Painting a door might seem straightforward, but achieving a professional finish requires careful preparation and the right techniques. Whether you’re refreshing an old door or giving a new one a flawless coat, following these expert steps will ensure a smooth, durable result.

• Drill one 3/16-in. hole in the bottom of the door and two at the top, then turn 4-in. by 1/4-in. lag screws 1-1/2 inch into the door. Spread the sawhorses apart just enough so that the door doesn’t touch either side but rests entirely on the bolts.

• Clean Off Grime Before You Prime

• Fill All Holes, Even Small ones

• Prime the Entire Door Before Painting

• Search for Flaws After Priming

• Sand Between Coats (180 or 220)

• Use a Special Mini Roller (high-density foam)

• Protect Freshly Painted Doors From Sticking (masking tape)