How to Paint Over Stained Wood on Exterior Doors

Remove as much door hardware as possible. Unscrew the door handle, door knocker, kick plate and anything else that is attached to the door. Use blue painter's tape to mask off anything you can't remove.

Clean the door using a sponge and mild detergent. Pay attention to getting grime out of the grooves in panels or around inset windows. Rinse it and let it dry.

Sand the door with 80- or 100-grit sandpaper. If it has been varnished, sand it until the surface is dull, and make sure any loose or peeling varnish is sanded off.

Put a drop cloth under the door and prime it with either an acrylic (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based) primer. Use a 2 1/2- or 3-inch angled sash brush. For a faster job or multiple doors, paint all the edges and corners first with the brush, and then with a 6-inch roller.

Sand the primer lightly after it has dried for the recommended drying time indicated on the label. Use 120- or 100-grit sandpaper, or a medium-fine sanding sponge, and sand it until it feels very smooth under your hand.

Caulk all open gaps or joints with a thin bead of paintable silicone caulking. Smooth it down with your fingertip or a damp rag, and let it dry for about four hours.

Paint the door using the same tools, with two coats of 100 percent acrylic paint. Apply paint to the front of the door and the edges where the hinges are, taking care not to let any paint smear around the edge onto the inside portion of the door. If possible, allow a full day between coats to prevent a thick coat of uncured paint from sticking to the door jamb when you close the door. Replace the door hardware after the second coat has dried.