How to paint doors and windows
Bookmark
Paint doors and windows
This how to guide will show you how to paint your doors and windows to a professional standard.
Doors and windows are constructed using lengths of wood with grain patterns that inevitably run in different directions. To achieve an even, professional-looking finish, free from brush marks, you need to paint them in a sequence that takes account of the grain.
Think ahead when painting windows using oil-based paints, as they may take longer to dry than you expect. Or use water-based paint, which dries more quickly and releases much less odour and fumes.
Tools and materials
Painting doors
If you are painting a new wooden door you will need to apply knot ting solution to any knots in the wood to prevent resin seeping through the new paint. If you are painting a stripped door this is not necessary as the surface will already be sealed. However, the door will need to be primed and undercoated.
Before starting, take off the door handles and wedge the door open. Keep the handle in your pocket in case the door is accidentally closed. Remove any dust using a soft brush and wipe the surface with a tack cloth.
Panel door
- Start with the panels and the mouldings that surround them.
- Next paint the muntin or centre vertical.
- Then paint the cross rails, starting with the top rail and working down.
- Paint the stiles or outer verticals and finish by painting the three exposed door edges.
Glass door
Use masking tape or a paint shield to protect the glass in a glazed door.
- First paint the mouldings around the glass with a cuttingin brush.
- Next paint the cross rails, starting with the top rail and working down.
- Then paint the stiles and finally all three exposed door edges.
Flush door
Divide the door into eight imaginary sections.
- Start at the top left and work down from left to right.
- Blend each area into the next while the paint is wet, finishing with vertical strokes in line with the grain.
- Paint the door edges last.
