DC Paint Solutions

Regardless of whether a property is a traditional or modern-style build, with time, the appearance does begin to look outdated. Visible signs of wear and tear start to show meaning it is time to consider home renovations. Many are surprised at how much even the smallest of updates can make to the overall aesthetics of a building, which is why the idea of upcycling continues to grow in popularity.

Upscaling, which to many is also known as creative reuse, is the process in which you transform an old object, piece of furniture or product into a new updated version through DIY methods. One of the most popular ‘do it yourself’ home renovation projects remains to be the upscaling of both interior and exterior doors. Spray painting doors is a quick and simple, yet highly effective way to refresh the appearance of your home.

A Guide To Spray Painting Doors

Gone are the days where you need to spend hours perfecting brush strokes to ensure that an even layer of paint is applied to furniture when upscaling. Instead, with thorough preparation, surfaces can be seamlessly revamped through the use of spray paint in as little as a few hours. Using our six top tips listed below, we can guarantee that you can maximise results and create doors for your home that look as good as new.

1. Pick The Correct Spray Paint

Many different types of DIY aerosol spray paint cans are available depending on the colour and finish you hope to achieve; all of which are safe for home use. If you are hoping for a ready-made colour, then we suggest opting for RAL colour aerosols. With over 200 colour variations available, all shades that fall into this category have been manufactured based on the RAL colour matching system. Matte and gloss finishes are available; both types can be used on a number of different materials including wood.

British standard colour aerosol spray paint, on the other hand, is categorised based on a set of different codes that relates to several shades. Using the British standard range enables you to have more choice in shades of each primary and secondary colour. For example, there are over 30 different tones of green from an olive green (colour code 220) to an opaline green (colour code 275).

Last, but most definitely not least is Pantone colour aerosol spray paint. The Pantone range is ideal if you need a custom-made colour, for instance, if you need to match a specific existing shade. Pantone is best suited to those hoping to respray just a small section of a surface due to repairs.

It is important to spend time thoroughly researching into the different spray paint types before going ahead with any renovations. In doing this, you will be able to track down the perfect shade to meet your requirements.

2. Prepare Your Workspace and Cover Up

All spraying must be completed in a well-ventilated area with plenty of fresh air filtering through, ideally in an open space or garage. Luckily, as doors can be removed entirely from the wall, it will be considerably easier to find a ventilated space to begin your project. Not only does spraying in a poorly ventilated area risk the inhalation of toxic fumes, but will also increase the likelihood of uneven results due to dust and debris settling on the surface during the drying process.

To protect your skin, eyes and mouth from harmful ingredients included in spray paint, it’s important to wear protective clothing. Ensure that your arms and legs are fully covered to avoid irritation. Spray paint can stain so it is recommended to opt for old clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. For additional protection, consider purchasing rubber gloves, goggles and a face mask. All types of personal protective clothing can be picked for a low cost on Online Safety Supplies.

3. Remove All Hardware

To make the spraying process as straightforward as possible and to guarantee a neater result, aim to remove all hardware before painting. Hardware includes components such as hinges, latches, handle sets and levers. To avoid lost hardware during the disassembling process and a mix-up when you go to reassemble, place each component in a small plastic bag and attach a label.

After unscrewing hardware, you may notice a buildup of paint around the surface from previous projects, which will form as a glue to the surface. If this is the case, carefully run a Stanley knife around the hardware to help to remove components without causing any damage to the wood.

4. Thoroughly Clean Surfaces

It is imperative to ensure that all surfaces of the door are clean and free from dust, dirt, debris and mucky fingerprints before you begin spraying. As mentioned previously, any dirt that is left on the surface will cause an uneven result. The top of the door always accumulates the most dust, so don’t forget to wipe this section down with warm, soapy water and a microfibre cloth to grab all particles.

Doors can be cleaned using a heavy duty household cleaner and a large soft sponge. Do not worry about using a more abrasive cleaner as even if it causes the existing paint to fade, you will be respraying with a fresh layer of colour regardless. Kitchen doors, in particular, are likely to be covered in the thickest layer of grime due to cooking grease. If grease is proving particularly stubborn to remove, try working a small amount of diluted vinegar into the surface; it should then begin to lift.

5. Fix Damage Before Spraying

Doors go through their fair share of wear and tear, which means that it is likely that there will be some damage that you will need to repair. It is always recommended to use a hard sanding block to smooth down the door and create an even surface; this will also help to remove any old brush marks. For shaped areas and crevices in the door, use a sanding sponge as this will enable you to sand down small, enclosed spaces. Once you have finished sanding, use your vacuum to remove all remaining dust to maintain a clean surface.

If there are any dents in the door, then these will need to be fixed using a wood filler. Before applying filler, ensure that all splinters and existing paint is scraped off using a wide putty knife. The putty knife can then be reused to apply the wood filler. Allow the filler to completely dry and then sand down the filler until you have an even surface.

6. Always Use A Primer

Using a wood primer before spraying has many different benefits. Not only will primer help the paint to adhere to the wood, but it will also fill in any grains in the surface for a smoother finish. This will stop the paint from going patchy. It is recommended to apply up to three coats of primer, allowing plenty of time for each layer to dry in between. Failing to allow the primer to dry will increase the likelihood of the paint blistering or flaking in the future. Wood Finishes Direct has a wide range of primer to choose from.

Transform Doors Using Spray Paint!

Opting to spray paint doors is a super quick, easy and cost-effective alternative to replacing interior and exterior doors. It allows you to achieve a professional finish through simple DIY methods. We hope that you have found our article helpful, if so, why not share with your fellow DIY enthusiasts on social media?