Ways to Paint a Paneled Door

Preparation

• Preparation is the key to a successful door painting project. If you are painting a pre-installed door, it is not necessary to remove it from its hinges. However, it is always easiest to paint a door when it is lying flat. Remove the doorknob or any decorative plating from the door before painting, or tape them off carefully with painter's tape. Lay a plastic drop cloth in place to protect the flooring surrounding your workspace from any splatters or spills. If the door has any blemishes or imperfections, repair as needed before painting.

Sanding

• Whether the door already has a coat of paint or has come unfinished from the store, you must sand the surface before painting. This helps the paint to stick properly to the surface of the door. While it takes some extra elbow grease, sanding by hand is better than machine sanding, especially around raised panels. Be sure to carefully sand the small nooks and portions of your door, as these areas are the most susceptible to paint buildup that can compromise the finished look of your project.

Priming

• Priming the surface of your door is an important and often overlooked step. It will help you achieve your desired color effect while strengthening your door and preparing it for painting. Apply the primer before painting with a brush or small roller. Allow it to dry fully before continuing with paint.

Paint Application

• As with all paint projects, make sure to follow wood grains when painting. If your door doesn't consist of wood or features a vinyl covering, follow the same motion while painting to avoid the look of brushstrokes. Spray applications are another option when painting paneled doors. This can save you the time and hassle of painting by hand.

Design Ideas

• While you may choose to paint the door all one color, you can also use a variety of paint colors to enhance the look of the doors. For example, in craftsman-style homes, using different colors on the raised panels and on the rest of the door's surface will allow you to showcase the intricacy of the build. You could also frame the panels with a thin application of a different paint shade. Painter's tape can help you protect the surface of the door while painting certain portions.