How to Paint Door Jambs

Remove the glossy coat of varnish, using sandpaper.

If you're painting your door jambs, employ specific preparation and application techniques based on the condition of the surface you are working with. If the jamb is made of unpainted, raw wood, condition the surface to promote paint adhesion. If the jambhas been stained, use a specific type of paint capable of bonding to oil-based stain. If the jamb is varnished, remove the glossy coating, using a friction-based technique.

Things You'll Need

• Palm sander
• 200-grit sandpaper
• Tackcloth
• Masking paper
• Blue painter's tape
• 2- to 3-inch oil-based paintbrush
• Oil-based primer
• Mineral spirits
• Oil-based paint
• 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush
• Acrylic latex primer
• Acrylic latex paint

Instructions

Stained or Varnished Jams

1. Remove the glossy coat of varnish by sanding it with a palm sander stocked with 200-grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until the door jamb appears dull. Skip this step if the stained door jamb is unvarnished.

2. Wipe away sawdust, using a tackcloth.

3. Cover hardware on the door jamb with painter's tape. Cover flooring beneath the jam with masking paper. Tape the masking paper to the floor to prevent it from blowing up.

4. Apply a coat of oil-based primer, using a 2- to 3-inch oil-based paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

5. Clean the brush with mineral spirits.

6. Apply a coat of oil-based paint, using a 2- to 3-inch oil-based paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

Unfinished Wood Jambs

1. Cover hardware on the door jamb with painter's tape. Cover flooring beneath the jamb with masking paper. Tape the masking paper to the floor to prevent it from blowing up.

2. Apply a coat of acrylic latex primer, using a 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

3. Clean the brush with plain water.

4. Apply a coat of acrylic latex paint, using a 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for two hours.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not need to remove the door to paint a door jamb. Swing the door in and out to as needed during the application process.

• To paint a door jamb that has already been painted, simply apply a coat of acrylic latex paint with a 2- to 3-inch latex paintbrush.

• Do not use an acrylic latex paint to coat a stained door jamb, or the finish will peel.

• Do not paint directly over a raw wood door jam, or the paint will eventually flake.

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Pro Painting Tips Every Amateur Should Know