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How to paint trims and doors?

We were quoted just under $3000 for someone to paint the trims and doors of the house so trying to figure out if this is something we can (and have the patience to) do ourselves. We were wanting the colour Lexicon quarter in Dulux.

What would the steps be for painting trims and doors, I think they're currently a semi gloss paint.
Would we have to sand everything (and what would happen if we skip this step...), primer, and then top coat?

What products would we need. We have rollers and brushers from painting the walls and ceilings.

As a side note, if we wanted to add panelling to these to match potential panelling of kitchen cabinets, what would that consist of?

We were also then going to replace the door handles and hinges with the following:
door handle
wardrobe door handle

hinges

Bathroom door with lock

Thanks!

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @kateaw,

I'd suggest you have a look at How to paint trims and How To Paint a Door for some basic guidance on the process and materials involved.

Painting your trims and doors yourself is definitely achievable and can save you a fair amount of money, though it does require patience and attention to detail.

Since your surfaces are currently coated with semi-gloss paint, preparation is key. Start by lightly sanding all trims and doors with 180-grit sandpaper. The goal isn’t to remove the old paint but to dull the sheen so that the new paint adheres properly. If you skip this step, the new paint may not bond well and could chip or peel easily over time.

After sanding, wipe everything down thoroughly with sugar soap to remove any dust, oils, or dirt.

Fill any holes or imperfections with a multi-purpose filler such as Selleys Spakfilla Rapid Gap Filler, then once it’s dry, sand smooth with your 180-grit sandpaper to create an even surface for painting.

Once the surfaces are clean and smooth, tape off the trims with painter's tape and put down drop sheets to protect any surfaces you don't want to get paint on.

You should then apply a primer to help the topcoat stick and achieve a consistent finish. A bonding primer such as Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat will work well over existing semi-gloss paint. Allow the primer to dry fully before moving on to the topcoat.

For a durable and easy-to-clean finish, use a semi-gloss or gloss paint like Dulux Aquanamel in Lexicon Quarter. This water-based enamel is ideal for trims and doors, as it levels out smoothly and resists yellowing. Apply two thin coats using a quality sash cutter brush for edges and a foam roller for flat sections, lightly sanding between coats for a smooth, professional look.

As long as you take your time and ensure you prepare well, you should be able to achieve a quality finish at a reasonable cost.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

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