the primer to dry between coats. Use your judgement here. If you can still easily see the prior color or stain after two coats, a third coat should be applied. When you have finished one side, flip the door over and prime the other side.

4. Paint the door. Use at least two coats here as well, more as needed. Don't forget the sides! Allow the paint to dry between coats. Once one side is complete, flip the door over and finish the project.

5. Hang your door. Get all the door hardware back on first. You may need someone to help get the door back on easily. Now you can enjoy a new look to your old wood door!

Tips & Warnings

• Use a higher grit sandpaper to prevent scratches from showing through your new paint.
• Gloss outdoor white paint really pops on old wood doors.
• Don't forget to paint the door frame as well!
• Now is a good time to update hardware. Consider antique hardware for your antique door.
• Use primer before using paint. You risk bleed through of the previous color or stain if you just put paint on without priming.
• Take care on any angles on the door surface. Paint likes to pool there. You can use a Q-tip to clean out the angles for a professional look.

Resources

• How to Paint a Door Frame