When it comes to giving your home a fresh, new look, one of the simplest but most effective updates you can make is to paint or stain your wooden doors. I’ve done this myself several times, and trust me, it’s one of those projects that gives you an instant sense of satisfaction. Whether you’re working on interior or exterior doors, the right finish can totally transform a space. And guess what? It’s not as complicated as it looks!
Let me walk you through what I’ve learned from my own experiences, so you can get started with confidence—and maybe even enjoy the process.
Deciding Between Paint or Stain
Before you pick up a brush, the first thing you need to decide is whether to paint or stain your door. I’ve done both, and they each have their pros and cons, depending on the look you’re going for.
- Painting: If you’re aiming for a smooth, even color, painting is the way to go. I love how a freshly painted door can instantly modernize a space. If your door has imperfections (like mine did when I first tackled this project), paint is also great for covering those up. Plus, you have endless color options. In my hallway, I went with a deep charcoal gray, and it made the entire area feel more elegant.
- Staining: On the other hand, if you want to showcase the natural grain of the wood, staining is a fantastic choice. It brings out the texture and beauty of the wood, giving a more rustic or classic feel. I stained the doors to my patio in a warm oak finish, and I’ve loved how they blend seamlessly with the outdoors. If you’re a fan of that rich, natural wood look, stain is definitely the way to go.
Here’s a tip: if your door has a beautiful grain and you want to show it off, stain is your best bet. But if you’re looking to add a pop of color or if the door’s surface has seen better days, go with paint.
Prepping the Door (This is Key!)
Before you even think about slapping on some paint or stain, prep is EVERYTHING. I learned this the hard way—on one of my first doors, I was too eager to start, skipped some prep steps, and ended up with uneven paint that started chipping in no time. So trust me on this: the more time you spend prepping, the better your results will be.
Here’s how I usually prep my doors:
- Remove the Door from its Hinges: Yes, this step is a bit of a hassle, but it’s absolutely worth it. Take the door off its hinges and lay it flat. This gives you better control, and you don’t have to worry about drips or uneven coverage. I used to paint doors while they were still hung, and the results were never quite as good.
- Sand the Surface: Sanding is crucial, especially if your door already has a finish on it. Grab a sanding block or an orbital sander and start with medium-grit sandpaper (about 120 grit). Sand until the surface is smooth, and then wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. I remember the first time I skipped this step—big mistake! The paint didn’t adhere properly, and I had to redo the whole thing. Don’t skip the sanding!
- Fill Any Holes or Imperfections: If your door has cracks, dents, or holes, now’s the time to fill them in. I’ve used wood filler before, and it works wonders for smoothing out the surface. Once it’s dry, sand it again so the filler is level with the rest of the door.
- Tape Off Hardware: If you’re not removing the hardware, be sure to tape it off carefully. This saves you time and effort later when you’d otherwise be scraping paint off handles and hinges (I’ve been there, not fun!).
Choosing the Right Paint or Stain
I’ll tell you what—don’t cheap out on paint or stain. I’ve tried going with the budget options, and the difference is noticeable. Higher-quality products go on smoother, cover better, and last longer. You don’t want to go through all this work only to have the paint chip a few months later.
- For Paint: Go with a durable, semi-gloss or gloss finish. These are easier to clean, which is especially important for doors that see a lot of traffic (like your front door or bathroom doors). I once used a flat finish on a bathroom door—big mistake. It showed every smudge and fingerprint, and cleaning it was a nightmare. Now, I always use semi-gloss for its durability and easy-to-wipe surface.
- For Stain: Pick a high-quality wood stain, and if the door is exterior, make sure it’s rated for outdoor use. I once made the mistake of using an indoor stain on my patio doors, and within a year, it had faded. Now, I always go with outdoor-rated stains for any door that’s exposed to the elements.
Applying Paint or Stain (Take Your Time!)
Here’s where the real fun begins. You’ve prepped the door, chosen your finish—now it’s time to make it beautiful.
- Painting the Door: Start with a primer if you’re painting a bare wood door or if you’re covering a dark color with a lighter one. This step ensures that the paint adheres well and that you’ll get a nice, even color.Use a high-quality brush or a foam roller for the smoothest finish. I’ve used both, but the foam roller gives the door an even, professional look. Paint the panels first, then the edges. Do thin, even coats. It’s tempting to load up the brush to save time, but trust me, thin coats are the way to go. Two coats of paint will give you the best results.
Pro tip: if you’re like me and a bit impatient, you might want to rush this step. Don’t. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Rushing it will leave you with streaks or tacky paint, and nobody wants that.
- Staining the Door: If you’re staining, stir the stain well and apply with a lint-free cloth or brush. Always go with the grain of the wood—it brings out the natural beauty of the door. Wipe off any excess after a few minutes to avoid blotches. Depending on how dark you want the color, you might need multiple coats, but always let the stain dry completely between applications.
I like to finish up with a clear protective finish. For exterior doors, use a clear polyurethane to protect the wood from moisture, sunlight, and wear. For interior doors, a couple of coats of clear varnish will do the trick.
Don’t Skip the Details
Once the paint or stain is dry, it’s time to reattach the hardware and hang the door back up. This part always feels like the “grand reveal” to me, like I’m seeing my door for the first time.
Here’s a tip I wish someone had told me early on: don’t forget the edges. I once painted a door and totally ignored the top and bottom edges. Not only did it look unfinished, but those areas are prone to moisture, and over time, the door warped slightly. Now, I always make sure to paint or stain the entire door, edges included.
