How to Paint Interior Barn Doors

It might be cuffing season, but painting season is in full swing – and it lives year-round!

In fact, it’s one of the most versatile, flexible parts of being a homeowner. And even if you’re still on the path to finding your dream house, those special homes in between could always use a little personal touch. Let’s go over the right way to paint interior barn doors in your home.

What to know before painting barn doors

Barn doors have been a huge focal point in the farmhouse-style realm of design over the last few years. Their look is timeless and they offer an air of continuity in almost every type of setting. It’s no wonder they’re still incredibly popular with so many ways to customize them. 

Tools you’ll need before starting to paint

Pulling off the DIY barn door project is easier said than done. But if you’re gonna take a shot at it, you need to make sure that your tool belt is equipped with everything you need before you get started. Painters, tape, a coarse, hair brush, and sand paper of around 120 grit are essential. It’s a good call to invest in some wax or lacquer to seal it at the end.

Steps you can take to make the door look weathered or antique

In the era of moody maximalism, chalk paint and weathering can really tie in a vintage feel in any room. Utilizing a glaze is just one way to make a door look more weathered, adding a rustic depth to a bedroom or living room. There’s even a fair amount of chipping and distressing that can be achieved via sanding with different grit levels.

What if you want to apply a stain to your barn door

If you decide halfway through your project that painting is not for you, you might be considering staining to achieve your desired effect. First, you’ll need to choose a stain color that complements your space. Once you’ve determined which color best suits your barn door, you will need to clear away any leftover debris or sawdust on the door surface. 

You can use a hose attachment with a vacuum cleaner prior to staining to eradicate any leftover dust and debris. Then, you’ll apply your stain with a roller while making sure that you have a coating that is thorough and even.

Once you’re done with the roller, you can use a paintbrush to get in the little nooks and cracks to ensure total coverage. Removing the excess stain is simple and it helps to get rid of excess drips or streaks along the way. Leave your barn door out on a clear day to let the stain air dry.

How to paint barn doors: step-by-step instructions

Walk into your barn dorn paint session with the proper technique to ensure that even if your DIY project doesn’t go to plan, it will still be salvageable for someone else to take over.

Remove the barn door

When you’re getting ready to paint barn doors, you will want to remove them from the frame to give you full dexterity as you manipulate your canvas. The last thing you want to do is risk ruining the surrounding walls or hardware by leaving the door on its hinges. Painting requires pressure and precision, so set your fine motor skills up for success by taking it down.

Sand down the door

Sanding down your door buffs away any sharp edges or uneven splintering. Buffing out slight imperfections or excess roughness creates balance and a clean, smooth surface to work with.

Apply the first coat of primer

Primer does exactly what it was designed to do; it extends the lifespan of your paint, protects the walls beneath, and offers your paint job a more comprehensive, final look. 

Paint the door your desired color

Using color to your advantage, you can paint a stunning, captivating look or work on weathering and creating a distressed look – no matter what route you choose, you can use color to manipulate all of those styles.

Reinstall the barn door

After all of your hard work, you may find yourself impatient as you wait for your door to dry. But if there’s any step you’re going to skip, don’t let it be this one! Once your barn door is completely dry, you can reinstall it on the frame. Taking this on with a door that’s still drying can leave unwanted fingerprints or dings that will require a whole other coat.

Contact Old Crow Painting for help with all painting projects

The best thing you can do when it comes to any type of painting project is connect with your local professionals. Not only can you save yourself hours of back-breaking work, but you can protect your belongings, and your bank account in the process. If you’re ready to start a new project, give us a caw!