Today we'll talk about how a fresh color can transform the interior of your home, starting with such a small but significant detail as a door frame. Painting your door frame is a great way to breathe new life into a space without breaking the bank or making major renovations. In this article you will find a complete guide to choosing paint, preparing the surface and the painting process itself - all steps are explained in detail and accompanied by useful tips. We promise: by the end of this article, you'll be ready to get creative and maybe even inspired to make some new changes in your cozy corner!
To update the style of your home, start with the doors. Remove the door, then protect nearby walls and floors with film and masking tape. Prepare the surface of the box: clean and sand. After this, you can paint it in the chosen color. This upgrade will bring freshness to the interior.
Step 1: Materials. Prepare materials and supplies.
Stage one: selection of what is needed.
Before you start updating the color of your door frame, you need to prepare your tools and materials. Here's what we need, also estimated prices:
- Sandpaper or electric sander for surface pre-treatment: price ranges from $2.2 to $27.8
- Primer to ensure paint adhesion to the surface: costs from $4.5
- Paint for coloring wood in the desired shade starts from $5.6
- Tool for applying paint - brush or roller, choice to taste - prices range from $1 to $3 dollars.
- Painter's tape for sealing adjacent surfaces starts at $3.
The door renewal process includes several stages and takes different times :
1. Preparatory work, including removing the door and removing the old covering, will take from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the condition of the door.
2. Straightening the surface, eliminating defects, applying primer and putty, as well as protecting against rust will take up to 3 hours.
3. Direct painting and subsequent drying can take from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of paint and the number of layers.
4. The final sanding stage will take 90 minutes.
Step 2. Preparing the work area
1. Start by organizing your workspace: clear the area of clutter and cover surfaces to protect them from paint. If you plan to repaint, remove the door from its hinges and move it to a place where it will not be in the way. If the color does not change or the door cannot be removed, cover it with film, making sure there are no creases, and leave it open for access to the frame.
2. Make sure your canvas is large enough to touch the ground. It is important to be careful when painting large or complex doors. Protect the floor of the work area with plastic or a tarp to avoid leaving any exposed areas, especially around the door opening.
3. You can use newspapers to temporarily protect the floor if no other materials are available. To prevent paint from bleeding through, place an additional layer of cloth or cardboard under the first layer. To protect the door frame, use duct tape, attaching it not only to walls, but also to door hinges and locks. This will make it possible to paint surfaces without fear of filling in unnecessary elements.
4. If you are concerned about the risk of paint getting on surfaces, purchase wide masking tape - from 70 to 100 mm. This will provide sufficient coverage and keep it clean while you work.
Step 3: Clean and Sand the Frame
1. Renewing worn-out door frames will require some minor cosmetic repairs. Restore the surface by filling cracks and dents with a suitable filler. To hide the gaps between the frame and the wall, use sealant. It is also worth replacing any parts that are loose or damaged.
2. Repainting a damaged door frame will change its appearance, but will not restore its original quality. Clean the surface of the box using a soap solution to effectively remove grease. Soak a sponge in soapy water and go over the entire frame, starting at the top. This pre-cleaning will remove old dirt and ensure better paint adhesion to the surface.
3. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the frame thoroughly using a damp cloth or washcloth to ensure no traces of cleaning agent remain. Then blot the frame dry with a dry towel, paying attention to all areas where paint will be applied. Once complete, check the surface for wet areas to the touch. Make sure the frame is completely dry before sanding.
4. For efficient work and quick absorption of moisture, choose microfiber towels; they are superior to cotton ones. When preparing the frame for painting, use fine sandpaper . Light movements over the entire surface are sufficient to create the roughness necessary for better adhesion of the new paint. Do not try to remove the old coating completely. As a result, the frame should look matte, ready for a color update.
5. To improve paint adhesion to unpainted door frames, it is recommended to lightly sand their surface. Use fine grit sandpaper (100+) to avoid damaging the material. A sanding block with right angles will help you get into the grooves that regular sandpaper can't reach.
6. Clean the surface of the frame with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and dirt after sanding. This is necessary to ensure good adhesion to the new coat of paint. After all contaminants have been removed and the frame is clean, you need to wait until it is completely dry. For better cleaning, you can also use a vacuum cleaner or dry brush to get rid of dust deposits.
Step 4: Painting
1. Choose a shade of semi-gloss paint that suits your decor. Opt for latex paint designed for interior use. This type of coating will add a slight shine, which will highlight the details of the frame, distinguishing it from other surfaces. For door frames used outside, it is better to choose a paint designed for exterior use.
2. Latex coatings are easier to keep clean; simply wipe the surface with moisture every few months. For thorough painting, paint brushes are recommended, especially those with an angled end - they allow you to work carefully in hard-to-reach places, unlike rollers, which are ideal for large flat areas.
3. For perfect coloring, choose a narrow brush. It is easier to control the paint by holding the tool by the metal part above the pile. Start at the top corner of the frame, angling the brush along the corner and working across the frame in long strokes to the bottom edge. Then repeat for the other side.
4. To avoid excessive accumulation of paint in the corners, take a little of it on the tip of the brush. Use broad strokes to spread the paint from top to bottom - this way you cover more volume and use the material sparingly. After finishing the inside of the frame, move on to the outside. Start from the top, painting the surface evenly for perfect coverage. Don't miss both sides of the frame.
5. Overlap each stroke by 1–2.5 cm to avoid joints and gaps. Attention to detail is important, especially around doorways where any mistakes will be noticeable. Finish the job by carefully painting the top of the frame, moving from one corner to the other. Avoid excess paint to prevent drips.
6. To make painting high-rise door frames easier, use a ladder to gain access to all areas and allow for easy paint application. After the first coat, wait for it to dry completely, which can take from one to four hours depending on the paint. Avoid contact with the frame while drying to avoid damaging the finish.
7. Periodically check the condition of the paint by lightly touching it with your finger. If it feels slightly sticky, it may need additional drying time. If necessary, carefully add layers of paint using a brush. Once the work is completed and the paint has dried, return the door to its place.
Questions and answers:
Is it allowed to paint the opening without dismantling the door?
Acceptable, but increases the chance of paint running off. The door will need to be kept open for drying. By removing it, you can ensure quick drying in a warm room.
Which tool is preferable for painting the door frame: a brush or a roller?
Using brushes, you can carefully paint recesses and hard-to-reach places, as well as small parts. Rollers are effective for large surfaces, ensuring uniform application of compounds and speed of work. However, they are ineffective on complex textures or when detailing. Both tools are suitable for working not only with paints, but also with wood preservatives, as well as decorative plaster.
How to paint without leaving brush marks?
To obtain a perfectly even coating without brush marks, you can use specialized tools. The stores offer brushes with artificial fibers designed to work with acrylic compounds and varnishes. Such devices will ensure a clean application without defects.