Essential tools and preparation advice
• Rub down to remove any sheen and scrape off any loose flaking paint. If it is a glazed door, then treat the glazed section as if painting a window, then the rest of the door.
• Prepare the frame and architrave at the same time. Any open joints, splits in the grain or general surface imperfections will need to be repaired with the appropriate filler product.
Painting advice
• Remove door handles and accessories and wedge the door open so that it does not move around when you are working on it.
• Always paint in the direction of the grain to prevent streaks and finish each vertical panel with an upward stroke to prevent visible brush marks.
• When painting panel doors always paint the mouldings first, then the inner panels. Next, paint the central vertical panel (mutin) and then the horizontal panels (cross rails) top, middle and bottom. Now paint the outer vertical panels (stiles) and lastly paint the edges of the door. Paint the edge nearest the door handle last, this will allow you to open and close it while working. Open the door and wedge on the non-painted side until dry.
