Are you looking to refresh your home's interior? Painting your interior doors is a simple and cost-effective way to make a big impact. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the best tips for painting your interior doors and achieving professional-looking results.
Deciding on Your Method
Before you get started, it's important to decide on the best method for your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to painting interior doors. You can choose to remove the doors from the hinges and use a paint sprayer for a smooth finish. Alternatively, you can leave the doors in place and tape off the hardware if you prefer to paint by hand.
Gathering Your Supplies
To paint your interior doors, you don't need any fancy tools or equipment. Here are the essential supplies you'll need:
- Paint (I recommend Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" in a satin finish)
- Drop cloths
- Wood shims
- 2-inch brush
- Painter's tape
- Paint pail
- Paint pail liner
- Small roller and roller cover
- Utility knife
One of my favorite tools for this project is the Pelican paint pail. It's a convenient all-in-one solution that allows you to hold your paint, brush, and roller in one hand. This saves you time and eliminates the need to continuously bend down to reload your brush or roller.
Preparing Your Doors
Before you start painting, make sure to properly prepare your doors. If your doors are pre-primed, you can skip the priming step. Wipe down the doors with a clean rag to remove any dust or debris.
Tape It Off (& Use a Utility Knife!)
To protect the door knobs and hinges, use painter's tape to tape off these areas. Here's a handy tip: place a piece of tape on the hinge and use a utility knife to trace around it, removing the excess tape. This trick saves time and ensures a clean, professional look.
Use Wood Shims
To prevent your door from moving while you paint, use wood shims to wedge it in place. This will ensure that the door remains steady and allows for easy painting.
The Order of Painting
When it comes to the actual painting process, it's best to follow a specific order. Start by using a brush to paint the inset areas and around the door knob. Then, use a small roller to paint the long rectangular sections. Finally, roll over the flat panel areas for a smooth and consistent finish.
It's important to apply multiple light coats of paint rather than one heavy coat. This prevents drips and ensures a professional-looking result.
Save Your Brush & Roller for Later
If you're unable to finish painting your doors in one sitting, you can save your brush and roller for later use. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. This will keep the paint from drying out and allow you to easily pick up where you left off.
Final Touches
After applying three light coats of paint and allowing the doors to dry, carefully remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet. This will prevent any peeling or damage to the paint.
Conclusion
Painting your interior doors is a simple and rewarding project that anyone can tackle. With the right supplies and techniques, you can transform the look of your home. Whether you choose to spray or hand paint, remember to take your time, apply light coats, and enjoy the process. Happy painting!
Disclaimer: The images used in this article belong to the original author.
