A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Internal Doors

brian1906
Jun 30, 2025
2 min read

A Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Internal Doors

Painting internal doors is a simple way to refresh your space and achieve a polished, modern look. Whether you’re updating tired timber or finishing off a newly installed door, the right approach – and tools – will give you a durable, professional result.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your materials:

Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
Dust sheets
Masking tape
Sugar soap or mild cleaner
Primer (if needed)
Undercoat and topcoat paint
Monarch or Arroworthy brushes
Mini foam rollers
Screwdriver (to remove hardware)
Tack cloth or damp rag

Step 1: Prepare Your Area

Lay down your dust sheets to protect flooring. Use masking tape to cover hinges, handles, or any glass panels. For the best finish, removing the door from its hinges is ideal.

Step 2: Clean the Door

Give the door a good clean with sugar soap or a similar degreaser to remove dirt and oils. This step helps the paint adhere better and ensures a smooth application.

Step 3: Sanding

Use sandpaper to remove any existing finish and lightly roughen the surface. This gives your primer or undercoat something to grip onto. Wipe away any dust using a tack cloth.

Step 4: Apply Primer (If Needed)

If you're painting bare wood, MDF, or going from a dark to light colour, apply primer. This ensures good adhesion and blocks out stains or old colour bleed.

Step 5: Undercoat

Using a quality brush like those from our Monarch or Arroworthy ranges, cut in around any mouldings. Use a mini foam roller for flat sections to get a super smooth base. Let the undercoat dry fully.

Step 6: Apply Topcoat

Choose a suitable paint finish such as satinwood, eggshell or gloss. At Topdec, we recommend high-performing options from WRX Paint, Caparol, and Bedec.

Apply your topcoat using a premium brush or foam roller in smooth, even strokes. Two coats are usually best, with a light sand between coats for that flawless finish.

Step 7: Reassemble and Finish

Once the final coat is completely dry, reattach handles and hinges, or hang the door back on its frame. Make sure everything opens and closes smoothly before calling it done!