Doors are often subject to high levels of traffic and abuse. Because of this wear and tear, the finish on an exterior door can become scratched or damaged over time. Painted doors can also fade due to sun exposure, which can reduce the visual appeal of the home. To restore the look of your door, you'll need to remove it from the frame and repaint it. Choosing the right tools and paint for the job will help ensure you'll get the best possible results.
Instructions
Repainting Steel Doors
1. Remove the door from the opening, and set it on a pair of padded sawhorses. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove all hardware, and cover windows or other specialty features with painter's tape to protect them as you work.
2. Scrape away loose or flaking paint. Test different parts of the door to check for loose paint, and remove the paint from these areas using a paint scraper or putty knife.
3. Sand any remaining paint on the door using an orbital palm sander. Use a light-grit sanding pad for this task. Rather than trying to remove all the paint, light sanding will help to prepare the existing surface to receive new paint.
4. Clean the door to remove all sanding dust. Apply mineral spirits to a rag, and use it to wipe the door clean. Make sure all dust is removed, as well as any marks caused by dirt or grease.
5. Prime the door using an acrylic latex primer. Apply the primer using a small paint roller or brush. Be sure to prime all six sides and edges of the door, and allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.
6. Sand the primer lightly, and clean away all sanding dust with a damp rag or a tack cloth.
7. Paint the door using a paint roller or a variety of brushes. Flush doors will require only a roller or brush, and you can paint them in smooth, even strokes. Paint paneled doors in sections, working from the inside out. For example, paint the flat panels first, then the trim or molding. Paint the rails and edges to complete the job. Once the door is dry, reapply hardware and hang the door back into the frame.
Repainting Wood Doors
8. Remove the door from the opening, and set it on a pair of sawhorses. Remove hardware and cover windows or louvers for protection.
9. Sand the flat sections of the door using an orbital palm sander. Remove any existing paint or stain, as well as primer, if applicable.
10. Scrape paint from molding or trim. You may need to use several different types of paint scrapers, depending on the profile of the molding.
11. Hand sand smaller sections that you can't access with a sander or scraper. Be sure to remove paint from all four edges of the door as well as all areas on the front and back faces.
12. Clean the door with mineral spirits to wipe away sanding dust and dirt. Use a rag to apply the mineral spirits to the door, and switch to another clean rag to wipe away any excess dirt or cleaning products.
13. Prime the an acrylic latex primer. Work in separate sections to help maintain separation. For example, start with any flat paneled sections, and proceed with trim. Prime rails and stiles, and coat all four edges. Use a roller to brush for this task.
14. Paint the door using an acrylic latex paint. Work in sections as you did with the primer. This helps to keep each section or profile of the door from blending into the areas nearby. It also keeps molding and trim profiles looking sharp, which helps to emphasize the design of the door. Apply a second coat after the first coat has dried if desired. Reinstall hardware, and rehang the door to complete the project.
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