Asked on Apr 10, 2014
Can hollow core doors be painted?
by
Becky P
+12
I have the ugly hollow core doors that have the fake wood grain on them. I am wondering if paint will hold up on them, and what type of paint I should use. They will rub occasionally on each other, when being opened, I have the scrape marks to prove it.
10 answers
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Sure! You'll want to prep the surface well, and ensure the door has enough space to accommodate the layer of paint. Prep the door by cleaning the surface, then sanding with rough sandpaper which will roughen up the surface and allow the paint to stick. This is also a great time to file down the areas that tend to rub with the frame. You'll next need to prime the door surface, I like Kilz2 because of the lower VOCs to breathe in. Then paint away. Usually a semi-gloss to help keep them clean.
![Lavende]()
Lavende
on Apr 10, 2014
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A thought - why not use this opportunity to add some decorative trim to the door before painting? I am thinking of thin molding strips, or something similar, made into one or two 'frames' on the door. It would be easy enough to add them using wood glue and small panel pins, and they could give the doors just the 'lift' they need to bring them from plain to fabulous!
![Valerie]()
Valerie
on Apr 12, 2014
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Thank you for your tips. I think putting molding on them would hamper them sliding back and forth. I may just buy new ones, but hate putting stuff in the landfill if I can help it.
![Becky P]()
Becky P
on Apr 12, 2014
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I put wall paper on some before, turned out well and covered a multitude of damages.
![Adrianne C]()
Adrianne C
on Apr 12, 2014
- See 1 previous
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I painted mine. I didn't use primer so it took three coats of door and trim paint. But it made the house look so much more modern. I'd look for primer first now that I've read more about painting!
![Gwen]()
Gwen
on Oct 03, 2014
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@Valerie @Becky (J)P- I love the trim idea but due to sliding bummer. If a door drags or scratches it needs hinge adjustment or trimming door or opening. I have a few things I do with flat panel doors. The make great "free" ( hidden hardware) floating shelves. Not for real heavy things but they can take some weight. I agree with adding moulding when possible it makes them look very expensive. To paint this type material you just need a deglosser to prep, neutralize chemical with denatured alcohol and primer if time or paint with primer. I repurpose almost anything! So if anyone reads this, just post the item and you can get ideas. I removed a lot of flat panel doors at my new fixer upper to change hardware (hinges/door knobs), sand lumpy paint and consider trimming but I bought new doors because I had them in garage and had a great repurpose idea for the floating shelves, which I am doing right now.
![Linda 4 Real]()
Linda 4 Real
on Mar 12, 2015
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Could you stain it and make it look real wood?
![Jeanette Bowman]()
Jeanette Bowman
on Mar 30, 2015
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Yes sand the doors lightly wipe clean free of dust. I always use bher white satin paint. They will look brand new. It may take at least 2 coats of paint but worth the time. Be sure to remove hardware before painting.
![Beverly Massetto]()
Beverly Massetto
on Mar 30, 2015
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Oh yea, I did that yrs ago when that 1st came out. Turned out pretty good. Even fooled a few. With it already having the grain look could I go with just staining it?
![Jeanette Bowman]()
Jeanette Bowman
on Mar 31, 2015
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I painted all our sliding doors a bright glossy white . It helped brighten up our bedrooms.
![Mandy-Joshua McGinnis]()
Mandy-Joshua McGinnis
on Apr 01, 2015
Lavende
on Apr 10, 2014
Valerie
on Apr 12, 2014
Becky P
on Apr 12, 2014
Adrianne C
on Apr 12, 2014
Gwen
on Oct 03, 2014
Linda 4 Real
on Mar 12, 2015
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