How Would You Use Semi Gloss Paint?

Wood Doors

• 1

  Sand the door from top to bottom using a fresh sheet of sandpaper. Sand the sides of the door as well. Sand with the wood grain.

• 2

  Tear off a piece of white painter's tape and carefully wrap the tape around the edge of the door knob where the knob meets the door.

• 3

  Dip a paint brush into a container of water-based primer and prime around the taped door knob, leaving a thin circular layer of primer. Cut in around the hinges on the side of the door. If the doors are paneled, brush the primer into each panel.

• 4

  Pour the primer into a roller pan and saturate a 9-inch paint roller in the primer. Use a paint roller with 1/4-inch nap. The 1/4-inch nap leaves minimal stipple on doors.

• 5

  Roll the primer over the entire face of the door, leaving a thin layer of primer on the surface. Inspect the door for paint spatter and roll over the surface again to even the finish and eliminate imperfections. Allow the primer to completely dry. Clean and dry the roller pan and 1/4-inch nap roller.

• 6

  Dip the end of a clean paint brush into a container of semi-gloss paint and brush around the taped door knob and hinges, using the same technique as the primer application.

• 7

  Pour semi-gloss paint into the roller pan. Dip the 1/4-inch nap roller in the paint and roll the door from top to bottom. Do not roll the door in half sections. Roll the door all the way from top to bottom in one long pass, slightly overlapping each pass. Dry roll the side of the door. Allow the first coat to dry and apply a second coat, using the same technique.

• 8

  Remove the tape from the door knob after the paint has completely dried.

Wood Trim

• 9

  Sand baseboards, crown molding and window trim to open the grain in the wood and smooth out the surface.

• 10

  Rub painter's putty into nail holes, using your finger. Caulk cracks in molding with a caulk gun and paint-ready caulk.

• 11

  Prime the surface of the trim and cut in the edges using an angled 2-inch paint brush and water-based primer. If you are unable to cut in the primer with a steady hand, apply strips of blue tape along the floor and wall edges for faster application.

• 12

  Brush water-based semi-gloss over the molding, starting at a corner and working all the way around the room in one direction. Allow the first coat of paint to dry and apply a second coat for true color and sheen.