How to Paint Squares on a Door

Sand the door surfaces with the sandpaper to prepare them for paint. Wipe down the door carefully with the tack cloth to remove the sawdust form sanding.

Cover the doorknob with painter’s tape or remove the doorknob temporarily. Cover the metal hinges with painter’s tape.

Load the paintbrush with primer and apply primer to the door in an even layer. Coat the narrow edges, the back and the front of the door with primer and then allow the primer to dry completely.

Apply the base coat of paint to the door. Use the flat paintbrush to apply paint to the narrow edges of the door and around the doorknob. Load the paint roller with paint and apply paint to the upper half of the door in a thin and even layer. Apply paint to the lower half of the door last, blending the upper and lower halves of the door evenly with the roller. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.

Plan the placement of the squares on the door. Use the ruler and the level to measure the squares. When you determine the size and placement of a square, draw it on the door lightly with the pencil. Continue drawing the squares until you add them all to the door.

Apply painter’s tape along the lines you drew, lining the tape up precisely and pressing it firmly onto the door. Run the edge of the putty knife along the tape to create a tight seal. Repeat this process along every line of the squares you drew.

Load the paintbrush with the base coat color and paint along every edge of the painter’s tape along the lines you drew. This seals the painter’s tape and prevents the colors from seeping. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Load the paintbrush with the paint you wish to use for the squares. Paint the areas inside the painter’s tape to create the squares. Apply the paint with the brush in vertical strokes, making it even. Continue working until you fill in every square with paint.

Remove the painter’s tape before the paint dries. The squares should appear crisp and neat on the door surface. Leave the door open for at least 24 hours while the paint dries.