Muddy paws, sticky fingerprints, scuffs and scratches. Just a few challenges your internal doors endure every year. Over time, these doors may need some TLC to hide signs of wear and tear. A simple solution to revitalise them is a fresh coat of paint. Not only does it breathe new life into tired doors, but it also allows you to bring your unique style into your living space.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the preparation information you’ll need to achieve a flawless finish when painting internal doors.
How to prepare your internal door for painting
To ensure a quality finish and to protect your interior doors from future damage, preparing your doors, choosing the right paint, and employing the correct techniques is essential.
The success of any interior decoration project often hinges on the preparation you put in before getting started. In the case of painting doors, the groundwork starts before even opening a tin of paint.
Whether you’re refurbishing a brand-new door or freshening up a previously painted surface, the steps taken before painting play a pivotal role in ensuring a sleek and polished finish. Consider these tips to achieve the best results when painting interior doors.
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Should you sand before painting an interior door?
Lightly sanding the door beforehand aids in enhancing paint adhesion by roughening the surface. For doors with old paint, try to remove as much of the existing paint as possible, using medium-grain sandpaper or a power sander cautiously to avoid damaging the door.
This step also presents an opportunity to inspect the door’s surface for any imperfections, which can be addressed by filling them with wood filler before sanding again.
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Should you paint a door without removing it?
If you’re adding a fresh coat to an existing door, painting it without removing it from its hinges is feasible and, at times, more convenient. This approach allows painting both sides simultaneously, speeding up the process.
However, when installing a new interior door, it’s advisable to paint before hanging it. This enables you to coat the door with a waterproof seal before installation, preventing moisture absorption into the wood.
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Should you use a primer for internal doors?
Solid wood or hollow core doors typically do not require a coat of primer, although you should ensure you sand the surface to allow the paint to grip better. When painting a laminate door, you should apply a good primer for optimal adherence, and it is also advisable to sand before priming for a smooth finish.
If you cover an existing internal door that someone previously painted with oil-based paint, you might need a primer to ensure that water or latex-based paint bonds properly.
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What paint should you choose for interior doors?
Selecting the appropriate paint for your internal doors is vital. Given their high usage within your home, these doors require protection to maintain their functionality and appearance. Opt for gloss or satinwood (semi-gloss) paints as they provide a robust, waterproof seal that shields the wood from moisture. Additionally, they boast a durable finish that withstands the regular cleaning that is essential for preserving the door’s aesthetic.
Avoid oil-based paints, especially for white doors, as they tend to yellow over time, resulting in a dingy appearance. Instead, opt for modern water-based satin or gloss paints for a durable, fade-resistant, and non-yellowing finish.
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Should you use a roller or a brush when painting internal doors?
The choice between a brush and a roller depends on the type of interior door you’re painting. For flat or flush doors, using a roller is often recommended to minimise brush marks and achieve a smooth surface. After rolling on the paint, a wide brush can be used to eliminate any texture left by the roller for an even finish.
On the other hand, when painting panel doors, a brush is recommended. A small roller on larger areas can be used, but using steady strokes with a brush for more intricate parts of the door will allow the paint to contour any uneven surfaces.
The benefits of hiring a professional painter and decorator
Painting internal doors can make a huge difference to your home’s interior aesthetic when the correct preparation and care is taken. Following these steps sets the stage for a perfectly painted door and should not be understated.
Although some steps may seem menial or time-consuming, dedicating time to the preparation process will ensure an even, lasting finish. By instructing a professional painter and decorator, you can ensure your internal door painting project is completed successfully without any issues.
If you’re looking for help painting your internal doors, get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and receive a free, no-obligation quote.
