How to Paint a Wooden Door

Painting or repainting a wooden door is a simple yet effective way to refresh your home’s appearance.

Whether you’re giving a new wooden door its first coat or learning how to repaint wooden door after years of wear, this guide walks you through each step. Here at Eco Doors, we offer a wide range of timber door services to help you find the perfect solution to your home. We have worked with timber doors for many years, and if you buy a door from us, we want to make sure you know exactly what to do to get it the right colour for you.

From prep work to finishing touches, we’ve got you covered.

How to Prepare a Wooden Door for Painting

Before learning how to paint a wooden door, preparation is key to achieving a smooth, lasting finish.

1. Remove Hardware or Protect It

Take off handles and hinges where possible. Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint.

2. Clean the Door Surface

Wipe down the entire door with a damp cloth and mild detergent. This removes dust, grease, and old grime.

3. Sand the Door

Sanding gives your paint a better surface to grip. Use 120–180 grit sandpaper, and if you’re planning how to repaint a wooden door, focus on flaky or damaged areas.

4. Repair Imperfections

Fill any dents, holes or cracks with wood filler, then sand those areas smooth once dry.

5. Final Dust-Off

Use a tack cloth or microfibre cloth to remove all dust before applying primer or paint.

How to Paint a New Wooden Door

Wondering how to paint a wooden door from scratch? Here’s how to get a professional result on a new door.

1. Prime First

New wooden doors should always be primed with a good-quality wood primer. This helps the paint adhere and protects the wood.

2. Light Sand After Priming

Once dry, give the surface a very light sand with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any brush strokes or rough patches.

3. Apply Your First Coat

Use long, smooth strokes and paint in the direction of the wood grain. A synthetic brush or foam roller is ideal.

4. Second Coat

Let the first coat dry fully, then apply a second coat for an even, durable finish.

How to Repaint Wooden Door: Step-by-Step

If your door is already painted and you’re looking for advice on how to repaint wooden doors, this section is for you.

1. Assess the Old Paint

If the paint is still solid, you may only need to sand and paint over it. If it’s peeling or cracked, remove the old layers.

2. Strip Back (if necessary)

Use a paint stripper or heat gun to remove old flaking paint if you’re completely restoring a door.

3. Follow the Prep Steps

Clean, sand, fill, and prime any exposed wood—especially important when learning how to repaint a wooden door properly.

4. Apply Fresh Paint

Use two coats of high-quality satinwood, gloss, or eggshell paint, depending on your desired finish. Sand lightly between coats if needed.

Protecting Your Paintwork

After you’ve learned how to paint a wooden door, the final step is ensuring it stays in great condition.

1. Use a Clear Topcoat

For high-traffic or exterior doors, apply a clear polyurethane or acrylic topcoat to protect the paint.

2. Avoid Heavy Use Immediately

Paint may dry in hours, but full curing can take a few days. Try to minimise handling during this time.

3. Regular Maintenance

Wipe your doors regularly with a damp cloth, and touch up any chips quickly to prevent peeling.

Conclusion

Now that you the key methods in painting and repainting wooden doors, you’re well-equipped to give your home a stylish update. A well-painted wooden door not only looks fantastic but also stands up to daily wear with the right care.

Looking for a high-quality wooden door to get started with? Explore our full range at Eco Doors – where sustainability meets superior craftsmanship.