How To Repaint A Panel Door

Using a small roller to paint doors can greatly speed the process.

How to repaint a panel door.

When painting a paneled door begin with the recessed panels then the horizontal rails and finally the vertical styles. How to paint a panel door. Apply primer if painting over oil based paint so that you can switch to latex. Select door paint for one primed exterior door you ll need at least one quart of paint.

Let the door dry completely on one side before flipping it over and painting the opposite side. Pour some finish into a clean bucket and dip the bristles about a third of the way into the liquid. Since your door will be exposed to rain sun wind and other elements you ll need flexible and mold resistant exterior paint. Begin by painting the edges with a brush.

Aubrey describes all the equipment required and gives step by step instructions so that you can confidently achieve great results. Work quickly by rolling on the paint then use a brush to smooth out the paint and fill in the detailed areas around the flat panel. Soak a new china bristle brush for a minute or two in paint thinner then spin or knock off the excess. Paint the interior panels first as shown in the graphic below.

Paint the second face. Doing it in this order enables you to get a coat on the whole panel door in one sitting so you only have to have 2 3 painting sessions rather than 4 6 if you were doing one side at a time and waiting for it to dry in between. Remount the door after fully dry. Be certain the label states the pail contains exterior paint not interior paint.

Place the door flat on the sawhorses. Coat the horizontal rails next and finally the vertical stiles. Start on the panels then move to the surround ing moldings. Begin by rolling paint on the flat panels.

Wipe the door with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits and dry with another soft cloth to remove any surface dust.