Whether you’re refreshing a modern apartment or giving new life to a traditional home, painting interior doors is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your space. At J&D Sprayers & Makeovers, we offer expert-level refinishing services for doors and woodwork across Scotland, but if you’re considering tackling the job yourself—or simply want to understand the process—we’ve outlined everything you need to know.
Step 1: Choose Your Method – Spraying vs. Hand Painting
Before you begin, it’s important to decide how the doors will be painted:
- Hand Painting: Involves using brushes and rollers. Good for detailed areas, but time-consuming and prone to brush marks.
- Spray Painting: Provides a smoother, more even finish in less time. Ideal for multiple doors and consistent colour matching across surfaces.
We always recommend professional spraying for best results—especially if you’re painting more than one door or want a flawless, modern finish.
Step 2: Gather the Right Supplies
Whether you DIY or hire professionals, proper materials are essential:
- Satin or semi-gloss paint (durable, easy to clean)
- High-quality brush (2-inch angled for detail)
- Small foam roller (for flat panels)
- Painter’s tape and drop cloths
- Tack cloth for dust removal
- Sandpaper (120–150 grit)
- Primer (if changing colour or painting bare wood)
- Optional: wood shims (to stabilise doors during painting)
Step 3: Prepare the Door Properly
Proper preparation is key to a long-lasting finish:
- Remove or tape over hardware: Handles, locks and hinges can be masked with precision or fully removed for a cleaner result.
- Clean thoroughly: Use degreaser or mild soap to eliminate dust and oils.
- Sand lightly: Especially if the door has a glossy or uneven surface.
- Prime when needed: A bonding primer ensures even colour and prevents bleed-through, particularly when switching from dark to light shades.
Step 4: Stabilise the Door
If you’re painting in place, wood shims can help hold the door still to avoid accidental smudging. For the smoothest application, professionals prefer removing doors and laying them flat.
Step 5: Paint in the Correct Order
For the cleanest result:
- Start with inset panels and edges using a brush.
- Use a foam roller on larger flat sections for a smooth, streak-free surface.
- Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick layer to avoid drips or uneven texture.
- Inspect for drips and imperfections while the paint is still wet—these are much easier to correct in the moment.
Step 6: Let It Dry & Repeat
Allow sufficient drying time between coats. Most doors require two to three thin coats for optimal coverage. Remove painter’s tape while the last coat is still slightly wet to avoid peeling.
Step 7: Reinstall & Inspect
Once fully cured, reattach handles, locks, and hinges. Take time to check the finish under natural and artificial lighting—it should be smooth, even, and free of brush marks or inconsistencies.
Why Choose Professional Door Spraying?
Painting doors yourself is doable—but time-consuming and physically demanding. When you trust J&D Sprayers & Makeovers, you benefit from:
- Precision spraying in a controlled environment
- Professional-grade paints and primers
- Uniform colour and sheen across multiple doors
- Fast turnaround and minimal disruption
- Optional upgrades: handle replacements, kick plates, intumescent fire-resistant coatings
Transform Your Interior Space Today
We offer door refinishing and spraying services across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and surrounding areas.
Contact us today for a free quote and consultation.
Let us help you make your doors look factory-new—without replacing them.
