Painting New Pre-Hung Doors

Open the door outward so you have access to both sides. Lay down plastic sheeting under the door so the paint will not drip down and make a mess.

Sand down every part of the door you plan to paint. The sandpaper will roughen the existing paint job, which will allow the paint primer to bond more solidly with the wood.

Clean away any sanding dust or residue from the door with your dust rag.

Cover the doorknob, hinges and lock plate with painter's tape. This will keep the paint from marring the metalwork as you apply the various coats.

Mix up and paint on a coat of primer onto all the surfaces you plan to paint. The primer will increase the strength of the bond between the paint and the wood, and will make it far less likely that the paint will peel or chip off.

Wait for the primer to dry. This will take a few hours.

Paint the first coat onto the door. Use a paint roller if the door is completely flat, or use a paintbrush if the door has raised panels. Don't let the paint pool in the corners of the panels.

Wait for the paint to dry and then add more coats as necessary to achieve a uniform look.

Remove the painter's tape.