How to Paint a Wooden Door: Steps from Sanding to Final Coat

An old wooden door with flaking or dull paint does not necessarily need replacing. If the structure of the wood is sound, preparation and suitable paint can bring it back to a fresh look. But most failed door paint jobs are not down to bad paint; they come from poor preparation. In this article we set out the right steps.

Before you start: assess the door

First check that the wood is sound: small cracks can be filled, but if the wood is rotten or the door is warped it must be repaired first. For a warped door, read our article on fixing a warped wooden door. If the old paint is thick and cracked it must be removed completely, otherwise the new paint will not hold.

The painting steps

• Remove the door: if possible take it off the hinges and lay it flat on trestles so the paint does not run. Remove the hardware and handle rather than taping over them.
• Clean off grease and dust: wipe the surface with a damp cloth; paint will not take on a greasy or dusty surface.
• Sand: start with a coarser paper to remove old paint and bumps, then even out the surface with a fine paper. Always sand with the grain.
• Fill cracks and holes: with wood filler, then sand again once it is dry.
• Prime: for opaque paints, apply a primer suited to wood so the paint bonds better and stains do not bleed through.
• Final coats: two thin coats are better than one thick coat; allow drying time between coats and sand lightly.

Which paint?

For an interior door, both oil-based and acrylic paints made for wood are common. Gloss paints show marks and streaks more, but are easier to clean; matt and satin finishes look softer. If you want the grain to show, use a clear varnish or oil instead of an opaque paint. To choose, you can read our wooden door colour guide and the guide to wood finishes.

Preparation is the main part of the job; rushing the sanding spoils the paint quickly.

Mistakes that ruin the paint

• Painting over a damp or greasy surface.
• Applying a thick coat that runs and drips.
• Closing the door before the paint is fully dry, so the edges stick to the frame.
• Forgetting to paint the top and bottom edges of the door, which absorb moisture.

When is replacement better?

If the wood is rotten, the door is badly warped or the joints are loose and open, painting only hides the problem. In such cases structural repair or a new door makes more sense. To decide, have the door assessed by a specialist.