How to Strip Paint Off a Door

Over time, paint on your doors can become chipped, cracked or simply outdated, making your door look worn and tired. By removing the old layers, you can create a clean, even surface that’s ready for a new coat of paint, ensuring a more professional and durable finish.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best methods for stripping paint from your door, along with important safety precautions. By following these steps, you’ll be able to restore your door and prepare it for a beautiful new finish.

Why should you strip old paint off a door before repainting?

Stripping old paint off an internal door before repainting is essential if you want a smooth, long-lasting finish. Over time, paint can crack, peel, and become uneven, which can lead to an unpleasant and inconsistent surface. When you remove the old layers, you create a clean foundation for the new paint to adhere to, which ensures a more even and durable coat.

Stripping away layers of old paint also helps to prevent issues like bubbling or cracking of the new paint. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to inspect the door’s surface for any imperfections, such as dents or cracks, which can then be repaired before applying the new paint. Ultimately, stripping the old paint not only improves the overall appearance of the door but can also extend the lifespan of your new finish.

Tools you’ll need

Stripping paint from a door requires the right tools to make the process efficient and safe. Below is a list of essentials you’ll need to tackle the job:

• Paint stripper or remover: A chemical paint remover will dissolve old paint, making it easier to scrape off. Look for a product that suits the material of your door and the type of paint you’re removing.
• Putty knife or scraper: A flexible putty knife or paint scraper is essential for removing softened paint after you’ve applied the stripper. A good-quality scraper will help to prevent damaging the door’s surface.
• Sandpaper or sanding block: After stripping, sanding smooths out any rough patches and helps prepare the door for a fresh coat of paint. You’ll typically need a coarse grit (e.g. 60-80 grit) to start, followed by a finer grit (e.g. 180-220 grit) to smooth the surface.
• Heat gun (optional): A heat gun can be used to soften paint, which will make it easier to scrape off. This is particularly useful for removing multiple layers of paint quickly.
• Gloves and protective gear: You should always wear gloves, goggles and a respirator mask when stripping paint to protect yourself from chemicals, dust and fumes.
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting: You should protect your floors and surrounding areas from paint drips or stripper residue by laying down drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Steel wool or scrubbing brush: For detailed areas or stubborn paint spots, steel wool or a scrubbing brush can be effective for thorough cleaning.
• Rags or sponges: You’ll need rags or sponges to clean the surface after stripping and sanding.

Preparation before you start paint stripping

Before you begin stripping paint off a door, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and safe process. Follow these steps to set up your workspace and the door itself:

Remove the door from its hinges

For the best results, you should take the door off its hinges and place it on a flat surface, such as sawhorses or a workbench. This will make it easier to access all areas of the door and prevent any paint stripper from dripping onto the surrounding surfaces.

Protect the surrounding area

Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting around your work area to catch any paint stripper drips, dust or debris. You should ensure you cover any nearby furniture, flooring or trim to avoid them getting damaged.

Wear protective gear

Put on your gloves, safety goggles and a respirator mask. Paint strippers and dust from sanding or scraping can be harmful to your health, so it’s important to protect your skin, eyes and lungs.

Ventilate the space

You should ensure your work area is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using chemical paint removers. Open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air and minimise your exposure to fumes.

Clean the door

You’ll need to wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove any dust, dirt and grease. This will help the paint stripper work more effectively and ensure you’re left with a clean surface once the paint is removed.

Remove hardware

Finally, take off any doorknobs, handles, locks or hinges to prevent them from being damaged during the stripping process. You can mask off any areas you don’t want to treat, like glass panels, with painter’s tape or plastic sheeting.

Methods for stripping paint off an internal door

There are various effective methods for stripping paint off an internal door, with each offering unique advantages depending on the condition of the door, the type of paint and the tools available.

Using paint stripper

Using a chemical paint stripper is one of the most efficient ways to remove old paint from a door. Paint strippers are designed to break down paint, so it’s easier to scrape off.

First, apply the stripper with a paintbrush – you’ll start to see the paint will soften and bubble, usually within 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of product used. Once the paint is softened, you can easily scrape it away using a putty knife or paint scraper.

You should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how long to leave the stripper on, and you’ll need to neutralise the stripper with water or solvent once the paint is removed. This will ensure you have a clean surface before applying any new paint or finish.

Sanding the paint off

Sanding is another common method for stripping paint and can be particularly useful when dealing with doors that only have a few layers of paint. Sanding can be time-consuming, but it typically provides a smooth, clean surface that is ideal for refinishing the door. You can sand paint off a door manually or with an electric sander.

Start by sanding the door with your coarse grit sandpaper (60-80 grit). Once most of the paint is gone, use your finer grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to smooth the surface and remove any remaining traces of paint. After sanding, you’ll need to wipe down the door to remove dust before applying the new paint.

Heat gun method

The heat gun method is particularly effective for doors with intricate detailing or with larger areas of paint that need to be removed.

When using a heat gun to strip paint, you’ll need to hold the gun a few inches from the surface of the door. The paint will begin to soften and bubble. You’ll then be able to scrape it away with a putty knife or scraper. After the paint is removed, the door should be wiped down to eliminate any remaining residue.

This method avoids the use of chemicals – however, care must be taken not to overheat the wood, as too much heat can damage the surface of the door.

Achieving a professional finish

Stripping paint off a door is essential if you want a smooth, long-lasting finish for your next repainting project. Whether you choose a chemical paint stripper, sanding or a heat gun, each method has its own advantages depending on the type of door and paint you’re dealing with. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to restore your door to its best condition, ready for a fresh new coat of paint that enhances the overall look of your space.

JB Kind has a huge range of interior doors in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes. Download our brochure or contact us to find out more.