If your interior doors are starting to look a bit worn and shabby, you can easily give them a fresh new look by simply applying a coat of paint. However, if you\’re going to paint your doors, it\’s well worth the effort to do the job right. When done correctly, your doors will have a flawless paint finish that will make them look brand new. If painting your interior doors is on your home improvement project list, here are some tips you can use to do a truly professional job.

Repair Any Defects
The time to repair defects in your doors is before you start to paint them. Almost every interior door develops a defect at some point, whether it is a scratch, a dent, or even a wider crack or hole. To fix defects in the door\’s surface, use quality wood putty according to the package directions. While you\’re at it, take a look at the door frame and trim, fixing any problems you find there as well. In most cases, you\’ll find it easier to make door repairs while the door is still hanging, since you\’ll be able to see and repair both sides of the door at the same time. However, you might need to remove the door in order to make certain repairs. If this is the case, remove the door carefully, taking care not to lose any of the hardware. You should also lightly sand a wooden door with fine sandpaper, making sure to remove all the dust.

Remove the Door to Paint
Although it\’s certainly possible to paint a door while it is still hanging on its hinges, you\’ll get more professional results if you remove it first. When you paint a door that is still on its hinges, you are more likely to get drips and paint sags that can mar its beautiful finish. Instead, remove the door and place it on a pair of saw horses, so that you can paint it in a horizontal position. You\’ll also be able to easily paint the entire door frame once the door has been removed. Of course, you\’ll have to let the door dry completely before you will be able to flip it over and paint the other side.

Proper Surface Preparation
Since it\’s practically impossible to produce a flawless paint job on an improperly prepared surface, taking the time to wash the door carefully is an important first step. Dirt, grease and grime can prevent paint from adhering properly, in addition to producing a rough finished surface. Start by using a cleaner and a bucket of water to thoroughly clean the door. Always rinse carefully, since soap residue can cause paint adhesion problems. Then let the door dry completely. In many cases, you might wish to actually remove the door hardware before starting to paint. If you don\’t, be sure to mask door knobs and other hardware with quality painter\’s tape to protect them.

Prime and Then Paint
Before applying the paint, you should always prime the door. Primer will help improve paint adhesion, and can help improve paint coverage, especially when applying a lighter color over a dark colored door. Paint the door frame, jamb and door edges first, so that they will have more time to dry. Paint one side of the door, let dry, then flip and paint the other side. In most cases, you\’ll want to apply two coats of paint for good coverage. Let the door dry, then re-hang and enjoy its fresh new look.

Author Bio: Artist, Jessica Ackerman, writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and offers aspiring ways to design a guest room or downsize your home.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: interior doors,door frame,flawless paint,painting interior doors,door carefully,painting interior