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How To Paint a Door

Add curb appeal with this weekend project

How To Paint a Door

Door: Billard Green (PPG1139-7)

Painting Advice for How To Paint a Door

Front doors have become the new accent wall. Painting a door is an easy weekend project and a great way to convey your personality. Welcome guests to your home by painting a bright or bold color on your front door, or make a statement by painting interior doors a surprising color.

TIME: 1–2 Hours
TOOLS NEEDED: Sandpaper, Painter’s Tape, 1–2” Angled Brush, Roller
SHEEN: Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss

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Flat Doors

Door: Black Magic (PPG1001-7)

Painting Advice

Flat Doors

To prep the door:

  • Clean and scuff sand* both sides of the door.

  • Remove the door from hinges and place on flat surface.

  • Remove knobs, plates and locks or block them off with painters tape.

For a flat door, use a roller for the main part of the door and an angled brush for sides. 

Do not paint the door in direct sun.

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* WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD, or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.

Paneled Doors

Door: Fragrant Cloves (PPG1199-7)

Painting Advice

Paneled Doors

If your door is more decorative and includes paneled detailing, there are a few extra steps you need to take:

  • Use an angled brush first to paint inside the recessed areas

  • Use roller for flat surfaces, first down center, then across door finishing with down the sides to smooth it all out

  • Use an angled brush to finish outer edges of door

Let dry per package instructions. Allow the door to be left open/off the hinges to dry for as long as possible. Though it may be dry to the touch, with a semi-gloss or gloss paint, you will most likely experience blocking if re-hung prematurely.

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Please refer to the Product Label, Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and detailed application instructions.