How to Paint New Six-Panel Doors

Sand the door. New wooden doors require sanding. Use a 220-grit sandpaper on a hand or orbital sander to smooth the door. Remove any burs or rough spots. Work slowly to ensure the sanding is even. Hand sand any grooves in the panels or decorative pieces.

Prime the door. Select the appropriate primer for the type of door. A metal door requires a metal primer while a wood door requires a wood primer. Use a large paint brush to completely cover the door being sure to cover the small areas around the edges of the panels. Prime one side and the edges first and allow to dry for at least 12 hours. Turn the door over and repeat the process on the other side.

Cut in the trim. Select paint appropriate for the type of door, either metal or wood. Consult with a professional for the best option. Use a trim paint brush to go around the outside edge of the door. Paint a thin line all the way around the door.

Paint the small grooves around each panel with a trim brush. Pay special attention to the interior woodwork on the panels. Allow to dry for 12 hours on one side, then repeat the process on the other side, including the cut in trim around the door. If painting the inside edge of the door, this is the time to paint it.

Paint the door with a professional grade paint brush.Stroke the brush left to right across the top, middle and bottom pieces of the door. Paint the sides and panels in and up and down motion. This limits brush stroke appearance.

Add a clear coat finish to the door. Apply the appropriate clear coat for the type of door and paint used. Repeat the same brush strokes with the final coat as with the paint, paying close attention to the small details in the panels.