How to Paint a Stained Door

MediaMogul

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

2
views

You may wish to paint over a stained door because it has become weathered and unsightly or you may want to paint over stained wood doors to change the look of the door. There is a technique to painting over stained wood successfully. Here’s how to do it.

Steps

Choose and purchase your primer and paint. Select oil based primer paint for the first coat.Paint a Stained Door Step 1Bullet1.jpg If you are painting over stained cedar or redwood, ask an experienced paint store clerk to help you choose the proper primer to cover those woods.Paint a Stained Door Step 1Bullet2.jpg Choose either oil-base paint or acrylic latex paint for the second coat and finish coats. Read the label on latex paints to make sure they can be painted over oil primer. Choose exterior or interior paint depending on where the door surface will be. A gloss or semi-gloss finish is best for exterior surfaces. Semi-gloss or “eggshell” finish is best for interior door sides. Choose an acrylic clear sealer to cover the paint after it dries to prolong the life of the paint and make it easier to clean. For an average-sized door, you will need 1 US-quart (950 ml) of each kind of paint and sealer. (You will need 2 quarts of finish paint if each side of the door is a different color.)

Remove the door from the hinges if at all possible and move it to a dry, well-ventilated place for prep and painting. Leave one half of the hinge attached to the doorframe to make it easier to re-hang the door.Paint a Stained Door Step 2Bullet1.jpg If you can’t remove the door for some reason you will need to protect the doorframe and nearby walls with painters tape.Paint a Stained Door Step 2Bullet2.jpg

Remove the door handle and hardware and store it in a safe spot if you will be re-using it.

Wash the door well with a grease cutting soap and warm water. Pay special attention to areas around the door handle and the edge of the doorframe.

Let the door dry completely.

Go over the whole surface of the door with fine sandpaper. Sand to remove the gloss and slightly roughen the surface, not to remove all the previous coatings of sealer or stain.Paint a Stained Door Step 6Bullet1.jpg Be careful not to gouge or make grooves when sanding.Paint a Stained Door Step 6Bullet2.jpg Use a wire brush to rough up grooved or ornate design areas on the door.Paint a Stained Door Step 6Bullet3.jpg

Wipe off the door with a damp cloth and let it dry.

Fix any holes or cracks in the door with a wood putty that can be painted. Let it harden and sand it smooth.

Go over the door again with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust from sanding.

Cover any widows in the door to protect them from paint.

Using a roller or a brush apply your primer paint on one side of the door. Let the primer dry completely. Consult the directions on the can for the proper drying time and don’t rush it.