How To Prep A Wooden Door For Painting
Applying the second coat of paint.
How to prep a wooden door for painting. Anyone can paint the door but very few people know how to actually prepare it before starting the painting process. Wash down the doorwindow using warm water with decorators Sugar Soap or detergent and allow to dry. Use the brush to paint any recessed sections following the rule of painting with the grain.
To get a smooth working surface scrape off any peeling pieces and sand down the old paint until the surface of the door feels even all. Wash the surface thoroughly with Selleys Original Sugar Soap before painting. The light scuffing action will produce a more textured surface that promotes proper paint adhesion.
Do not use sandpaper or heat guns which can spread lead particles or fumes. Sweep an orbit sander over the wood in wide circular strokes. Old wooden doors generally need sanding and priming.
If your door has already been painted with enamel give it a light sand until the shine has become dull. If the original paint is very rough use a medium glass paper grade 120 to smooth the surface. Wipe a deglosser on with door with a clean rag until the door feels tacky.
Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturers instructions then very lightly sand down the surface of the door. The door will need at least two coats and maybe three. Here are a few tips on how you can prep the exterior door for painting.
If theres any old paint or stain on the wood scrape it off using a metal scraper or wire brush. Painting a door thats fixed on its hinges is a bad idea. Having removed paint as necessary fill any cracks voids or nail holes with cellulose filler woodfiller or putty.