Preparation

For new wood – Use fine sandpaper (120 grit) to sand the door. Follow the grain and slightly round off any sharp edges. Use wood filler on any cracks or dents and leave slightly proud. When dry, rub down with fine sandpaper. Wipe the door down with a clean cloth and white spirit to remove any dust and dirt. For old paintwork – Remove any flaking paint with a scraper and then feather the surrounding paint in using fine sandpaper. Rub down the entire door and then wash with a sugar soap solution and leave to dry.

Primer and Undercoat

Apply an even coat of primer, working it well into the grain. Allow it to dry and then rub down with fine sandpaper. Wipe the door down with a clean cloth. For the second coat, repeat the same process as above but this time using the undercoat. If going over old paint, you may not need to prime and undercoat if the door is the same colour. It is advisable to sand down the old paintwork and apply a thin coat of undercoat.

The Top Coat

If you are painting a flat panel door, paint using long, smooth strokes of the brush, going with the grain. Make sure you catch any runs or build up with your brush. For paneled doors, start with the beading around the panels, followed by the vertical stiles, the vertical rails, the horizontal rails, the vertical runs and finally the edges of the door. When painting the vertical runs, use vertical strokes and vice versa for the horizontal runs. Allow to dry and rub down with fine sandpaper. Wipe down with a soft cloth and apply the second coat.