How to Paint French Doors with Windows
This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MaskandPeelPaintPrep
Painting the French doors leading to our deck has been a long-overdue project of mine. After completing our dining room makeover last fall and our outdoor deck transformation, it was the only thing standing uncompleted. After diving into plenty of online tutorials and from my painting history, I knew that prep would be necessary to get a clean and concise finish. For those of you who have embarked on your past paint project know that cleaning, sanding, and taping are critical and timely steps in the process.
But, what if I told you that you didn’t need to tape anymore? Trust me when I say that any excuse to get out of taping is a good one! This is where Jasco® Mask & Peel™ Liquid Masking Tape & Primer come into the picture. It’s not only quick and easy for beginners, but it works exactly as described! So, continue reading to find out how to paint your windows and doors without taping and see why Jasco® Mask & Peel™ is an essential step in any paint project.
Materials & Tools Needed:
available at Home Depot
Jasco® Mask & Peel™ | Paint | 2” Angle Sash Brush | 3/8 High-Density Foam (and frame) | Plastic Mini Roller Tray | Chiseled Foam Brush (for details) | Dropcloth | Utility Knife
How to Prep French Doors (or Windows) for Paint
Prep is essential to any good paint job. I go as far as to say it’s the most critical and timely step in the entire process. It can yield perfect results when done correctly, which I think most of us can agree is the end goal. So, where to begin? Follow the quick steps below to see how I started prepping my french doors for paint:
Step 1: Clean your door(s), the easiest way to kick things off is by giving your doors a good clean. While soap and water are good cleaning agents, I’d recommend using a degreaser for any door leading to the outside. Whether from dirt or hands, the build-up is standard on these surfaces and can affect the paint application down the line. So to be safe, thoroughly clean these areas.
Step 2: Clean your window(s). With this tutorial targeting french doors, windows are a massive component of the style. Similar to the doors, thoroughly clean your window pane with your preferred window cleaner. If using a paper towel, follow up with a microfiber cloth to remove any lint residue.
Step 3: Lightly sand your door(s). For your paint to adhere correctly, the color will need something to grab onto. A light sanding (don’t overdo it!) is all that is required to prep your surface. Afterward, wipe down your doors with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust or paint. I also like to quickly vacuum the areas around my doors to collect anything that came off the doors. Keeping your paint area clean will help you down the line!
Step 4: Apply Jasco® Mask & Peel. Start by shaking the container, so the product is well mixed. Using a paintbrush apply a thick layer of the mask to your windows. I’d strongly suggest painting the product over the entire glass surface. This will make the removal nearly seamless and make clean-up a breeze.
The great thing about the Jasco® Mask & Peel™ is that it turns translucent when dry, so you’ll have an indicator of when it’s time to paint! It takes about 30 minutes to dry before you can begin painting. You can purchase Jasco® Mask & Peel™ at Home Depot stores or online at homedepot.com. We opted to buy online and do a curbside pick-up at our local Home Depot store!
How to Paint French Doors
Painting doors can seem like a relatively easy paint project, but in truth, it can be more complicated than it first appears. While spraying doors with a paint gun is the best way to achieve a flawless application, there are ways to brush-on paint with a concise application. The key here is to purchase the correct paint sheen and painting materials. Like the prep, the paint job itself also has a series of steps that should not be rushed.
Step 1: Once prep of the windows and doors is complete, prep work area. Laying down a dropcloth and covering furnishing with ensuring you keep everything clean and paint-free.
Step 2: Give your paint a good stir (mix) to ensure everything is well blended and ready to apply. We opted for color with primer, so we didn’t need to do an additional step.
Step 3: Apply Paint: Depending on your door type, you may have details or styling in the doors that need to be painted first. Our french doors had a subtle trim detail surrounding the windows. If possible, contain this paint in this area only. Dried brush marks may show on smooth larger areas even after covering with a high-definition roller.
Step 4: Once the detailed areas are painted, move onto the more significant areas surrounding the window. When using your roller, make sure the paint from the previous section is still wet. This will help you to avoid any paint streaks that could appear.
Step 5: Wait for the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat! It’s crucial to give the paint the time it needs to dry. Otherwise, you will risk pulling the paint and creating unruly streaks or smearing.
Step 6: Apply a second coat of paint using the technique described above in steps 4-5. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.
Step 7: Once the paint has dried, remove Jasco® Mask & Peel™ from the windows or glass panes. Start by using a utility knife to score around the window frame. This should help you peel the mask from the entire glass pane.