Repainting an old door can save unnecessary costs in the form of a new door and is a job that people often do themselves. However, because most people are not professional painters, it is wise to check in advance how a door can best be painted. Painting a door is a time-consuming job, so it would be a shame if the result of this job was not satisfactory. The importance of accurately performing the correct preparations, such as sanding and de-greasing, cannot therefore be emphasized enough. Choosing the right paint also plays an important role in the end result; for example, an outside door needs a different treatment than an inside door.
Making the door bare
The first step in preparing to paint a door, an interior door or an exterior door, is to detach the door. Once the door has been removed from the hinges, the hinges, handle and lock can be removed from the door. If several doors have to be painted, it is wise to put the hinges and locks per door in a bag and label it. For example, write “door 1” here and write the same thing on the bottom of the door, on the part that touches the floor. Also remove the hinges from the frame, as it would be a shame to just give the door a new color and forget about the frame.
Sanding the door
When all loose parts of the door have been removed and labeled, the first sanding can be started. For this it is wise to check in advance the condition of the current paintwork. Completely removing the old paint layer often produces the best results, but in some cases this is not necessarily necessary. For example, if the current paintwork is not peeling and is still properly on the door, it can be lightly sanded. If it is only a bit worse in some places, the old paint can only be removed in those places. Should it be the case that the paint all over the door is of questionable quality, it is always recommended to remove all old paint. On exterior doors it may also be the case that there are so many thick layers of paint on it that it in any case yields a better result to remove the entire paint layer and start with a bare door.
If the old paint is still reasonably good, it is sufficient to sand it lightly with a sandpaper that is not too coarse, for example grit 320. If the paint is no longer good, it is necessary to scrape off the old paint. burn or can be removed with a paint remover. If the old paint has largely been removed in this way, sand the door well with a grit of 120.
Filling a door
Not every door has stood the test of time undamaged; there may be holes, dents or cracks in a door. These can be repaired with filler. There are many different types of filler available, but since a door has to be able to withstand a lot, it is wise to choose a good two-component filler. Thoroughly degrease the location to be filled before applying the filler, for example by using water with ammonia and dry it. Then apply the filler and let it dry well. It is indicated on the packaging of the filler how long it will take before sanding takes place; let the filler dry for this time. Then the area can be sanded to create an even surface. One of the ways to treat a flat surface with sanding is to use a sanding block or a rectangular block with the sandpaper folded around it. This prevents unevenness in the door from being sanded.
Degreasing the door
After sanding, there is a layer of dust on the door that must be removed before the door can be primed. In addition to the dust, there is probably also some grease in some places on the door, caused by the years of use of the door and gripping the door. The dust and grease can be removed with a cloth dipped in a mixture of water and ammonia. Repeat this process a few times as the dust layer can be particularly stubborn after sanding. Before starting painting, also make sure that no dust or anything else can get on the door.
Applying the primer
Thoroughly mask any surfaces that are not to be painted. Then stir the primer well. The difficult areas can be painted with a brush, the larger areas can preferably be done with a roller. To do this, apply enough paint to the roller and draw long lines; this distributes the paint the best. First make vertical lines and then finish it by drawing horizontal lines. This prevents streaks from appearing on the end result. Then let the primer dry thoroughly. The packaging states how long it will take before the paint can be painted.
Painting the door
When the primer is dry, it must be assessed whether it needs to be lightly sanded again. With a small bump, it is already worthwhile to sand the primer very lightly. Make sure that no bare spots are sanded in the paint. When sanding is done, dust / grease must also be removed by means of the degreaser. Then the door can be painted. Use the same method for this as with the primer, but keep in mind that the lacquer layer requires two coats. With a paint of inferior quality, it may even be that more than two coats are required. Do not forget to remove any masking tape after painting; if it stays for too long it will get stuck due to the drying of the paint. Masking tape should always be removed while the paint is still wet.
The pot of the lacquer layer also states how long it takes for the paint to dry. Wait at least that period before the hinges and locks are put back again and the door is placed in the frame. Keep in mind that the paint has still not reached its final strength; the paint is still hardening, but the paint is dry enough to be touched.
Which paint for painting an exterior door, interior door or frame?
The frame can be treated and painted in the same way as the door. Make sure it is the same material as the door; it could be that the door is made of wood, for example, while the frame is made of metal. This means that a different kind of paint must also be used. The difference between the circumstances in which an outer door is located and an inner door also means that a different type of paint must be chosen. It is therefore better not to save on the quality of the paint to be chosen.