How to paint and varnish house doors

Many people believe that updating their doors is a tedious and complicated task, often resulting in outdated or unfashionable doors. But here at Deco and Lemon, we want to show you that it's actually quite simple, requiring only a little enthusiasm, good materials, and the right tools. Discover how to easily transform your doors in our new post!

What materials do I need to paint and varnish doors?

First, think about the color you plan to give your door and whether you are going to paint it or simply renew the varnish.

If you decide to repaint it, we recommend whites and light grays , as they will make the rooms feel more spacious and bright. On the other hand, if you're only going to varnish it, don't choose dark shades , as the result will be an aged and antique-looking door.

To paint wooden doors, remove them.

It's true that it's a more strenuous task, but it's better to do a good job than to rush and do a shoddy job. And don't forget to remove the handle or knob as well.

You can also take this opportunity to replace the old items with more modern ones, if you prefer.

To varnish and paint doors that have already been painted, you need to protect the floor.

Important: Before proceeding with the task, protect your surfaces . Use cardboard and plastic to prevent staining or damage, and place the door horizontally on a table or planks.

If you paint or varnish a door vertically, it can drip and leave marks . And, as we mentioned before, you have to put in some effort to get the desired result.

Varnishing and painting doors without sanding is a common mistake

As we've mentioned in previous posts when discussing furniture restoration, when dealing with wooden furniture, it's best to sand it beforehand to remove any remaining varnish and paint.

Keep in mind that if you sand the door until it's smooth, the paint and varnish will adhere better and last longer . If you only want to varnish it, you'll need to sand it until the surface is the natural color of the wood.

Is it necessary to apply a primer?

If you've opted for lacquer, yes, you need to apply a primer to improve adhesion and ensure the color matches the one you purchased. If you notice it yellowing, don't worry ; this is normal when the previous varnish was dark.

It's time to paint and varnish the door!

Once the primer has dried, start painting. Our advice is to always paint in the direction of the grain and with small rollers. Don't overload them and don't make too many passes. With patience, you'll achieve an unbeatable result!

Now that you know all the steps for painting and varnishing your doors, it's time to get started. Show off your DIY skills and visit Deco and Lemon to get everything you need. We'll be waiting for you!

Back to News