How to Paint an Interior Door
Give interior doors a fresh look, whether painting in place or removed
What You'll Need
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Tools
Angled brush (2-inch)
Small foam roller (4-inch)
For flat panels
Roller tray
Sandpaper
120 and 220 grit
Screwdriver
To remove hardware
Sawhorses(optional)
If removing door
Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
Decide: paint in place or remove
10-15 minutes
For best results, remove the door and lay it flat on sawhorses. If painting in place, wedge the door open and protect the floor beneath.
Pro Tip
Painting flat prevents drips and gives a smoother finish. Mark the hinge positions before removal.
Remove hardware
10 minutes
Remove the door knob, hinges (if door is removed), and any other hardware. Keep screws with their hardware.
Clean and sand
20-30 minutes
Wipe the door with a damp cloth. Sand the entire surface with 120 grit to help paint adhesion. Focus on glossy areas. Wipe with tack cloth.
Pro Tip
Pay attention to the edges of panels where dirt and old paint build up.
Prime if necessary
30-60 minutes including dry time
Apply primer to bare wood, repaired areas, or when making a dramatic color change. Let dry completely.
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Track This Project FreePaint panel doors in order
30-45 minutes
For panel doors, paint in this order: (1) recessed panels, (2) horizontal rails, (3) vertical stiles, (4) edges. Use a brush for detail areas and small roller for flat surfaces.
Pro Tip
Watch for drips in panel corners - brush them out before they dry.
Paint flat doors
20-30 minutes
For flat/flush doors: start at the top and work down. Use a roller for the main surface and brush for edges. Keep a wet edge and work quickly.
Apply second coat
30-45 minutes
Wait for the first coat to dry (2-4 hours). Lightly sand with 220 grit if there are any rough spots. Apply second coat using the same technique.
Reinstall hardware
15 minutes
Wait at least 24 hours for paint to cure before reinstalling hardware. Consider upgrading to new hardware for a complete refresh.
Pro Tip
If the door is sticking after painting, lightly sand the edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not sanding glossy surfaces (paint peels)
- Painting in wrong order on panel doors (causes lap marks)
- Applying paint too thick (causes drips and long dry time)
- Reinstalling hardware too soon (damages fresh paint)
- Closing the door before paint is fully dry
Safety Warnings
- Ensure good ventilation
- Be careful handling removed doors - they're heavy
When to Call a Professional
For spray finishing multiple doors, high-end finishes, or door replacement.
Have a bigger project in mind? Tell us what you need and help us decide what to build next.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Project Overview
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time
- 2-3 hours (per door)
- Est. Cost
- $20–$50
- Tools
- 6 items
- Materials
- 4 items
- Steps
- 8
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