How to paint a door frame?

While you generally paint the entire house — interior or exterior, however a fresh coat of paint on the door frame adds beauty to its overall look. The different parts of a door frame are head, sill, doorstop, and weather stripping.

See also: How to paint the exterior of a window in your house?

 

Painting the door frame: Preparations

• High- gloss latex paints: High gloss latex paints are ideal for painting the door jamb, or door interiors. It gives a grand look and is easy to clean and maintain. Note, this rule also applies to doors that open outside. In such cases, use the high gloss latex paints on the exterior.
• Proper painting brush: Use a brush that allows you to paint easily and neatly. As a rule, do not use a brush wider than the widest area of the door trim.

 

Prepare to access all parts of door frame

• While it’s a good idea to remove the door from its hinges by loosening the hinge pins, it can be too much task. There are chances that the hinge screws may get lost, or door may get damaged. If you opt for this method, maintain safety.
• Alternatively, you can cover the door with a plastic sheet and leave it open so that you can access all parts of its frame easily. Use thinner paint brushes to reach finer areas.

 

Safeguard the work area

• Before starting the painting, cover the door, if you have not removed it.
• Cover the hinges with painter’s tape so that paint doesn’t get on them.
• Cover the wall around the door frame with painter’s tape so that the wall colour doesn’t get ruined.

 

Clean the door frame

• Before starting the door frame painting, work on it first.
• Wipe the door frame with a soap solution that removes dust and stains. Then, wipe it with a dry cloth.
• If you see any scratches or wood chipped off, fill it before painting. This can be done using lime, caulk, or wood filler.

 

 

Painting the door jamb

• Start from inside of the door trim and paint outwards. This will give a neat look and help you smoothen the excess paint.
• When you are painting using a thick wide brush, experts suggest holding the area just below the bristles to get a neater look as you get a tighter grip here as opposed to holding it on the brush’s handle.

 

Painting the door frame

• Start painting from top to bottom and do both sides of the frame.
• Do not apply a thick coat of paint as it may start dripping from sides, spoiling the door frame.
• Once you have applied a thin coat of paint, allow it to dry and then apply a second coat.

 

FAQs

What kind of paint do you use on door frames?

High-gloss or semi-gloss latex paints are used on door frames.

How do you prepare a door frame for painting?

Use sandpaper on the door frame properly so that it becomes smooth and doesn’t have any crack or holes. Once done, wipe it with a soap solution and let it dry.

How do you paint old door frames?

If you have old paint, use a flat scraper, and remove the paint. Then apply one coat of paint. Once it dries, follow with another coating of paint.

Is it easy to paint door frames?

Yes, it is as easy as painting the door trim.

Which paint is the best for the door?

Enamel paints are considered the best for wooden doors.

What colour should door frames be?

Door frames should be of the same colour as the door.

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