Expert Tips On How To
Paint A Door Frame
Should I Prime My Door Before Painting?
This question depends on the existing paint type? To determine the type of paint it is, put a little rubbing alcohol on a rag and rub the paint surface. If paint is transferred to the rag, then the existing paint is latex based and priming is unnecessary. If no paint transfers to the rag, then you have an oil-based paint and you should prime first, especially if you plan on using a newer latex formula paint.
What Is The Best Paint For An Interior Door?
Most professionals recommend using a gloss or semi-gloss finish rather than matte or eggshell. A glossy surface is so much easier to clean, and considering how many hands will reach for the door, easier cleaning is a must. Another advantage of a glossier paint is that it will stand out beautifully against the flatter paint finish on the walls.
Preparation
As with any DIY project, preparation is key to achieving a quality result. Lay down a drop cloth to protect your floors and then follow these simple steps:
1. Better to Remove the Door and Hinges – although not absolutely necessary, if you are able to remove the door before painting, it will make the task much easier!
2. Clean the Door
Use a clean cloth and some Sugar Soap to clean any dirt and grime from painted woodwork. Sugar soap has a degreasing agent which makes it perfect for cleaning painted areas. If you don’t have any Sugar Soap, warm water with a little dish detergent is a good substitute.
3. Sand the Surfaces
Do you need to sand the door before painting ? Yes.
If the existing door is very smooth, lightly sand the surface using a 120-grit sandpaper, until the shine disappears. If the door has a rough or worn surface, begin with a coarse grade of paper, 80-grit, and then finish with a less-coarse sandpaper such as 100- or 120-grit. If you have a new door you won’t need to sand.
Clean away any dust with a vacuum and then a damp sponge.
Handy Tip: Sanding the corners of any door panelling might be easier using wire wool.
4. Repair Damaged Surfaces
Fill in holes, dents and cracks with wood filler (spackling) using a putty knife. Always follow the manufacturer recommendations. Once the filler has dried completely, lightly sand it with a 120-grit sandpaper until it is level with the surrounding area.
4. Repair Damaged Surfaces
Fill in holes, dents and cracks with wood filler (spackling) using a putty knife. Always follow the manufacturer recommendations. Once the filler has dried completely, lightly sand it with a 120-grit sandpaper until it is level with the surrounding area.
5. Protect the Surrounding Surfaces
Use painters tape to surround the door frame and protect the walls from paint.
How to Paint a Door Frame
1. Start painting the inside of the door trim first. Inevitably, some paint will get onto the faces of the trim, so painting the inside of the frame first makes it easier to smooth out any excess paint on the face of the trim.
2. Start painting in the upper inside corner of the door jamb and door stop, and move down the frame with long sweeping strokes until you reach the bottom.
3. Check for any globs of paint in the corners and remove them by brushing downwards with the tip of the brush.
4. After completing the door jam, it’s time to paint the outside of the frame. Again, paint from top to bottom, overlapping your brush strokes as you progress downwards.
5. Lastly, paint across the top of the frame. If your paint is applied too thick, it will drip down the sides of the frame, so pay attention to how much paint you put on the brush.
6. Let the first coat of paint dry before applying a second (if necessary). Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for how long to leave it to dry?
Handy Tip: When painting don’t hold the brush by the handle, you’ll have better control holding the brush by the metal band just beneath the bristles.
Remember: Creativity can be a good thing. There is no rule saying you can’t paint the door frames a different colour from the door. Or the door and frame the same colour as the walls!
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Expert Tips On How To Paint A Door
