How to Paint Primed Doors for Your House

Primed doors need to be painted before installation. You can paint a primed door simply by cleaning the surface beforehand and then adding a coat of the paint of your choice. Pre-primed doors come with one layer of factory primer. This pre-coat layer of primer is ready to be painted over with any color that fits your style preferences.

Primed doors are good for homeowners who don’t want to go through the trouble of priming or sanding a raw, unfinished door. Learning how to paint a primed door can be a fun do-it-yourself (DIY) project that will give your home an instant style refresh. Below is a simple guide on how to paint primed interior doors for your house.

Step One: Order Your Door

Order a door from a reputable interior door manufacturer in Los Angeles or your home state that offers a range of door configurations, materials, and finishes that can be tailored to match your home. Primed doors should come with one layer of primer covering the permeable surface of the wood, or door material. This base layer of primer acts as a sealant and an adhesive for when you are ready to add your first coat of paint.

Primed frameless doors are easier and more efficient to paint because they come without trim. However, any style of door that comes with a prime layer of paint will speed up the process of painting. You can also learn what a pre-finished door is and whether or not this would be a better alternative, as these doors come ready to be installed immediately.

Step Two: Gather Your Materials

Painting your primed door requires a basic list of materials that will make this DIY project more enjoyable. Having all of your materials in one place will ensure that you won’t waste time trying to find your tools during the painting process. Here are a few essential tools you should gather before painting your primed door:

Oil-based, water-based, or latex paint to use as the topcoat in the color of your choice
Fine sandpaper (220 grit)
Microfibre cloth
Paintbrushes in various sizes (angled, flat brushes for larger areas)
A paint roller
Large paint tray
Dust sheet and a drop cloth to protect surrounding surfaces
Masking tape
Step stool or a ladder
Protective gear - dust mask, eye-gear, gloves, etc.
Paper towels
Screwdriver
Doorstop (optional)

Pro Tip: What Paint to Use on Primed Doors

You can use latex, oil-based, or water-based paint to paint primed doors. Paints with a gloss or satin finish are preferred because they create a waterproof barrier that is easy to clean.

Step Three: Choose A Place to Paint Your Primed Door

The best place to paint your primed door is on its hinges. This gives you easy access to both sides without having to wait until one side dries to proceed and apply a coat of paint to the other side.

If you need to remove the door, make sure you lay it flat over a workbench, sawhorse, or a table. This area should be protected with a dust sheet or a drop cloth to prevent spillage onto surrounding areas.

Step Four: Clean, Gently Sand, and Mark Your Door

Cleaning and gently sanding (with a fine 220-grit sandpaper) can help the first coat of paint adhere better to your primed door. Keep in mind that most primed doors have a smooth and fine surface, so sanding is not always necessary. Wipe off any residual dust or particles with your microfibre cloth.

Then, begin marking your door with masking tape around the hinges, handles, or other hardware. This will prevent paint from being splattered onto areas you do not want painted. You can also remove all the hardware completely; however, this usually requires that you take the door down from its hinges (refer back to step one).

Step Five: Apply Your First Coat of Paint

Use your paintbrush or roller to apply your first coat of paint, sometimes referred to as the undercoat. Before you begin, map out where you will apply the first layer. Keep these tips in mind when applying your first coat of paint to both sides of the door:

Paint the edges first with a small angled brush. This will help you be more precise when painting borders and edges.
Paint the panels with a 1.5 to 3-inch angled sash brush to evenly paint receded moldings. Use a larger brush or paint roller for flat surfaces.
Work in sections while brushing in the same direction as the grain or texture of the door.
Make sure you paint as close to hardware surfaces as possible to ensure clean lines and color consistency.

Once the first coat is applied, allow it to dry. This could take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the type of paint you use (check the instructions for drying times).

If you are painting one door side at a time on a workbench or a sawhorse, wait 24 hours between each application. Once the paint has dried, you have the option to lightly sand any debris and then move on to the next step.

Step Six: Apply Your Final Coat of Paint

Primed doors generally require two coats of paint to create a uniform and smooth finish. Two coats are normally fine with oil-based paint; water-based paints may require more coats. However, you can paint your primed doors as much as you want to achieve your desired look.

When applying your second coat of paint, use the tips from step five. Starting from the edges and moving towards the center, paint your primed door in fluid and even strokes. Check for unevenness in color and use a paper towel to wipe away excess paint. Use the same process for drying times as you did in step five.

Step Seven: Hang Up Your Door (If Needed)

If you painted your door on a table, workbench, or sawhorse, you will need to hang it up again and reinstall it on its hinges. If you painted your primed door while it was on its hinges, all you need to do from here is remove the masking tape around the edges of the hardware, and your door is ready!

Research shows that DIY projects can actually improve mental health by boosting self-esteem and providing a sense of accomplishment. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Customize Your Interiors with Primed Doors

Primed doors come with a base layer coat that is easy to paint and takes less time to paint than an unfinished door. Primed internal doors are a good option for homeowners who want to customize their space with their own color scheme and style. When painting a primed door, make sure that it is clean and smooth before applying your first coat.

Gather all the materials you need to paint before you begin so you don’t have to spend time looking for them while you're painting. Follow painting tips such as using long and even brush strokes and work from the edges of the door towards the center. Allow each coat to dry before applying your next coat of paint. Last step? Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.