Painting your doors and trim is one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh a room without major renovations. A few brushstrokes can modernize a space, brighten it up, or highlight the interior architecture.

It’s a project that’s totally DIY-friendly — as long as you follow a few important steps. Proper surface prep and the right tools are the keys to a clean, durable finish.

In this blog, you’ll find practical tips for painting your interior doors and trim — including casings, baseboards, crown mouldings, quarter rounds, and other decorative woodwork.

Should You Paint… or Replace?

Before you get started, ask yourself: should you repaint or replace your doors and trim?

If your doors or moldings have multiple thick layers of paint, it may be tough to achieve a smooth, even finish. Paint adhesion can also be compromised.

If the wood is damaged, warped, cracked, or split, replacing it is often the best choice for a flawless result.

At Intermat, we offer smooth-finish masonite doors, ideal for painting. Their uniform surface ensures a modern, durable look. These doors are perfect for quick renovations, with minimal prep work required.

Surface Prep: The Step You Can’t Skip

Great painting starts with great prep.

• Clean thoroughly: Use warm water and mild soap to remove dust, grease, and residue.
  
  

• Light sanding: A fine-grit sandpaper will improve adhesion.
  
  

• Fill holes or cracks: Apply wood filler or putty to fix minor imperfections.
  
  

• Strip old paint if needed: For heavily painted or damaged surfaces, deeper sanding or a chemical stripper may be necessary.
  
  

Proper prep creates a smooth surface and a professional-grade result.

Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

Your paint and tool selection makes a big difference.

• Paint type: Choose a pearl or semi-gloss finish for doors and trim. These are durable and easy to clean.
  
  

• Water-based or oil-based?
  
  

• Acrylic (water-based) dries fast, has less odor, and is more eco-friendly.
  
  

• Alkyd (oil-based) provides superior durability, but takes longer to dry.
  
  

• Recommended tools: Use an angled brush for moldings and a foam roller for flat surfaces like doors for an even finish.
  
  

Step-by-Step: Painting an Interior Door

1. Remove or protect: If possible, take the door down and paint it flat. Otherwise, protect hinges, handles, and locks with painter’s tape.
   
   

2. Apply primer: This is essential if the door is dark, new, or has never been painted. Primer improves coverage and adhesion.
   
   

3. Work in sections: Start with any raised panels or moldings, then move to the flat surfaces.
   
   

4. Use two thin coats: Better than one thick coat, which can drip or sag.
   
   

5. Let each coat dry: Fully dry between coats to avoid brush marks.
   
   

Tips for Painting Trim and Moldings

Trim like baseboards, frames, or crown molding requires precision.

• Protect nearby surfaces: Use painter’s tape along adjacent walls, floors, or ceilings.
  
  

• Precision and consistency: A fine brush offers better control, especially on narrow moldings or quarter rounds.
  
  

• Wipe off smudges: Use a damp cloth to fix small mistakes right away.
  
  

Pro Tips for a Flawless, Long-Lasting Finish

• Paint in natural daylight to better spot flaws and missed spots.
  
  

• Don’t overload your brush or roller — that’s how drips happen.
  
  

• Avoid touching up while drying, which can leave glossy patches.
  
  

• Let the paint dry for 24 to 48 hours before rehanging the door or reattaching hardware.
  
  

Save Time with Paint-Ready Materials

If your doors or trim are too damaged or no longer fit your desired style — even with a color refresh — replacement may be the smarter option.

At Intermat, we offer:

• A wide selection of paint-ready masonite doors for a flawless look without heavy sanding.
  
  

• A variety of sizes and styles to suit any reno project.
  
  

• Durable materials designed to make painting easier and last longer.
  
  

Investing in quality products means less prep time and a more modern, uniform finish.

Conclusion

Repainting your doors and trim is a simple, affordable, and effective way to give your home a fresh new look. With careful prep, the right tools, and quality materials, you can achieve a beautiful and lasting result.

At Intermat, we offer a complete range of masonite doors, trim, and decorative hardware — ideal for all your painting and renovation projects.

Need advice or ready-to-paint materials?
Visit Intermat to explore our products and speak with our experts!