Painting Interior Doors: The Go-To Guide

Are you looking to give your interior doors a fresh coat of paint, but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you’re a homeowner looking to update the look of your home or a business wanting to refresh your office space, painting interior doors is a simple, cost-effective process. Whether you’re working with bare wood doors or refreshing ones that have seen better days, painted interior doors can help compliment the room. Especially so if you’ve just redecorated your walls and woodwork!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about painting an internal door – from choosing the right interior door paint to expert techniques for a smooth, long-lasting result. Whether you’re starting with bare timber or updating old painted doors, you’ll have all the tips and insights needed to get the job done right. Ready to make your doors look brand new? Let’s dive in!

Painting Interior Doors

Not everyone has the budget for new doors, especially when you consider how many you may need to replace in a home or office for example. Fortunately, painting interior doors is a practical and cost-effective solution that, following our guide below, anyone can do. Instead of spending money on brand new doors, you can recycle and upcycle your existing ones, giving them a fresh, modern look at a fraction of the cost. It saves money for homeowners and businesses alike and also reduces waste. Painting your interior doors is an environmentally-friendly option.

With thousands of colours and finishes available, painting gives you the flexibility to completely change the look of your doors – whether you’re going for a classic white, a bold statement colour, or something that complements your current décor. Plus, it’s a simple process that can be done at home over a weekend, or after hours at your business, without the need for major disruptions. By choosing to paint instead of replace, you’re making a smart, stylish, and sustainable choice that can transform your space for far less than the cost of a new door.

If you are looking to upgrade a door with fire protection paints and products, follow this guide instead: How to Upgrade The Fire Resistance Of Doors.

Choosing the Best Paint for Interior Doors

Selecting the right paint for your interior doors is crucial for a professional finish. It is tempting to buy a cheap, off-the-shelf paint in a colour you like. However, you should ensure that the paint is durable, easy to maintain, and has a finish that matches the aesthetic of your space. Choosing a specialist paint for painting an internal door and taking the time to apply it correctly means you won’t be repainting again in a year’s time.

Colour

One of the most exciting aspects of repainting an interior door is the incredible range of colours available. With more than 4,400 shades at Rawlins to choose from, including popular systems such as RAL, NCS (Natural Colour System), and British Standard colours, you have access to nearly limitless options. This large variety allows you to choose the perfect colour that aligns with your home design or corporate branding requirements.

Tip: Buy a sample of the colour you’re interested in, as well as several shades lighter and darker. Like painting room, the colour changes with the light in an environment. A darker hallway may benefit from a lighter shade, whilst a light and airy landing may feel better with darker doors. By using samples you can see which shade catches your eye at different times of day as natural light shifts and artificial lighting is switched on.

Finish

The finish you choose will have a big impact on the final look of your doors. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are popular choices because they offer a smooth, slightly reflective surface that’s easy to clean. Great for homes with little ones and their dirty finger-marks, and offices in warehouses where staff with dusty hands push open doors. For a more subtle, traditional look, you might prefer an eggshell finish.

Durability

Beyond colour, the durability of your paint is essential, particularly in high-traffic areas like doorways. Choosing the best paint for interior doors means selecting a product that not only looks great but can also withstand the constant wear and tear doors face daily. Satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes are especially popular because they provide a durable surface that’s easy to clean and resistant to scuffs and fingerprints.

For heavily used doors you may wish to consider upgrading the hardware. Where doors are opened by using feet or hands on the door leaf rather than the handle, plastic or metal kick plates and finger plates offer a more durable surface and prevent lasting damage to internal doors.

Prepping Your Door for Painting

Proper preparation is the foundation of a flawless, long-lasting finish when painting interior doors. Skipping this step may seem tempting, especially when you’re eager to get painting, but it will lead to poor results and more work down the road – possibly stripping and repainting from scratch. Investing time upfront to prep your door properly will not only save you effort later on but will also ensure the paint adheres evenly and looks professional. Here’s how to get your door ready for the perfect paint job.

Remove or Protect Hardware

Professionals often remove door hardware such as handles, locks, and hinges. This prevents paint splatters from ruining the metal, ensuring a clean, uninterrupted surface for painting. Removing the hardware also allows you to work around edges and corners without obstruction.

However, if the hardware cannot be easily removed – perhaps due to the complexity of the mechanism or lack of tools – don’t worry. You can mask over the hardware with painter’s tape. Carefully wrap the tape around each piece, ensuring full coverage. This will protect the hardware while you paint, and can be easily peeled away once the job is done.

Clean the Door Thoroughly

Before you start painting, you must clean the surface properly. Over time, interior doors collect dust, dirt, and oils, especially around handles. If you skip this step, these substances will prevent the paint from adhering properly, leading to uneven or patchy coverage, and subsequent peeling.

Use a mild detergent or degreaser to wipe down the door, paying extra attention to areas that are frequently touched. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before moving on to the next step. A clean door will not only result in a smoother finish but will also help the paint last longer without peeling or chipping.

Sanding for a Smooth Surface

Once the door is clean and dry, the next step is to sand it lightly. Sanding creates a smooth, even surface that allows the paint to bond properly, especially if there are existing layers of old paint or imperfections. Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-150 grit) to remove any rough spots, chips, or flaking paint.

For doors with a previous glossy finish, sanding is especially important to help the new paint grip the surface. After sanding, wipe away the dust with a damp cloth or tack cloth to ensure no particles interfere with the paint’s adhesion.

This process might seem tedious, but it’s crucial for ensuring a long-lasting, professional result. Skipping it can lead to uneven paint application or flaking later on, which will mean having to repaint much sooner than expected.

Priming the Door (If Needed)

If you’re repainting a door in a significantly different colour – such as transitioning from dark to light – or if it’s bare wood, applying a primer is a must. Primer helps to block stains and discolouration from showing through and creates a uniform surface for the new paint to adhere to.

Should You Remove the Door?

For the easiest access and smoothest results, it’s ideal to remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on sawhorses or a table. This way, you can avoid any drips and have a full range of motion as you paint. However, we understand that this isn’t always practical – especially if you’re limited by space.

If you can’t remove the door, don’t worry. You can still achieve great results by painting the door while it’s hanging vertically. To protect your floor, simply line the area beneath the door with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Be sure to cover the surrounding area to avoid paint splatters. While it requires a bit more caution to avoid drips, painting a door in place is a perfectly viable option when removing it isn’t possible. Just remember to place “wet paint” signs, especially if in a business environment!

Why Preparation Saves Time in the Long Run

Taking the time to properly prep your door before painting isn’t just about following a professional process – it’s about avoiding frustration later. Without proper cleaning, sanding, and priming, you will find that your paint doesn’t adhere well or begins to peel and chip sooner than expected. This means you’ll be facing another round of sanding, cleaning, and repainting in the near future, doubling your effort and costs. Do it cheap, do it twice!

How To Paint an Interior Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve prepared your door properly, it’s time to begin the painting process. Achieving a professional, streak-free finish is straightforward when you follow the right steps and use proper techniques. Whether you’re repainting an old door or adding colour to a new one, this guide will walk you through the entire process of painting an internal door, ensuring your results look sleek and flawless.

1. Gather the Right Tools

Having the right tools on hand is essential for achieving a smooth and even finish. You’ll need:

• A high-quality paintbrush (for detailed work like edges and panels)
• A foam roller (for flat surfaces to avoid brush strokes)
• A paint tray
• Painter’s tape (to protect hardware or nearby surfaces)
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting (to protect floors)

Ensure that your brushes and rollers are clean and appropriate for the type of interior door paint you’re using. A foam roller, in particular, is a great choice for achieving a smooth, streak-free finish on flat door surfaces.

2. Start with the Edges

Begin by painting the edges of the door first. These are the areas that are often overlooked but are visible when the door is open. If the door is still hanging, pay extra attention to the edges to avoid drips.

Use your brush to carefully apply a thin coat of paint along the edges. Work in long, even strokes to avoid build-up, which can result in drips or uneven drying. This step is particularly important if the door colour is changing, as unpainted edges will be highly noticeable.

3. Tackle Detailed Areas

If your door has panels or intricate detailing, paint these areas next. Use a brush to reach into the corners, edges, and mouldings, where a roller would struggle. Paint the recessed areas of the panels first, as these require the most precision. By starting here, you can ensure a smooth, consistent application and avoid uneven paint distribution.

Apply the paint evenly in thin coats. Avoid overloading your brush, as this can cause drips in the recessed areas of the panels.

4. Move to the Flat Surfaces

Once the detailed areas and edges are complete, it’s time to move on to the flat surfaces of the door. This is where the foam roller comes in handy. Ensure your roller is evenly coated, but avoid drenching it. A lightly loaded roller will prevent drips and streaks.

Start rolling the paint onto the flat parts of the door in vertical strokes. Work in small sections to maintain control and keep a wet edge, which helps avoid lines where paint dries too quickly. Roll slowly and evenly, applying thin, smooth coats. If the door is still hung, be cautious around the floor to avoid accidental smudges or drips.

5. Apply Thin, Even Coats

When painting an internal door, patience is key. It’s tempting to apply a thick coat of paint to finish faster, but this often leads to streaks, drips, and an uneven surface. Instead, aim for thin, even coats. This approach may take longer, but it results in a smoother, more professional finish.

Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. If you try to apply the next coat too soon, it can cause the paint to pull or smear, ruining your smooth surface.

6. Inspect for Drips and Imperfections

As you paint, periodically check for drips or imperfections, especially in corners and around edges. Drips can be smoothed out with a quick swipe of your brush or roller, but it’s important to catch them before the paint dries.

If you do notice any areas where the paint has built up too heavily, use a damp cloth or a lightly dipped brush to even it out. Once dried, drips are much harder to fix, so addressing them immediately will save you from needing touch-ups later.

7. Allow Sufficient Drying Time

Patience doesn’t end with applying the paint. Once you’ve finished painting, give the door plenty of time to dry completely before reattaching hardware or reinstalling it if it was removed. Ensure the paint sets properly and hardens to a durable finish, which will prevent any nicks, chips, or damage.

If you’ve been painting the door while it’s still on its hinges, be careful when closing the door. You’ll want to wait until the paint is fully dry to avoid smudging or sticking to the doorframe.

8. Apply a Second Coat (If Necessary)

Once the first coat has dried, assess whether your door needs a second coat. Light colours over darker shades or a dramatic colour change may require a second application to achieve full coverage.

If applying a second coat, follow the same method: start with the edges and detailed areas, then move to the flat surfaces with your roller. Thin, even coats are still the best approach. Keep in mind that the second coat will often go on faster, as the surface will already be primed with your first layer of paint.

Conclusion: Let Rawlins’ Technical Experts Guide You

By following this guide, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to achieve a smooth and professional result when painting interior doors. From selecting the best paint for internal doors to mastering the right painting technique, your doors will be transformed into standout features in your home.

If you’re unsure which interior door paint to choose or need personalised advice, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Our Rawlins’ Technical Experts are ready to offer tailored guidance to help you achieve the best results. Ready to get started? Your doors are just a fresh coat of paint away from looking their very best!