Asked on Jul 17, 2014
How Much Do I Need to Sand This Door Before Painting?
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This is my front door and it has this thick paint on it that is not coming off very well. The paint clogs up the sandpaper. Can I just rough it up a little more and then paint it? I just can't stand looking at it like this anymore. My ex-husband started this project a couple years ago, and I want to finish it! Please tell me what I can do about this.
9 answers
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Sure, I would just prime it and then paint. No more sanding, you may make indentations in it you're not aware of that will show up after you paint...I think it will turn out great!
![Barbara R]()
Barbara R
on Jul 17, 2014
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As long as the paint isn't peeling or bubbled like orange peel, you can paint. Prime and then use exterior paint. If you are just doing this one door, a quart should be more than enough so buy the best quality paint you can afford. It will hold up to the outside elements better/longer.
![Shari]()
Shari
on Jul 17, 2014
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I agree. Get all of the loose paint off, make sure the edges where you still have paint are smooth, spackle and sand any gouges,then prime and paint. It really won't take long at all now to get that door looking great!
![Kimberly A]()
Kimberly A
on Jul 18, 2014
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I agree with the others. Use a good primer, and let it dry completely then paint. I did the same thing to both my front and back door. Even with the crazy rain, hail and the water sprinkler hitting it, it still holds up nicely.
![Kendra Loftus]()
Kendra Loftus
on Jul 18, 2014
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Just a light sanding should do it and then I would prime it and let it dry before the final paint job.
![Deb Savin]()
Deb Savin
on Jul 18, 2014
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Thank you all so much! This door doesn't actually see any rain or wind. It is inside my sunroom. I am hoping I can get it painted and looking better soon.
![Amanda Eastman]()
Amanda Eastman
on Jul 18, 2014
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I'd only sand the rough areas a bit. For 25 years I used a wipe on/off product to prepare cabinets & woodwork, ESP/Easy Surface Prep by the Flood Company, or 1st Step sold by MAB Paint. That was absolutely the fastest, easiest, & best way to ensure the paint would bond to the previous layer--even when using latex over oil-based paint & without the need for primer--& the paint did not peel, flake, or chip. Although neither brand is available in the US any longer, I plan to try a similar product I recently found, Zinsser's Deglosser, when I paint our front doors.
![P.j. C]()
P.j. C
on Jul 18, 2014
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I've repainted my door with red paint. After multiple coats of red paint, white primer still showed through. Painters' trick: use black or gray tinted primer under red paint for great coverage with much less work! Before priming, ask pro painter what color your primer should be to work best with your new door color.
![Ramona]()
Ramona
on Feb 26, 2015
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I finally got around to painting the door. It still needs another coat, and the door frame and sun room need a good paint job, too! I used a can of paint I got for $1 at a recycled building material store.
![Amanda Eastman]()
Amanda Eastman
on Mar 10, 2015
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Barbara R
on Jul 17, 2014
Shari
on Jul 17, 2014
Kimberly A
on Jul 18, 2014
Kendra Loftus
on Jul 18, 2014
Deb Savin
on Jul 18, 2014
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