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Most painting work is relatively straightforward, if not easy. However, each painting project presents certain challenges - and so it is with painting raised-panel wood doors. Among them: (1) Paint applied over the joints between the panel and frame forms a film that often cracks. (2) The flat parts of a door are easy to sand but the molded portions are not. (3) You must decide whether to remove the door for painting or just paint it in place. (4) The door will absorb moisture from the air and may warp if it is not sealed on all edges. The following steps address these and other door-painting issues.

Materials List:

• 2-mil or 4-mil plastic drop cloth
• Paint respirator
• Bucket and soft scrub brush or cloth
• Tack cloths
• Mild detergent solution
• Rags
• 1-in. paint scraper
• Primer
• Metal file
• Paint (interior or exterior, as appropriate)
• Electric finishing sander or rubber sanding block
• Paint bucket and stir sticks
• Medium and fine-grit sandpaper
• 2-1/2- or 3-in. angled sash brush
• Chemical deglosser
• Door-bottom pad painter
• Chemical-resistant rubber gloves
• Mineral spirits (paint thinner)
• Goggles
• Paintbrush spinner

• Tip: Protect your floors and minimize clean-up by covering the floor with a plastic drop cloth.

• Tip: Whenever you sand indoors, put an exhaust fan in a nearby window to draw the dust out. Open a window just outside the room; when air is drawn into the room it will be prevented from entering other rooms.
• Sharpen a new paint scraper with a fine metal file before you use it and hone it often as you use it. The sharper the blade, the easier the work and the less likely any damage.

3. Degloss and Prime: Lightly sand the entire door using an electric finishing sander or a rubber sanding block with fine sandpaper. Paint does not adhere well to a glossy surface and sanding will also smooth imperfections for a better-looking result. Rather than sanding detailed areas, which can be difficult without rounding over the crisp edges, brush on a chemical deglosser just before you are ready to apply a primer. Follow the label's instructions and heed safety advisories about ventilation and wearing respirators. Prime any bared wood with a compatible paint primer.

4. Paint Panels: In general, paint the panels from the inside out, starting with the detailed (molded) areas around the panels and then the panels. Always paint out of, not into the corners, because drawing your brush across the edge would deposit too much paint. Be careful not to apply too much paint at the panel-frame joints. It helps to tip off these areas with a nearly dry brush before moving on.

• Tip: Before you start to paint a door that is on its hinges, which is generally the easier approach because you can paint both sides at once, use a mirror to inspect the bottom edge to be sure it has been painted. If not, paint this edge with a little pad painter made for this purpose, or remove the door to paint with a brush, and reinstall the door.
  5. Paint the Edges: Paint the edges of the door next. If the door is a different color on each side, paint the edges the same color as the door face that would show if you were to open it against a wall. For example, on a door that swings into a room from a hall, paint the edges the same color as the hall side of the door.

6. Paint Stiles and Rails: Save the stiles and rails (the vertical and horizontal pieces that frame the panels) until last. Brush with the wood grain (along a board's length) and lightly tip off the finish with a dry brush to complete the application. Avoid closing the door for as long as possible (as much as several days) to allow the paint to fully cure.

• Tip: If you are painting a door on its hinges you are more susceptible to drips and sags, so don't apply too much paint. Keep an eye on completed areas and dry-brush out any drips before the paint begins to skin over.