How to paint interior doors from start to perfection

Painting interior doors gives them a fresh, strong look, boosting house interior painting. Best practices use high-gloss interior paint for durability and careful prep to avoid drips on flat or paneled doors.

Click this complete guide to learn how to do house Interior painting.

Materials Needed When Painting Interior Doors

• Low VOC high-gloss interior paint (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Emerald, ECOS Paints Gloss)
• Primer (low VOC, bonding)
• Paintbrush Guard 
• 1–2-inch angled brushes
• Small foam rollers
• Canvas drop cloths
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper (220 grit)
• Cleaning soap, rags, paint trays, stir sticks
• Screwdriver (for removing hardware)

Paint Interior Doors: Best Practice Steps

1. Remove Door: Unscrew hinges with a screwdriver to take the door off, or tape hinges if leaving on. Lay flat on sawhorses or cover floors with drop cloths.
   
   
2. Clean Door: Wash with safe soap and water to remove dirt or fingerprints. Dry with rags for a clean surface.
   
   
3. Sand Surface: Lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth glossy spots or rough areas. Wipe dust with a damp rag.
   
   
4. Prime Door: Apply a low VOC bonding primer with a 1–2-inch angled brush for edges and a small foam roller for flat areas. Cover both sides and edges. Let dry (4 hours).
   
   
5. Mix Paint: Stir low VOC high-gloss interior paint, pour into a tray, supporting sustainable painting.
   
   
6. Paint Edges and Panels: Use a 1–2-inch angled brush for edges, corners, and panel details, working slowly to avoid drips. Paint one side at a time.
   
   
7. Roll Flat Areas: Use a small foam roller for smooth, flat door sections, applying thin coats to prevent runs. Apply two coats per side, drying 4–6 hours between.
   
   
8. Reattach Door: After drying (24 hours), rehang the door or remove tape. Fix any hardware marks with a tiny brush.
   
   
9. Clean Up: Wash tools with soap or seal brushes in Paintbrush Guard bags. Reuse drop cloths and store paint.

Tips for Success: Painting Interior Doors

• Paint doors flat to avoid drips on vertical surfaces.
• Remove knobs and locks for a clean finish.
• Sand between coats for a glossy, professional look.
• Paint in a dust-free area to keep surfaces smooth.

Time Estimate: 1–2 days per door (prep: 0.5 day, priming/painting: 0.5–1 day).

Cost Estimate: $30–$100 per door (0.5 gallon interior paint at $50–$100/gallon, primer, brushes, tape, etc.).

Check out this article: Is it better to paint a door standing up or laying down?