How to Paint Inside Doors

Use a paint scraper to remove any loose paint or other material from the door. Scrape the entire door, even if it looks as though it doesn't need it.

Sand the entire surface of the door lightly with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any small nicks left by the scraper. Sand inside any grooves or textured areas, too.

Wipe the door with a sponge soaked in a bucket of hot water to remove all sanding dust and debris. Let the door dry thoroughly.

Paint all the small areas of the door, including grooves or around raised surfaces, that a paint roller cannot easily reach. This detail work is known as "cutting in." Hold the paint brush between your index finger and your thumb, letting the handle of the brush rest in between. Paint in small sections and do not load the brush with too much paint at one time.

Paint the rest of the door with a paint roller. Roll the roller in a pan of paint to evenly distribute the paint on the roller. Cover the entire door with paint, using long strokes with the roller.

Let the paint dry overnight. Apply a second coat if needed.