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Painting Panel Doors Different Colors

Leslie Rose

If your room has a color scheme made up of multiple colors, or even multiple shades of one color, painting the door to the room in these colors is just one way to reinforce the interior design aesthetic. This painting method also draws attention to the paneling in the door and can emphasize the quality craftsmanship of the door.

Painting a paneled door in multiple colors emphasizes the craftshmanship of the door.

Step 1

Pick the colors that will be combined on the door. Consult with a color wheel for the color combination that will work best for you. Complementary colors are colors that are found opposite one another on the color wheel. These color combinations are high contrast and very dramatic, and will catch attention from far away. Colors found side by side on the color wheel are called analogous colors. These colors have a low-contrast and create a more subtle effect than complementary colors. You may also choose a combination of neutral colors, such as a gray and lighter gray, or a cream and beige combination. These color combinations are more peaceful and calm than the brighter colors found on the color wheel.

Step 2

Choose one color to be the base color and the other color (or colors) to be the accent colors, to be painted inside the panels on the door.

Step 3

Remove the door from its hinges. Remove the hinges and door knob from the door.

Step 4

Prep the door for painting. It will need to be wiped down, and any cracks in the door should be filled in with putty and sanded.

Step 5

Paint the door with a coat of primer to restore the door to an even white surface.

Step 6

Paint the door in the base color. Use a wide, flat paintbrush. Assuming that the panels will be a different color, you may choose to paint only the edges of the panels in this color so that the base color overlaps with the color you paint the panels. This way, when you paint the panels in a different color, the two paint colors will meet and there will be no white gaps between the two paints. Wait for the paint to dry. If the door needs a second coat, paint a second coat before proceeding. Wait for the paint to dry.

Step 7

Line the panels with blue painter’s tape to prevent the paint inside the panels from bleeding onto the rest of the door.

Step 8

Paint the panels in the chosen color(s). Use an angled sash paintbrush.