Expert: Stuart Mawle - 5/17/2009

Question
Hello
I have wooden doors, that I would like to paint white, what steps would I take. In regards to the actual prep, before the white paint, such as to I sand it first or...
If someone can answer this It would be greatly  appreciated; Thanks:)

Answer
The first step is to choose the paint/manufacture and to read what information it states about a product. This will help you get the right products (primer, undercoat, gloss) and tells you how to prepare the door correctly....many people dont, and then cant understand why things go wrong later on. Certain manufacturer's have produce system, so you have to use their primer, their undercoat and finally the gloss...I would always recommend using the same manufacturer's product and a well known brand.

Basically you need to prepare the doors as per manufacturer's instructions, existing finishes would have to be removed by sanding, even new 'bare' plane wood will require some sanding. The general rule of thumb is to sand using 80grit abrasive paper, ideally with an orbital sander. If you have pine doors then you may have to use knotting compound on the knots to seal them. You prime the doors, dont overpaint...I have found mini paint roller(smooth sponge)and foam pad produce better finishes over brush. Lightly sand between coats by hand with 120grit. Tips that I have pick up, is paint panels first, then the rails, and stiles...start at the top and work towards the bottom, always have a dust sheet on the floor, put marking tape onto glass, so any overpaint will be removed  when afterwards. I hope this helps you. Stuart