Should I sand and prep my interior front door before painting, and what finish is best for optimal results?
Asked by Alberte Petersen 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 11, 2024
My husband and kids are away for the weekend and I’m feeling a bit antsy. I’m thinking about painting my interior front door. Do I have to sand and prepare it first, or can I just start painting? Also, what finish would you recommend for an interior door?
You know, maybe I should’ve just kept scrolling. Yes, it’s important to prepare the door properly, and your husband would probably appreciate it if you didn’t take out your “squirrely” mood on him! Not on us! 😂
I totally get it now – note to self, don’t ask serious questions on a DIY home project page! I was clueless and didn’t want to make a silly mistake by painting it without doing x, y, z first.
It all depends on the current finish.
Yes, it’s important to clean and lightly sand the surface. A satin finish is ideal, and consider using Command or Scuff X paint for best results.
To remove gloss paint, prepare by de-glossing with any method. If the paint is flat or worn, clean it with water (preferably alcohol) and a soft scrub brush. Avoid using mineral solvents unless you have a full day for drying. If the paint is dark, priming is recommended but not mandatory. Opt for Acrylic paint in eggshell or semi-gloss for an easy application. Use a roller for a smooth finish and a brush for corners and crevices. Use a narrow 1” roller instead of a wall painting roller. Plan on applying two coats and a final touch-up for missed spots. Apply each coat thinly for better adhesion and curing.
Thank you, William! I appreciate your help.
Hey , so I think once the door is in place, we might face some challenges with drips. Make sure to keep an eye on the freshly painted area as drips tend to be stubborn. Hopefully, the weather is nice so you can’t shut the door onto the weatherstripping while it’s drying. It didn’t cross my mind earlier, but taking off the door gasket might prevent the paint from peeling off before it’s completely dry. If you can, try painting with the door removed and laying flat.
Prepare the surface by sanding, washing, priming, and painting with a high-quality exterior satin paint.
Wishing you the best of luck with your project.
Before painting, it’s always a good idea to sand first. I’ve been working as a painter for over 30 years, and I also make sure to lightly sand between coats.
For a better clean up, it’s recommended to go with a finish that has more sheen. I’d say satin is a good option.
My whole house is painted in an “eggshell” finish or shinier for easy cleaning and durability. Flat paint gets smudged easily with spider webs and dust when wiped with a duster or ceiling brush.
Make sure to degrease first before sanding to avoid spreading skin oils around. Use 320 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Consider using a water-based, fast drying, odorless bonding primer like STIX for best results. Opt for a urethane paint for maximum durability – Ben Moore offers Command, INSL-X Cabinet Coat, ScuffX, and Advance paint options, while SW has Emerald trim paint. Look for paints specifically designed for cabinets that will not feel tacky.
Our doors were coated with SW Emerald and the odor was quite strong! Make sure to keep your house well-ventilated for a few days!
I tried INSL-X Cabinet Coat, Command, and Advance and they didn’t have a strong odor. I haven’t tried Emerald yet, it seems too pricey for the results.
I agree with . I ended up using the paint because I had bought 2 cans for our trim/baseboards but only needed one. I got it tinted to the color I wanted for the doors.
At , they sometimes have sales that make it worth the price.
Just a friendly tip! Make sure to wash the door with TSP first, then lightly sand it with a sanding sponge. Wipe the door clean, caulk if necessary, and fill in any imperfections. Remove the hardware or cover it with tape before using a 2-inch brush and a 4-inch mini whizz roller to apply 2 coats of a satin finish. And voila, you’re done! Cheers from The Gooseneck Guy! 🙂
Just in case you were curious – mission complete! Managed to paint the wall and finish the door before the hubs and kids return tonight. The door was a pain, too many nooks and crannies. Not doing that again!
Completed wall with artwork displayed