Best Way to Paint Interior Doors: 5 Expert Tips: Practical, pro-tested steps to get smooth, durable results on any interior door

I once painted a client’s bedroom door at midnight because they insisted on a surprise reveal the next morning — I used the wrong sheen and ended up with visible brush marks that I had to sand out the next day. That little disaster taught me to slow down and plan, and to always visualize door colors in 3D before committing. Small spaces and simple elements like doors can spark big design ideas, and a well-painted door changes a room more than people expect.

1. Pick the right finish and color

I usually recommend semi-gloss or satin for interior doors because they’re durable and wipeable; semi-gloss gives that classic crisp look while satin hides minor imperfections better. The trade-off is gloss shows flaws, so if your door has dents or uneven grain you’ll need extra prep or choose satin to be forgiving.

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2. Prep like a pro — clean, sand, and prime

Good painting starts with preparation: remove hardware, clean with a degreaser, sand lightly with 120–150 grit, and use a bonding primer if the surface is glossy or stained. This step is time-consuming but it’s what separates a weekend touch-up from a finish that lasts years.

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3. Choose your application method: brush, roller, or spray

For most DIYers, an angled sash brush plus a small foam roller gives the best balance of control and smoothness — brush the panels and use the roller on flat areas. Pros use a HVLP spray for factory-smooth results, but spraying needs masking, ventilation, and more setup; if you want to try quick mockups before committing, mock up a small section to see how each method reads.

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4. Technique tips: back-brushing and sanding between coats

Back-brushing (brushing after rolling) helps level the paint and reduce roller stipple; I sand lightly between coats with 220 grit and wipe with a tack cloth for a buttery finish. It’s extra effort, yes, but it’s how I fixed my midnight mess years ago — patience beats shortcuts.

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5. Timing, hardware, and budget-friendly choices

Wait the manufacturer’s recommended dry time between coats — rushing leads to tacky spots or orange peel. If you’re on a budget, reuse hardware after cleaning or buy simple replacements; for a design boost, paint frames or trim in a contrasting shade. If you want a no-cost mock layout, a free floor plan mockup can help you see how a painted door affects sightlines and balance.

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FAQ

1. What is the best paint sheen for interior doors? Semi-gloss is the common recommendation because it’s durable and easy to clean; satin is a good middle ground if you want less reflection and more forgiveness for surface flaws. (Source: Sherwin-Williams recommends semi-gloss for trim and doors — https://www.sherwin-williams.com/)

2. Do I need to prime before painting interior doors? Yes if the door is bare wood, stained, previously glossy, or you're making a big color change. Primer improves adhesion and reduces the number of topcoats needed.

3. Can I paint over existing paint without sanding? Light sanding or deglossing is advisable to create tooth for the new paint; completely skipping it increases the risk of peeling later. Deglossing liquids help if you want to avoid heavy sanding.

4. Is spray painting better than brushing for doors? Spray yields the smoothest factory-like finish but requires masking, ventilation, and practice. Brushing plus rolling is more forgiving and accessible for most DIYers.

5. How many coats of paint are needed? Typically two topcoats over a primer are enough for full coverage; very bold colors or change from dark to light may require an extra coat.

6. How long should I wait to reattach hardware? Wait at least 24 hours for water-based paints and longer for oil-based or alkyds; follow the paint manufacturer’s recommended cure time for best durability.

7. Can I paint hollow-core doors the same way as solid wood? Yes, but hollow-core doors may show seams and have a different texture; use a good primer and consider a light skim with wood filler on seams before painting.

8. Any tips to avoid brush marks? Use a high-quality angled sash brush, thin your paint if necessary per manufacturer guidance, use long even strokes, and back-roll to level the surface. Sand lightly between coats for the smoothest result.

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