I needed a change and painting our doors was just the thing! We have 7 interior doors on our first floor – which were all the painter’s grade, show-all-the-dirt, white doors. They had gold hinges and gold door knobs which I have always wanted to change. So, I took the plunge knowing it was not going to be a very difficult task but a somewhat time consuming one. I love the results! I was afraid the black would make the spaces look smaller/darker but I think it’s actually made the wall colors and spaces pop. Each door took about 2 hours, and all 7 doors used less than 2 gallons of paint (one primer, one paint). I also used a metallic spray paint for the hinges (I did not remove them), and bought door knobs for about $10 each. Here’s the step-by-step process:
1. take a trip to your home improvement store for the following: 1 gallon primer (I used Behr All-in-one primer & sealer, tinted with the black paint), 1 gallon black semi-gloss paint (I used Behr premium Plus Ultra Black), Metallic spray paint if you’re changing the finish of your hinges (I used Rust-oleum Universal Flat Antique Nickel), a 2″ paint brush, painter’s tape (again if changing the finish of your hinges), and new door knobs in your color preference (if replacing).
2. remove the door knob if replacing (I bought the Defiant brand in Satin Nickel).
3. tape off area around each of the hinges. I used painter’s tape and newspaper to cover a wide area – the spray paint goes far. This is a tedious step but worth it so you’re not retouching your trim or walls afterwards.
4. spray hinges with 2 coats of metallic spray paint (allow to dry in between coats)
5. paint door (outside & inside) with 1 coat of primer (looks gray). Some people suggested using a small roller versus a brush but I figured with all the door angles, the brush was a better option. And I don’t see many brush strokes.
6. paint door (outside & inside) with 2 coats of the semi-gloss black paint. (allow to dry in between coats).
7. attach new door knob (if replacing) after last coat has dried for about 24 hours. This step was easier than I thought!
Voila! Chic black doors with new hardware for about $15 each!
I’m glad I took the risk of painting our doors. It was bold but I love the results. Now I have to tackle the 7 doors upstairs! Hope you enjoy this, and maybe take on a dramatic home improvement project of your own!
Love the black doors. Do you know what the wall color is? I’m getting ready to repaint and the black doors in your kitchen entry look amazing with the tan walls.
Thanks, Kim. The wall color is Benjamin Moore Wainsboro Taupe. I love this color too!! It looks a little different depending on the light and time of the day. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments from visitors. Good luck with the painting – I think you’ll love the results!