Painting Interior Doors
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The previous owner stained white interior doors a red/sienna color. We would like to change these doors back to white by using a primer and paint. Do we need to sand these doors before we paint?
Do we need to sand before we prime and paint the doors?
15 answers
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No just use a GOOD paint
![Sandra Croley]()
Sandra Croley
on Feb 04, 2015
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A light sanding and priming before painting is recommended. Without knowing what the previous finish/stain is, oil or water based, a light sanding would help eliminate the possibility of the new paint not adhering properly or flaking off.. A primer coat would also help prevent this not to mention it would help hide the previous color allowing for fewer top coats.
![D & K]()
D & K
on Feb 04, 2015
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Yes, I would clean them well and lightly scuff them with a sanding sponge. I did that with my kitchen cabinets and primed them with an all purpose primer. Then I painted them with Benjamin Moore's Waterborne Satin Impervo...that's all I use on my doors and trim as well. It's very durable and easy to clean!
![Karla @ Small Town Rambler]()
Karla @ Small Town Rambler
on Feb 04, 2015
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@Karla @ Small Town Rambler I think when you are refinishing a stained or painted surface it always good to do a light sanding. There is a chance of your paint sticking and avoiding it coming loose in the future. I have always wanted to be brave enough to paint our hallway door black. There is a post here on HT where a member did that and it looks soooo classy. Maybe I will do that some day. Please post an after pic and thanks for posting.
![Gail Salminen]()
Gail Salminen
on Feb 04, 2015
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Yes, sanding will give you a smoother and more professional looking final result.
![The 2 Seasons]()
The 2 Seasons
on Feb 04, 2015
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yes, you will need to sand the doors, then use a product called kilz, you can get it at any home center or paint store. it will stop the stain from bleeding through. this will also act as a primer. then paint them .
![Ray Phillips]()
Ray Phillips
on Feb 05, 2015
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I would do a light sanding with a 220 grit sandpaper. It should be quick, no more than 3-4 minutes per side. I would definitely prime too. It'll save you money and time.
![Simple Southern Charm]()
Simple Southern Charm
on Feb 05, 2015
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Ray is correct about using the kill. They carry this at your local Lowes or Home Depot. I like to also use the paint that already has primer as well. This way only one coat is needed and it really covers well.
![Ltt834476]()
Ltt834476
on Feb 05, 2015
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I agree with the others, use the kilz paint first. I would make sure that you have good ventilation because kilz can have a pretty strong odor.
![Hooked On Pinterest]()
Hooked On Pinterest
on Feb 05, 2015
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Good suggestions - wipe down, scruff, buy good primer. There is a good top coat I read about that self levels and gives a great finish like old oil-based paint. (Latex paints bug me because they dry too fast, leave brush marks - even with good paint and brushes. ) Benjamin Moore has an advanced composite paint which self levels and has an oil-based paint appearance. Shervin Williams has an All Surface Enamel that does same. Will be checking these out when I do window trims, etc.
![Marion Nesbitt]()
Marion Nesbitt
on Feb 05, 2015
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The finish you apply will be no better than the surface it is applied over. Sanding will smooth out surface imperfections, but more importantly will give the next coat of paint a mechanical grip or bond. Kilz is the standard in the trade for covering up stains, etc.The original Kilz was actually pigmented shellac. My choice would be a first coat of shellac, pigmented if you can find it, followed by any premium primer. Red paint, especially red stain is famous for bleeding through later. The shellac barrier is your best insurance against bleed through. Always use shellac in a well ventilated room.
![William Tillis]()
William Tillis
on Feb 05, 2015
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I bought a Ryobi corner sander with sand paper 220 grit. We knew to use Kilz primer. I went to Sherwin Williams with pictures of our doors and they recommend using their Pro Classic paint. Their pro enamel does not come in gallon sizes. I will be painting 13 doors. Thanks for the replies!
![Cornelia Schott]()
Cornelia Schott
on Feb 05, 2015
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For a top coat I would use Glidden's Lifemaster, you have to get it at a Glidden store, not a big box store. Also with latex paint you can use something called Flotorl and it gives you a longer drying time.
![Linda Stokes]()
Linda Stokes
on Feb 05, 2015
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I had deep brick red walls in my house. I bought the Glidden primer plus paint for like $23 a gallon and it covered in 2 coats like a dream. I also painted my woodwork which was honey oak with Olympic primer plus paint and added a little paint conditioner- this left no streaks and covered like a dream. All i did was run a fine grit sanding block over before I painted.
![OnBlissStreet]()
OnBlissStreet
on Feb 05, 2015
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You won't need to sand unless there are streaks or globs of dry paint. If there are, just sand down the troubling areas. Get a high-quality brush, primer and paint and you'll be good to go!
![Dusty]()
Dusty
on Aug 02, 2016
Sandra Croley
on Feb 04, 2015
D & K
on Feb 04, 2015
Karla @ Small Town Rambler
on Feb 04, 2015
Gail Salminen
on Feb 04, 2015
The 2 Seasons
on Feb 04, 2015
Ray Phillips
on Feb 05, 2015
Simple Southern Charm
on Feb 05, 2015
Ltt834476
on Feb 05, 2015
Hooked On Pinterest
on Feb 05, 2015
Marion Nesbitt
on Feb 05, 2015
William Tillis
on Feb 05, 2015
Cornelia Schott
on Feb 05, 2015
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