How to paint around door handles?

[sue62]

Hi Everyone ,

I'm painting my front door and I can't take the door handles off. I'm using a roller recommended by the paint section at Bunnings. It's looking great accept around the door handle and separate lock. What should I use or do to match it closely to the roller pattern.

Thanks Sue 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @sue62,

It’s usually best to tape around the handle using painter’s masking tape, applying it just over the edge of the cover flange to stop paint from getting on the hardware. Once you’ve painted that section and the paint has dried, carefully remove the tape to reveal a clean, neat edge. If you prefer not to tape, you can paint up close to the cover flange with your roller, then switch to a small, fine brush to carefully paint the tight area around the handle and lock. A fine brush gives you much better control than trying to reach those edges with a roller. 

Here's a helpful guide: How to paint a front door. It shows removing the door and doesn't mention the handles, but could be useful.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[sue62]

Hi Michael the problem I'm having is getting the paint brush strokes to faid into the roller brush strokes. Is it worth using one of those foam paint pads that people use in crafting or a mini roller so I get closer and then finish with a brush. 

I know most wouldn't notice but I know I would 🙂

[MitchellMc]

Once you’ve taped around the cover flange, you should be able to get nice and close to it with the end of your roller @sue62. That’ll help keep the texture consistent right up to the handle area.

If there’s still a small gap that’s hard to reach, a mini roller is a good choice for blending in the pattern. Just use light pressure and roll over the edge of your brushed section while it’s still slightly wet. Foam pads can work too, but they sometimes leave a different texture compared to your main roller.

You’re absolutely right that most people wouldn’t notice those little differences, but taking the extra care like you are will give the door a really professional finish.

Mitchell

[R4addZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @sue62 

I know it seems like you can't take the handles off but that is far and away the best option and you paint the door very early morning, put the handles back on late at night (only loosely screw the handles back in) then the next day, repeat the process for the second coat. Obviously you are stuck in the house for the whole day each day but that will give the best result.

However if you can't do that, mask up the handles as others have said and paint as you have been doing but then use the tip of the brush to stipple the area aroung the handle and this will give a similar finish to the rollered finish across the rest of the door. I normally use this trick near the hinges which also restrict you getting the roller in there. (just done 5 doors and frames over the last 3 weeks so feel confident this is the solution you are looking for).