Internal wooden doors, especially those in high-traffic areas, can receive a lot of wear and tear. Over time they can start to look a bit tatty, with scrapes and marks, and once they reach this stage it’s often a good idea to give them a new lick of paint.
Our professional decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd have some top tips for achieving the best finish on internal wooden doors.
Prepare the Door
- Strip Existing Paintwork: It isn’t necessary to strip all existing paint; this stage simply removes any loose debris and flaking paint, creating a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to.
- Knots: Some new wood can leak sap, and you can avoid this problem by treating the wood with ‘knotting solution’. Usually, a couple of coats with 30 minutes of drying time between them is sufficient.
- Cracks: Before sanding, all holes and cracks can be filled using wood filler.
- Sand: If the wood is new, a light sand might be required to remove rough edges. An orbital sander with a light-grade grit can work well.
- Clean: Remove all dust and debris using a vacuum cleaner or a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Avoid using water, as the wood should be completely dry for painting.
- Remove Door or Mask Fixtures: For a professional finish, many people choose to remove a door completely and take off the door handles and other fixtures. However, it is also possible to just cover the hinges and fixtures with masking tape and leave the door hung.
The Best Paint to Use
Always use paint – whether a primer or a topcoat – that is specifically designed for internal wooden doors. Using a roller on a flat door usually gives the best finish, whereas a brush can work better on doors with panels, mouldings or raised decorations.
Primer
This layer provides an even surface for the topcoat to bond to and can provide a consistent finish, giving the best end result.
Topcoat
Interior door colours are often a neutral white, but there are many other options. A deep, dark colour such as black can add drama, whereas a light pastel blue can feel refreshing and inviting.
According to Homes & Gardens, painting internal wooden doors is a great, low-risk way to experiment with paint ideas, as they can be re-painted much quicker than a whole room. This allows the decorator to enjoy experimenting with a fresh new look.