How to Paint a Stained Door

Last Updated: April 27, 2020 References Approved

You may wish to paint over a stained door because it has become weathered and unsightly or you may want to paint over stained wood doors to change the look of the door. There is a technique to painting over stained wood successfully. Here’s how to do it.

Steps

1
Choose and purchase your primer and paint.
- Select oil based primer paint for the first coat.^{[1]
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- If you are painting over stained cedar or redwood, ask an experienced paint store clerk to help you choose the proper primer to cover those woods.
- Choose either oil-base paint or acrylic latex paint for the second coat and finish coats. Read the label on latex paints to make sure they can be painted over oil primer.
- Choose exterior or interior paint depending on where the door surface will be. A gloss or semi-gloss finish is best for exterior surfaces. Semi-gloss or “eggshell” finish is best for interior door sides.
- Choose an acrylic clear sealer to cover the paint after it dries to prolong the life of the paint and make it easier to clean.
- For an average-sized door, you will need 1 quart of each kind of paint and sealer. (You will need 2 quarts of finish paint if each side of the door is a different color.)
2
Remove the door from the hinges if at all possible and move it to a dry, well-ventilated place for prep and painting.^{[2]
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- Leave one half of the hinge attached to the doorframe to make it easier to re-hang the door.
- If you can’t remove the door for some reason you will need to protect the doorframe and nearby walls with painters tape.
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3
Remove the door handle and hardware and store it in a safe spot if you will be re-using it.
4
Wash the door well with a grease cutting soap and warm water. Pay special attention to areas around the door handle and the edge of the doorframe.
5
Let the door dry completely.
6
Go over the whole surface of the door with fine sandpaper.^{[3]
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- Sand to remove the gloss and slightly roughen the surface, not to remove all the previous coatings of sealer or stain.
- Be careful not to gouge or make grooves when sanding.
- Use a wire brush to rough up grooved or ornate design areas on the door.
7
Wipe off the door with a damp cloth and let it dry.^{[4]
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8
Fix any holes or cracks in the door with a wood putty that can be painted. Let it harden and sand it smooth.
9
Go over the door again with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust from sanding.
10
Cover any widows in the door to protect them from paint.
11
Using a roller or a brush apply your primer paint on one side of the door. Let the primer dry completely. Consult the directions on the can for the proper drying time and don’t rush it.^{[5]
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12
Paint the other side of the door with primer and let it dry if both sides of the door will be painted.
13
Apply the first coat of paint to one side of the door. Let it dry. Consult the directions for proper drying time between coats.^{[6]
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14
Apply a second coat of paint to the same side and let it dry.^{[7]
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15
Repeat the above 2 steps with the other side of the door if it will be painted.
16
Wait about 3 days and apply a coat of acrylic sealer to protect your paint job. Let it dry.
17
Put on the door handle and hinges and re-hang the door.

Community Q&A

Question

Will oil-based primer stick to varnish?

Community Answer

You can use both water-based and oil-based primers on previously varnished surfaces. The choice of primer is a matter of personal preference. Use a 2-inch paintbrush to apply primer in a smooth, even coat.

Warnings

Wear a mask while sanding.

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Always paint in a well-ventilated place and wear a painter’s mask.

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Latex based primers will not work well over stain. The paint will soon peel.

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Use only a fine grade of sandpaper. Other grades will leave a rough surface that won’t look nice.

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