How To Prep A Wooden Door For Painting
Anyone can paint the door but very few people know how to actually prepare it before starting the painting process.
How to prep a wooden door for painting. Sand the surface of the wood. Sweep an orbit sander over the wood in wide circular strokes. If youre using our 10 Year Weatherproof Wood Paint you dont need to use a primer so you can skip this step.
For wooden doors with flaking cracked or peeling paint use 120 grit sandpaper to sand away the paint down to the bare wood. Prepping an exterior door for painting is the most important stage. Do not use sandpaper or heat guns which can spread lead particles or fumes.
If the original paint is very rough use a medium glass paper grade 120 to smooth the surface. Youll want to ensure as even a surface as possible and if youre switching colours remove any existing paint. Be sure to sand away any wood.
The light scuffing action will produce a more textured surface that promotes proper paint adhesion. Use the brush to paint any recessed sections following the rule of painting with the grain. For larger surfaces you can use a paint stripper.
Wash down the doorwindow using warm water with decorators Sugar Soap or detergent and allow to dry. Old wooden doors generally need sanding and priming. Wash the surface thoroughly with Selleys Original Sugar Soap before painting.
Once the dust has settled wipe it away with white spirit. The door will need at least two coats and maybe three. Use a fine glass paper grade 240 to give the surface a smooth finish suitable for painting.
