Painting a door might look simple—but getting a clean, smooth finish takes the right prep and technique. In this step-by-step guide, the pros at Unique Painting in Kansas City walk you through exactly how to paint a door the right way. Whether you’re tackling interior or front doors, this blog covers it all.
What is the Correct Way to Paint a Door?
Painting a door is one of those home upgrades that can instantly transform a space. But if done wrong? You’ll be staring at drips, brush marks, or uneven coats for years. 😬
Whether you’re sprucing up your front door or giving your interior doors a refresh, here’s how to do it right—straight from the team at Unique Painting, your go-to painting company in Kansas City.
Is It Better to Brush or Roll Paint on a Door?
Honestly? It depends on the finish you’re after.
- Brushes work well for detailed areas, panel edges, and small touch-ups.
- Rollers give you that smooth, factory-like finish—especially on flat surfaces.
Pro Tip: Use a high-density foam roller for the main surface and follow up with a brush to smooth out edges.
What Is the Best Method to Paint Interior Doors?
Here’s a tried-and-true method that Kansas City pros swear by:
- Take the door off the hinges (if possible). Lay it flat for best results.
- Clean thoroughly with degreaser and wipe dry.
- Sand lightly to rough up the surface—this helps the paint stick.
- Apply primer (especially if switching from dark to light colors).
- Use high-quality paint—satin or semi-gloss works great for interior doors.
- Apply two coats, letting each fully dry.
Want a detailed checklist? Check out our Interior Painting Prep Guide
Is It Better to Paint a Door Standing Up or Laying Down?
While you can paint a door in place, laying it flat prevents drips and allows for a smoother, more even finish.
If you don’t have space, just be extra cautious with drips and drying times. And remember—gravity is not your friend when painting vertically!
What Order Do You Paint Doors In?
Especially for paneled doors, follow this order:
- Panels first
- Horizontal rails
- Vertical stiles
- Edges last
This method prevents brush marks and uneven textures from forming.
What’s the Best Applicator for Painting Doors?
Hands-down:
- Foam rollers = smooth finish
- Angled brushes = control in corners and edges
Don’t cheap out on tools—investing in quality brushes and rollers pays off in the final look.
How Do You Prevent Brush Marks When Painting a Door?
Ah, the dreaded brush marks. To avoid them:
- Don’t overload your brush.
- Use long, smooth strokes—not short jabs.
- Sand between coats.
- Use a paint conditioner (like Floetrol) to help paint level out.
- Always paint in the direction of the wood grain.
Still seeing streaks? Call a pro. Unique Painting has tackled hundreds of doors in Kansas City homes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting a Door
Just a few more heads-ups before you dive in:
- Skipping primer (especially over dark or glossy surfaces)
- Painting in humid or freezing weather
- Not removing hardware—just take it off!
- Rushing the dry time between coats
Painting a door is a marathon, not a sprint!
Why Kansas City Homeowners Trust Unique Painting
At Unique Painting KC, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Kansas City transform their doors, walls, and entire interiors. Our team pays attention to the little things—like the perfect edge or flawless finish—so you don’t have to sweat the details.
We serve Liberty, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Parkville, and surrounding areas with both residential and commercial painting services.
Looking for ideas? Take a peek at this Sherwin-Williams Front Door Color Guide for inspo!
Final Thoughts – Ready for a Freshly Painted Door?
So, what’s the correct way to paint a door? It’s all about prep, quality tools, and a bit of patience. But if you’d rather leave it to the pros—we’re here for that too.
Contact Unique Painting KC Today for a Free Estimate!
Let Unique Painting KC and the team give your home a fresh new vibe—without the hassle.
Call now or visit uniquepaintingkc.com to schedule your free painting estimate.
