How To Paint A Panel Door Without Brush Marks: Step By Step Process Of Painting A Panel Door

Step By Step Process Of Painting A Panel Door Without Brush Marks

A panel door is a kind of door that is comprised of multiple panels which will help create the finished decor. In spite of the fact that the designs on these types of doors can make a home's interior look exceptional, however, it can be tougher to paint them due to their raised edges. Finishing paint jobs on panel doors can also result in unsightly brush marks. If you are looking to Paint a panel door, it is important that you have the proper tools and follow the right technique to complete the project without leaving brush marks. Some of the things needed for the project include a paint roller, a paintbrush, paint, and primer. After gathering the necessary materials, go through the below-mentioned steps carefully:

Step 1: Choose The Correct Paint

Like any project that you are performing yourself, it is not possible to get good results without proper preparation. Therefore, it is very important for a successful panel door painting project to choose the right type of paint. You can even consult your local hardware store when it comes to using the correct paint on your specific door. In addition, look for gloss as well as semi-gloss finishes, due to the fact that these types of paint will help protect doors against wear and tear.

Step 2: Prepare The Workspace

Dust, excessive air, as well as poor lighting conditions are some of the main issues that you might come across during the project. These issues, in turn, can lead to streaks as well as other unwanted results while painting your panel door. However, you can prevent these problems by simply preparing your workspace & then start the project. It is important to clean your workspace, in a thorough manner, by sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming in order to get rid of as much dirt, dust, and debris as possible from the area, due to the reason that these substances can interfere with the process. Also, keep your work area well-ventilated, but if you are going to work outdoors, make sure that it is not a particularly windy day. Also, avoid working during the rain, because the extra moisture might lead to undesirable results. For example, if you are working with matte acrylic paint, the extra moisture might make the color appear duller than usual.

Step 3: Remove The Panel Door From Its Hinges

Generally, pulling out a panel door from its hinges is fairly simple. You simply need to unscrew the hinges, before pulling out the door from its frame. However, it is still the best option to consult with the door manufacturer's instructions in order to pull out the door properly.

Step 4: Sand The Door To Remove Unevenness

In some cases, it is possible that panel doors will have remaining brush marks from previous paint jobs. Your door might also have an uneven surface due to wear and tear. Therefore, it is important to sand your door before you apply primer as well as paint in order to make sure that these substances can adhere well. You can start using coarse sandpaper, like 100 grit, which will help remove old brush strokes. Then, switch to 120- to 150-grit sandpaper in order to smooth the door's surface. Make sure to clean the door after sanding it when it comes to removing small particulates that might create unevenness in the paint job.

Step 5: Use The Right Tool And Paint In One Direction

Use a paint roller having a length that’s suitable for the area on your panel door. You can use fairly short covers in order to paint small spaces. However, using a small roller also means that painting can take longer than usual. Still, it is better to use a reasonably small paint roller on panel doors. Keep in mind that the roller needs to be flat in order to achieve a smooth and even coating. If the roller’s cover is not flat on the door due to the panels, it might result in bumps, bubbles, as well as other unwanted marks. Furthermore, apply a light coat of primer for each coat. The primer can help make the paint adhere better as well as help reduce the risks of brush marks. If you are going to use a brush, then you need to paint while following the direction of the door’s grain. As soon as you start painting in a particular direction, stick to that orientation for the remaining of the project. Switching painting directions frequently will increase the risks of brush marks appearing.

Step 6: Level The Paint Using Conditioner

A common cause of brush marks on doors is because of the paint failing to level properly. This issue happens when the paint doesn’t dry as well as cure well. Don’t dab water on the paint & try to level it. Instead, use a paint conditioner that blends well with the paint in order to improve the level.

Step 7: Let The Paint Dry Before Reinstalling The Panel Door

If you used oil-based paint, then wait for at least 6 to 24 hours for the paint to dry. On the other hand, latex paint should be dry after waiting for only 1 hour. The time it takes to dry can vary which is entirely dependent on certain conditions like the temperature in the area. Think about waiting longer than usual if you're not sure if the paint is dry before reinstalling the panel door.