How do I repaint our bedroom doors?

Deborah
by Deborah

Whatever paint was used first on our doors refuses to accept new paint. If we Nick the paint moving furniture it peels. I think maybe an oil paint was used originally. Is it easier to remove the door and paint horizontal?Thanks

Our home office door.

Bedroom door

  9 answers
  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Feb 19, 2019

    Definitely remove the door and lay it on saw horses or a workbench. Remove the handle and hinges.

  • Pam Pam on Feb 19, 2019

    Kilts primer first!

  • Mia Lugar Mia Lugar on Feb 19, 2019

    Use the gel paint stripper and one of those flat scrapers. Be sure to either take the door off first or put a large sheet of plastic under the door or you may strip part of your floors! Wipe down well after and sand lightly with small grit sandpaper,clean and repaint.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 19, 2019

    the shinier the finish the more prep needs done first before painting. rough it up with sand paper then use either Kilz or Zinsser primer then paint yes horizontal will be easier but you don't need to

  • DD DD on Feb 20, 2019

    Since the paint is peeling if you just sand and the edges do not get feathered correctly you will see them through the new paint. So I would remove the door and the hardware that will make stripping the paint that is there now easier. Then once all that white paint is removes uses a tack cloth to make sure there is no residue from the paint removal process. Then sand a light sanding will give the new paint something to grip to. Then prime clean any residue after the primer has completely dried again using a tack cloth. Then paint!! Good luck with your project and remember we are here for you :)

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Feb 20, 2019

    Yes, they were originally painted correct with oil,then repainted with latex. For the amount of time and effort to strip the doors , sand prime and repaint, I'd think about just replacing. The smooth doors if hallow core are very inexpensive.


  • Debi53 Debi53 on Feb 20, 2019

    I agree with replacing the door. They are inexpensive and you can prime and paint with so little effort compared to all the labor to remove the old paint.

  • Huntress Huntress on Feb 20, 2019

    Look at habitat store or thrift stores for a new door. The trial and error of "fixing it for reuse" is worth it. It probably has oil paint, latex won't cover. Whatever the reason, spending time redoing and hoping it works is time consuming. Measure twice and go find another door. I found an old 15 light door for $25. Habitat is your best bet to me. Take old door off hinges and Mark hinges area on new door. You will have to lift it up some, I use a can and a board and make a fulcrum to lift. Best with 2 people. I found leaving hinges on the wall easier but some like to put it up with hinges on the door itself. Whatever works for you. You can find cute doors, better than the slab ones.

  • Deborah Deborah on Feb 20, 2019

    Thank you all! These doors are solid and I'm sure the originals.

    I am letting them go! I used paint stripper on the kitchen/garage door awhile back-what a job!