The paintwork on your door is flaking off, and you desire a whole new look for your door. Many would like to do everything on their own and keep questioning, “Can you paint a door while its hanging?”.
As nothing is impossible, the answer is definitely yes. And we are here to give you step-by-step instructions on painting your door without taking it off the frames. Let’s get started.
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Can You Paint A Door While Its Hanging? Why Not Remove?
You have acquired that you can paint the door while it’s hanging. But do you know why we should not remove it? It is simply because taking the door off the hinges is awkward and time-consuming.
Not to mention how challenging it would be to remove such a huge door from its frames, it is also a matter to re-hang the door the same way as it used to be without nicking the paintwork.
Moreover, painting the door while it’s hanging allows you to paint both sides instead of waiting for each side to dry.
Therefore, keeping the door in its place is much more convenient and easier to paint.
Which Supplies Needed To Paint A Door?
Before starting the painting work, prepare this supplies list to finish the door effectively.
- Cleaning wipes
- Painter tapes
- Favorite door paint
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Handy paint pail
- Paint stripper( if needed)
How To Paint A Door While It’s Hanging?
There are two typical door types, which are panel and flat doors. Panel doors seem a bit more complicated to paint but in general, painting those doors is quite similar.
1, Panel Door
Can you paint a door while its hanging?
Step 1: Fill the bucket with warm water. Add on some cleaner to clean the old paintwork.
Step 2: Dip the cleaning wipe in the solution and clean the entire door. Use a paint stripper if you want to remove the old paintwork. Remember to pay attention to fingerprints around the doorknob and near the edge.
Step 3: Wait for some minutes to allow the door to dry completely. While waiting, place newspaper or tarp under the door to keep the floor clean.
Step 4: Cover the hinges and doorknob with painter tapes.
Step 5: Apply a light layer exterior/interior latex primer to the door with a paintbrush. Allow the door to dry.
Step 6: Open your latex paint can and use a paint stick to stir the solution thoroughly. Pour some paint into the handy paint pail.
Step 7: Decide on which side to paint first. Paint the top panel with a paint roller and angled sash brush. Start painting with recessed areas, use the brush to ensure every corner of the panel is painted carefully.
Then paint the remaining smooth part with a roller.
Step 8: Follow the same with other top panels. Paint carefully to avoid excess paint wiping off the surroundings.
Step 9: Now paint the topmost of each rail with a brush – the horizontal area between two panels. Keep painting part of the way down the stiles – the vertical sections lying between two panels. Paint from top to bottom and move down with other rails, stiles, and also middle panels.
Step 10: Working similar steps on the second side of the door. Paint the edge and the area around the doorknob carefully.
Step 11: Allow the work to dry and apply a second layer if necessary. After the paint dries, remove the tapes and newspaper.
Step 12: Finally, tidy up the mess, and now you have got a brand new door.
2, Flat door
Stir the paint thoroughly
Step 1: Prepare a bucket of warm water and general cleaner.
Step 2: Dip the wipe into the bucket and wash the door entirely. Pay attention to removing all fingerprints around the doorknob and near the edge.
Step 3: Allow the door to dry completely. While waiting, place some newspaper or tarp under the door to protect the floor and the carpet.
Step 4: Remove the latch bolt and doorknob if possible. If not, cover them with painter tapes.
Step 5: Apply a light layer exterior/interior latex primer to the door with a paintbrush. Allow the door to dry.
Step 6: Stir the paint solution thoroughly and pour some into a handy paint pail.
Step 7: Choose one side to start painting. Dip the paint roller into the pail, then paint the door from top to bottom.
Step 8: Use a small paintbrush to paint the edges of the door.
Step 9: Follow the same steps on the other side.
Step 10: Allow the door to dry. Apply a second layer if necessary.
Step 11: Pack up supplies and tidy up the mess. Now your door is like a shining star.
More Painting Tips
Cut the outline
- It would work better to redecorate your door on a dry day. Especially if it is your exterior door, the rain will make the process much tougher.
- You can use an Exacto knife to cut the outline of the tape so you can paint the door thoroughly.
- The same tape treatment can be applied to other door spots, such as the door lock.
- Do not forget to sand down your door so the paint will adhere to the surface much faster.
- Remember to paint from top to bottom and paint all the time firmly so that the final paintwork will be smooth and shining.
- Avoid touching the door, especially with sharp items, even after finishing the work for some hours to ensure the paint adheres perfectly.
Conclusion
Overall, after our article, you have not only solved the problem “Can you paint a door while its hanging?” but also figured out some useful tricks on working on it.
As painting the door is not very challenging and decorating your own house is enjoyable, let’s give your door a brand new look if you are wavering about the current paintwork.
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