Stacy Risenmay

Do-it-yourself projects and Home Decor

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Tips For Painting Doors

By Stacy 113 Comments

This post is sponsored by HomeRight but all ideas and opinions are my own.

Ever since I took the plunge and painted my interior doors navy about 4 years ago, I have loved having non-white doors! Maybe it is because it is winter or maybe it is the 4 year itch (hey, that could be a thing…), but I decided to change things up and paint my interior doors a dark gray. While it is only the 3rd time I have painted our doors since buying our house 13 years ago, I have helped a lot of people with their homes and have painted a lot of doors. I thought I would share the things I have learned that make it easier. Here are my tips for painting doors!

 

gray kitchen door

Every time I get the camera out, Kevin thinks he needs to be in the shot :)

 

Real quick, let’s see a few after shots!

 

The kitchen door gets the most wear and tear of all our doors. I keep the extra paint on hand in case I need to do touch ups down the road. That and magic erasers help keep it looking good for years!

gray kitchen door

 

The other interior doors never need touch ups but I do wipe them down often. Especially the ridge along the bottom. Maybe the dust will blend right in with the new gray color!

 

gray interior doors

The paint color is Astronomical by Behr

 

Tips For Painting Doors

While I know it is tempting, especially to us “spur of the moment” project people, to just grab a paint brush and start painting, it really is best to take the time to remove the door and remove the hardware. I promise it is much better than trying to tape around the knobs and hope the awkwardly stretched tape doesn’t leak and then scraping paint off the door knob when it does.

I leave the hinges attached to the door frame. I put the screws and hardware in a baggie so it all stays together and I don’t lose any screws.

 

 

I apologize for the next few photos. Since it is cold outside and snowy, I painted in my basement and there are no windows. The photo quality leaves much to be desired.

 

I lightly sand the doors. This will allow the new coat of paint to adhere better. I also fill in any dents with putty. When all the sanding is done, clean with damp rags.

 

 

Lay out tarps to protect your work surface. I like to paint my doors while they are laying down so I usually use plastic totes stacked up to create a base. Saw horses also work. I have painted many doors with a brush before I got a sprayer. I will NEVER paint a door with a brush again! Especially if they have lots of details and panels. Such a pain. To get the best looking finish and be able to knock it out quickly, use a paint sprayer. I used my HomeRight Super Finish Max. It has a large capacity cup and I never had to refill it while painting all the doors.

 

 

Use a quality paint that will hold up to lots of touching, wiping, and other wear and tear. Doors, tables, and cabinets all need a good quality paint. Once the paint has completely dried, flip over and paint the other side.

 

 

After the doors were done I added the knobs back on and put them back up on their hinges. I am loving how they look with the original brass knobs!

 

gray door

 

Gray door with brass door knob

 

In summary, here are my best tips for painting doors!

  • Remove the door from the hinges and remove the hardware.

  • Lightly sand and putty any dents or scratches

  • Clean it really well before painting

  • Lay out tarps to protect your work area

  • Lay the doors flat. It is easier to paint and it helps avoid drips

  • Use a high quality paint that will hold up to wear and tear

  • A paint sprayer instead of a brush is faster and gives you a smoother finish

  • Make sure it has completely dried before hanging the door back up

 

 

Tips for painting doors

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You must be at least 18 years old to enter. You must be a resident of the USA to enter. The giveaway will go from December 18, 2018 to December 27, 2018. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. The shipping of the prize is the responsibility of the company, in this case, HomeRight.

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Filed Under: DIY & Tutorials, Painting 113 Comments

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  1. Lori says

    December 18, 2018 at 10:27 am

    I would love to paint my front door with a sprayer. I used a paint brush a few years ago and it doesn’t have that beautiful finish like yours do!

    Reply
  2. Christina says

    December 18, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Interior doors would be the first on my list to spray

    Reply
  3. Anne Marie says

    December 18, 2018 at 11:47 am

    I need to paint all my interior doors – this looks like the way to go – thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Annette says

    December 18, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    I want to paint the front of my house.

    Reply
  5. Kelly D says

    December 18, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    I would like to paint my living room.

    Reply
  6. Chelle says

    December 18, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    I have alot of things to paint. I think I would start with my kitchen cabinets, then move on to the back porch and just keep going! THis would definitely be useful. Thanks.

    Reply
  7. Anjanette says

    December 18, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    I would love gray doors!

    Reply
  8. Whitney Hansen says

    December 18, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    I love That color! It’s a cozy feel, but not harsh like black. Two questions?
    1. What paint finish did you use for the doors?
    2. How would you paint exteriror doors? Still pull it off and spray it?

    Reply
  9. R Carroll says

    December 18, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    I have been eyeing these sprayers up for some time now. My kitchen cabinets need some paint and this would make it much faster!

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    December 18, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    I love the look of dark doors. I’ve been wanting to try that in my home.

    Reply
  11. katherine ellis says

    December 18, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    I would paint my interior doors. They could use a fresh coat of paint and this would be such a time saver and with a professional look. By the way, I love the gray color you chose for your door. Beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Danita says

    December 18, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    I love it when yo get busy redecorating with paint! You always pick something amazing! Love this!!!

    Reply
  13. cmt says

    December 18, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    I really want to paint my door, too. This is so helpful. The gray looks great.

    Reply
  14. Nancy says

    December 19, 2018 at 4:42 am

    This would be a time-saver. I think your doors turned out great.

    Reply
  15. Stacey B says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:06 am

    We have stained doors and trim throughout the house…they need to be white. This will help!

    Reply
  16. Melissa Storms says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:11 am

    Oh, we definitely need to repaint all of our doors, interior and exterior. Can I just say I loooove your doorknob? The plate and knob look gorgeous on the navy, just gorgeous.

    Reply
  17. Kristy says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:11 am

    My garage door definitely needs to be painted, thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  18. Lilly says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:15 am

    Please be careful with the existing type of paint on your doors and the type of paint you will be using. Your article does not mention if your current paint is water based or oil and the problems of mixing the two together without primer. This could be chaos!!! I’ve been researching to paint my doors and have found a few people who experienced their paint just peeling off. Do your research before starting to paint. It could be this easy or not. ;)

    Reply
  19. Alina says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:17 am

    I would also love to paint the interior of my entry door another color aside from white. That would be my first job.

    Reply
  20. Stafford says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:18 am

    A piece I recently purchased at a garage sale that’s currently sitting in my garage waiting for some attention.

    Reply
  21. Brix says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:19 am

    First thing I’d like to paint would be my dining room chairs.

    Reply
  22. Sean says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:20 am

    Frames to make a gallery wall in my upstairs hallway.

    Reply
  23. Susan Tompkins says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:22 am

    Our front door on the interior side needs to be painted. I would love to try spraying it.

    Reply
  24. Judy A says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:27 am

    Thanks for the tips. I would paint my interior doors, as well and hope they would look as nice as yours do.

    Reply
  25. Susan M. says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:46 am

    i have a vintage secretary that has been waiting for a paint job for a couple of years now.

    Reply
  26. Kim Henrichs says

    December 19, 2018 at 6:15 am

    We have a back bedroom that would be first on the list!!

    Reply
  27. Terri says

    December 19, 2018 at 6:19 am

    Love the grey color you used on your doors with the original knobs. Our front door needs to be painted and I was leaning towards darker grey already. Your post is very timely and now I’m sure of my decision, since your photos show how it might look when finished.

    Reply
  28. Karen Bever says

    December 19, 2018 at 6:21 am

    I have a lot of projects this would work so well for and save so much time. I’m getting ready to paint my kitchen cabinets and bookshelves in the living room.

    Reply
  29. Audrey Stewart says

    December 19, 2018 at 6:50 am

    Like Elizabeth Arden…Paint my door red.

    Reply
  30. Leslie Kiley says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:01 am

    My doors! This looks like a job I can do!

    Reply
  31. JANET OLSON says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:20 am

    The first thing I’d paint with a sprayer would be my beadboard wall in the living room.

    Reply
  32. Elena says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:23 am

    I want to paint the kitchen

    Reply
  33. Lisa Smith says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:23 am

    I’ve painted 2 of our interior doors, but with a brush. They are 6 panel doors, so a sprayer would be awesome!

    Reply
  34. Chastity says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:23 am

    Once the weather warms, the entire front half of my home will be getting a fresh coat of paint. I’m hoping I can do it in a day, spare bedroom, living & dining room, and kitchen, I’ll let you know if I succeed.

    Reply
  35. Carol says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:23 am

    I need to paint the outside of my front door (it’s black). I’m also thinking of painting the inside of the door a color – instead of the white it is now.

    Reply
  36. Charlotte says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:37 am

    Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
  37. Colleen says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:46 am

    I have a front door badly in need of paint.

    Reply
  38. Sandy Heath says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:46 am

    I have always thought a sprayer would be extremely helpful with my painting projects. I have an entire (LARGE) bedroom to paint, and I have to cover old paneling. I’ve been putting the project off for two years, so this may just be the incentive I need!

    Reply
  39. Susan smith says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:50 am

    I love painted doors, but using a paintbrush is hard! This would be awesome!

    Reply
  40. Stephanie says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:56 am

    I want to pain my front door! (Again :) and then everything else!)

    Reply
  41. Linda Nelson says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:21 am

    My side door could really use a facelift!!

    Reply
  42. Shelley says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:21 am

    I too need to repaint my doors, and this tool would be so helpful!

    Reply
  43. Carolyn says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:25 am

    All the doors in my house need to be repainted. I would love a sprayer to get a better finish!

    Reply
  44. Erin Rizzo says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:29 am

    Oh my, I would paint my front and back door. I hate the brown. The inside of the front door is brown, but the outside of the back door is brown. Makes no sense. Plus, I just hate it it. I want a nice dark blue. The only way I’m going to get it done is to have a sprayer. Love the tips, I will definelty keep them in the back of my mind when I paint the doors. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  45. Abigail says

    December 19, 2018 at 8:46 am

    we just built the kids a tree house that I’d love to paint!

    Reply
  46. Debbie says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:17 am

    Need my front door painted and I have been putting it off – such a pain, but with a sprayer it would be a lot easier. Love your suggestions and your blog.

    Reply
  47. kathy Persons says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:27 am

    My back entrance doorway

    Reply
  48. Carol says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:43 am

    My German Short Hair got himself trapped in the bathroom one day and scratched up the back of the door trying to get out! I definitely need to paint my interior doors (especially that bathroom door lol).

    Reply
  49. Erin S says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:49 am

    I have wanted to paint my kitchen cabinets for so long but don’t want to do it with a brush!

    Reply
  50. Sarah Vogel says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Love! What finish did you use for the paint — satin, eggshell, ?? Thanks!

    Reply
  51. Cheryl says

    December 19, 2018 at 10:17 am

    I still need to paint my unfinished side tables, but I’m waiting for warmer weather.

    Reply
  52. Michelle says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:18 am

    Hello, I have a couple of bedframes that need painting…I know a sprayer will give me a MUCH more professional looking finish than a paintbrush….and save me LOTS of time! Thanks for the giveaway. =)

    Reply
  53. Patty says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:29 am

    First paint job — the front door! Second, probably the downstairs walls which still need to be mudded and sanded.

    Reply
  54. MaryB says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:44 am

    We moved into a condo built mid century. It needs painting all over but doors especially. This post comes at a great time!

    Reply
  55. DAB says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:47 am

    I want to do the bathroom first but our whole place needs painting.

    Reply
  56. JUDY ROZEMA says

    December 19, 2018 at 11:50 am

    The doors in my house, we moved in five years ago previous owners where heavy smokers so we painted EVERYTING!!! Except the doors??? LOL thats next on my list then the bathroom cabinets!!

    Reply
  57. Beckie says

    December 19, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    Thanks for the tips, I am going to be painting all of my interior doors

    Reply
  58. Pamela says

    December 19, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Oh, this is great, Stacy! Your door hardware shows so much better on the dark door. I want to do this too.

    Reply
  59. Whitney J says

    December 19, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    I like the way your dark doors bring some moody contrast to your rooms! I have a long list of things to paint. A bathtoom vanity is probably at the top of my list right now. I’ve only ever used brushes and rollers, so would love to try out a sprayer.

    Reply
  60. Stacie Laursen says

    December 19, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Looks great. Interior and exterior doors are first on the list.

    Reply
  61. Tammara says

    December 19, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    My front door needs to be painted with a sprayer and its on my list to do! The sprayer would leave a beautiful finish.

    Reply
  62. Lori H says

    December 19, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    My living room

    Reply
  63. Elizabeth H says

    December 19, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    I would like to paint my interior doors. I love your color and the finish is beautiful.

    Reply
  64. Joanna says

    December 19, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    The next project id like to paint is all the doors, trim, and molding in our house. It’s all a light tan. Not my favorite at all! ?

    Reply
  65. Nancy Davies says

    December 19, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    Love the brass hardware. My mother had the same design but hers was bakelite or something I think and not as fancy! No ‘crystal’ knobs!!

    Reply
  66. Vickie says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Will be painting the entire house in and out..
    Major remodeling job to commense 2019.
    Outside first.

    Reply
  67. Laura Harrie says

    December 19, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    The color on the door turned out fabulous! I could really use a handy tool like this sprayer!

    Reply
  68. Kathy Sturgeon says

    December 19, 2018 at 6:24 pm

    Wow! I think I’d like to paint all of my doors a color now. A sprayer would be so much faster and easier.

    Reply
  69. Lane says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    I love the color you chose. I plan to do all interior doors with some type of off black from Benjamin Moore.

    Reply
  70. Maritza says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    My dresser is in dire need of a paint job.

    Reply
  71. Mary Kaiser says

    December 20, 2018 at 2:39 am

    That certainly looks easier than doing it with a brush! I hope to win that spray painter as I have been needing to repaint some of the doors in my house. Yours look amazing, I love that color!

    Reply
  72. Cindy B says

    December 20, 2018 at 5:49 am

    I have a hand me down table that I got to use in my art studio that is waiting to be painted.

    Reply
  73. Shannon Brey says

    December 20, 2018 at 6:07 am

    I would love to paint my golden oak doors!

    Reply
  74. Stefanie G says

    December 20, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    My bedroom! It really needs a makeover.

    Reply
  75. Angie g says

    December 20, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    Doors doors and more doors

    Reply
  76. Stacey Wilson says

    December 21, 2018 at 7:57 am

    You make it look so easy. I would love to paint all the old core doors in my house. Good Job!

    Reply
  77. Joan Trebing says

    December 21, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Would love to paint my front door. My great neighbor did a fine job but it is time for a refreshed look. So excited to get started. Thank you for the great tips.

    Reply
  78. Peggy Zortman says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:19 am

    Thank you for a chance to win a Homwright Super Max! This would be so awesome! We have several doors and outbuildings to paint. What a labor saver this would be.

    Reply
  79. Stacey Roberson says

    December 21, 2018 at 11:05 am

    We have an old dresser that we are refinishing for my daughter’s room. Would definitely get to that first.

    Reply
  80. Carol Battin says

    December 21, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Love your grey exterior doors, You have sold me on painting mine a darker color. I fight dirty fingerprints constantly. Thanks for the painting tips.

    Reply
  81. Allison Hyde says

    December 21, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    I love these painted doors!!! I need you to just come decorate my house and tell me what to paint and what to do!!

    Reply
  82. Amy says

    December 21, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    I want to paint my very drab basement laundry area!

    Reply
  83. Heidi says

    December 21, 2018 at 10:29 pm

    Love your freshly painted door! I have some kitchen cabinets that are calling out to be painting!

    Reply
  84. Rhonda Kenny says

    December 22, 2018 at 7:54 am

    I would paint the bookshelf I am building in my kitchen. Then the front door, and then the fireplace. Oh I have so many projects, pick me!

    Reply
  85. Suzi F says

    December 22, 2018 at 8:02 am

    I want to paint thr dresser and armoire set in my bedroom. We are finally painting and redecorating our room and I want my furniture to be a medium grey.

    Reply
  86. Edye says

    December 22, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    our front door!

    Reply
  87. Dea Sweeny says

    December 22, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    I would love to try this! I am renovating and 3 of the bedrooms need the ceilings, sidewalls, and woodwork painted. This lppks like it would keep things moving right along :)

    Is there very much involved in cleaning the sprayer?

    Thankds for all your tips.

    Reply
  88. donna willis says

    December 23, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    back door , this was very interesting

    Reply
  89. Janet says

    December 25, 2018 at 6:32 am

    Santa did not leave a sprayer or a puppy under the Christmas tree in our new-to-us home. I need to paint everything as ii is mess with electrical work and drywall patches everywhere. Thanks for the tips on painting doors. They are next up….after demoing the damaged tile floors!

    Reply
  90. Megan DeMotto says

    December 25, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    What colors are your walls and trim? I have the hardest time committing to paint. ?

    Reply
  91. Cathy says

    December 25, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    Love the color!

    Reply
  92. Elicia P says

    December 25, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    My youngest room. He is two and his room is not done. It is one of those.. “One Day” projects. He is still little so he does not realize that his room is not finished. But soon he will!

    Reply
  93. stacey says

    December 25, 2018 at 11:45 pm

    I found this nice old armoire thats a little beat up

    Reply
  94. Mindy says

    December 26, 2018 at 10:48 am

    I love the dark colored doors, they look so great.

    Reply
  95. Jennifer Finn says

    December 26, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    My hallway!!!

    Reply
  96. Shelly says

    December 26, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    The first thing I would paint would be my sister’s front door.

    Reply
  97. Cindy says

    December 26, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    An activity table for my grandchildren.

    Reply
  98. Tracie Cooper says

    December 26, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    I love to paint my living room a soothing shade of green!

    Reply
  99. Linda Boyd says

    December 27, 2018 at 2:27 am

    I have a lot to paint. But my front door for sure.

    Reply
  100. Carrie McCarthy says

    December 27, 2018 at 8:31 am

    I would paint my shed first

    Reply
  101. Erin says

    December 27, 2018 at 8:40 am

    I would paint an old nightstand I have first and put some new pulls on it.

    Reply
  102. Tiffany S says

    December 27, 2018 at 9:04 am

    I would paint our side garage door, it looks terrible right now.

    Reply
  103. Amber Hensley says

    December 27, 2018 at 9:16 am

    I would LOVE to paint my Family room :)

    Reply
  104. Ellie Wright says

    December 27, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I want, and need to paint our bedroom and all the molding.

    Reply
  105. Jeremy McLaughlin says

    December 27, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    Would paint our front door first.

    Reply
  106. Julie Waldron says

    December 27, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    We are currently building a new home, so there’s a lot we’ll have to paint! The first thing I would paint with this is the doors.

    Reply
  107. Molly says

    December 27, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    I have a picture frame that I would paint first.

    Reply
  108. christopher h says

    December 27, 2018 at 3:14 pm

    the exterior door in the garage

    Reply
  109. angela smith says

    December 27, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    My living room It needs help and i would paint it first

    Reply
  110. Jane Jakins says

    December 27, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    front door

    Reply
  111. Sue Hansen says

    December 27, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Were currently adding on to our home and would love this! I have lots of doors that need painted as well as a banister. ?

    Reply
  112. Gloria Luongo says

    December 27, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I just discovered you and I am so excited that I will be getting your newsletter.

    Reply
  113. Chelsea h says

    December 27, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    Oh man I would go crazy with this! I have some bookshelves I want to paint white, and some iron railings in desperate need of a makeover- a sprayer would make it a breeze!

    Reply
stacyWelcome! I'm sharing our adventures as we fix up our 1938 cottage. Whether it is big or small, I think everyone should love their home and I don't think it takes a lot of money to make a space your own.
 

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