How to Paint a Wooden Screen Door

Wooden screen doors can add a very nice look to the exterior of any house while still protecting the homeowner from insects. Because the wood screen door is outside, normal weather conditions will cause the paint to peel and fade. These screens doors are fairly simple to paint, and with the proper tools this job will take less then one day to complete.

• Use a hammer and a screwdriver to knock out the pins from the hinges on the screen door. Lift the screen door up and off the hinges.


• Lay the door on two saw horses or on upside-down buckets.


• Use a flat head screwdriver or a putty knife to pry under the screen moulding and remove the screen.


• Lay moulding, screen and fastening materials in one area.


• Scrape the face of the wooden screen door with a putty knife or paint scraper. Use some medium grit sand paper to smooth down any rough areas.


• Apply wood putty to any holes and imperfections.


• Cover all hardware with quality painters tape.


• Use a water based primer to brush on the initial coating. Make sure to get all of the face and edges of the door.


• Allow the door to completely dry. In warm weather this will be less then an hour.


• Flip the door over and follow the same procedure.


• Use a very high grit sandpaper to sand down high areas in the primer coat. Do not sand down to the wood.


• Brush first coat of paint around the door handle and any uneven edges. Roll on the first coat of paint on the rest of the door blending in where you used a brush.


• Allow the door to dry and follow the same routine on the other side. Apply an extra coat of paint if needed.


• Attach the screen and hang the door to finish.