How to Paint Doors with Acrylic and Latex

Interior Wood Doors

• 1

  Sand the door lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth and prepare for paint. Wipe off any dust or debris

• 2

  Apply latex primer with a paint brush. Brush left to right from the top to the bottom of the door, one side at a time. Allow to dry for 24 hours or according to manufacturer's recommendations.

• 3

  Paint the door with interior latex paint. Interior latex comes in flat, gloss and satin finishes. Select the interior latex finish that fits your personal preference or the surrounding decor. Using a natural bristle paint brush, paint left to right in long strokes to limit the paint lines on the door. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Apply a second coat if needed.

Exterior Wood Doors

• 4

  Sand the door with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth and prepare for painting. Dust off any dirt and debris.

• 5

  Apply a coat of acrylic latex primer and allow to dry. Paint long strokes in a left-to-right motion, beginning at the top of the door and working down. Allow to dry for 24 hours or for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

• 6

  Paint the door with exterior acrylic latex paint and allow to dry. Apply the paint with a synthetic paint brush, using long horizontal strokes. Let dry at least 24 hours.

Metal Doors

• 7

  Clean the surface with mineral spirits. Apply with a clean cloth and allow to dry until there is no detectable smell. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator when using mineral spirits to avoid getting any on your skin and breathing in fumes.

• 8

  Sand the door lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Wash off the dust and debris from sanding with a few drops of dish detergent in water. Allow the door to dry completely.

• 9

  Paint the door with 100% acrylic latex exterior paint in a water base. Paint left to right, top to bottom, and allow to dry for 24 hours. Add a second coat if needed.

Fiberglass Doors

• 10

  Rub the door with mineral spirits to remove dirt and debris. Apply with a clean cloth and allow to dry until you cannot smell the mineral spirits on the door. Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator for safety purposes while working with mineral spirits.

• 11

  Wash the door with dish detergent and allow to dry. Add several drops of dish detergent to 2 cups of water and wash with a clean cloth. Rinse with clear running water and allow the door to dry completely.

• 12

  Paint the door with exterior water-based acrylic latex paint. Paint left to right in long strokes, working from the top down. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours.