We have begun a new year, and with that tends to be new projects. A great way to give your interior a drastic refresh is by painting your doors. This can seem overwhelming, but with these pro tips you will be well on your way to enjoying your spruced up space.

A successful painting project always starts out with preparation. First, you will want to determine what type of paint is currently on your doors. Dampen a rag with rubbing alcohol and rub it against the door. If any paint has transferred to the rag, your doors have a latex based paint and you won’t need to prime first. If nothing comes off on the rag, the door has oil based paint and you will need to prime first.

Then you will need to decide on the style and design you would like in your home. You may want to go with white or add a pop of color depending on what complements the rest of your home. Choosing a paint with a gloss or semi-gloss finish will create a surface that’s much easier to clean.

Next, you’ll need to purchase quality tools and materials to ensure professional results. Invest in a 2-2.5 inch sash brush for the door and trim. If you prefer to use a roller, consider microfiber sleeves which provide a smoother finish. Don’t forget your drop cloths, paint tray, and sandpaper!

Now it’s time to get to work! We recommend removing the door from the frame for best results. Be sure to keep the hardware in a safe place for remounting after the door is painted and fully dry. If there are any imperfections in the door, fill them with wood filler and sand down to a smooth finish. Next, it’s time to paint! If you have a paneled door, paint the edges first, then the interior panels, vertical strips, horizontal strips, and finally the vertical strips on the sides of the door. Be sure to follow the drying instructions based on the product you select – don’t rush the process. Once you are done painting and the door has fully dried, reattach and enjoy your refreshed space!

While you certainly can tackle this project on your own, sometimes it is easier to call in the experts. If you would like help with your painting project, give us a call today to schedule your free in-home consultation!