Are you still stuck at home wondering how to start painting your French doors? It is obviously a tricky task, as it is a door that is mostly glass and trims. No matter how careful you are, some paint may stick into the glass and can have some irreparable stains. Well, we can share with you the real secret to painting French doors easily!
Clean your door
This is not the secret just yet– we are just making sure that we get the best quality whenever we do painting jobs. It is always important to clean any surface you plan to paint on. Use a sponge soaked in warm soapy water and remove all the dirt and grime stuck to your door. Be careful not to use an abrasive side of the sponge on the glass (if applicable).
You might also want to check out: Home Renovation: Painting a Door or Trim That Captures Attention
Gather your supplies
The supplies you will need are pretty standard: paint brushes, primer, and paint. For paint brushes, you can use a roller brush to paint the sides quickly. Use a paintbrush on the thinner trims. Use exterior paint for extra protection if your doors are directly exposed to the sun. If changing from a dark to a light colour or vice versa, use a tinted primer to help reach the desired colour. Now here’s the catch: purchase liquid masking tape from your nearest store to cover the glass panels. If none are available, then painters tape can do the job as well.
Prepare your door
This is where the liquid tape comes in handy. Compared to painters tape, the liquid tape is easier to apply and remove as well. Stir well before applying. Make sure to apply a thick coat either on the whole panel, if you’re generous, or just around the borders (2-3 inches per side). Paint both sides of the panel, unless you’re only doing one side. Don’t be scared of the white colour, it becomes clear once it’s dry. Wait for at least three hours before priming your door.
Paint your door
Paint your door along the direction of the grain. As mentioned above, it is better to use a paintbrush for intricate trims, but it is okay to paint over the masking tape with no worries. After painting with 2-3 coats of paint, wait until dry before proceeding to the next step.
Remove the tape
Grab a blunt knife or blade. A sharp one may be used as well, but be careful as you may scratch your glass in the process. Lift one of the corners using the blade and gently peel using your hand. You now have French doors looking brand new!
You might also be interested in: Internal Door Overhaul: Refurbishing Internal Doors Like A Professional
Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of Fortis & Hooke by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.