Can you paint door frames?
Would you like to repaint your door frame and keep costs low? With the right preparation, you can paint it yourself. Comparis will help you.
27.02.2026
iStock/Heiko Küverling
1. When should I paint the door frames?
By painting the door frames, you enhance the ambience in your home. Depending on the material, you also protect the frames – and therefore part of the building structure – with a coat of paint.
Good reasons for adding a fresh splash of colour include:
The door frames are unattractive and worn out.
You would like a change of style.
There is damage from moving house.
First coat for renovations or new-builds.
Tip: the best time is when you are already carrying out painting work or carrying out other renovations.
Are your door frames made of wood? Then a coat of paint is not just a matter of aesthetics. Wood is sensitive to moisture and wear. A good coat of paint protects the material, extends its service life and makes it easier to clean.
2. What paint should you use for door frames?
While the colour depends on your taste, there are different types of paint for painting door frames. The most suitable paint depends on the material, the room and your personal preference. Essentially, you can choose from the following types of paint: the following types of paint are generally available to choose from:
Well suited for opaque coatings on indoor door frames.
Acrylic paints are water-based. They typically contain little or no solvents. As a result, they emit no or only small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This makes them more health-friendly and more environmentally friendly than solvent-based paints. As a rule, acrylic paints dry quickly and are almost odourless.
Particularly suitable for heavily used door frames, demanding materials or in damp rooms such as bathrooms.
These paints are solvent-based. They adhere very well and are hard-wearing. However, they are harmful to the environment, and there are health risks. Synthetic resin paints give off a stronger odour and require a long drying time.
Be sure to wear good protective gear and ensure good ventilation in the rooms.
Useful for door frames that are exposed to extreme stress. In residential spaces, two-component paints are used relatively rarely.
These paints consist of two separate components: the lacquer and a hardener. When they are combined, a chemical reaction occurs. The result: faster and harder curing than with synthetic resin paints. 2K paints offer exceptional adhesion and durability.
These varnishes usually contain solvents. There are significant environmental and health risks. Good protection is required.
Provide an appealing matt finish, but they are not very durable.
These paints are usually water-based. Without a topcoat, chalk paint is generally not suitable for door frames that are subject to heavy use. However, for door frames that are not subject to heavy use, it can be an attractive option.
As a rule, it is worth applying an additional sealant, for example wax or clear varnish. This makes the paintwork more durable. However, it can affect the matt, powdery look.
Chalk paints are generally considered to be harmless to health. However, the ingredients in sealants can pose health risks.
When buying the varnish, make sure that it is block-resistant . Block-resistant means that the dried, varnished surfaces do not stick to each other when pressed together.
How glossy should the finish be?
The gloss level of the paint determines the appearance and maintenance of the door frames. Depending on your style and preferences, choose from:
Silk-matt and silk-gloss paints are popular for door frames. They have a slight sheen, but do not reflect light excessively. These paints look high-quality and are resistant to fingerprints or minor dirt.
Glossy paints reflect light more strongly and create a striking surface. These paints are particularly easy to maintain. However, unevenness or imperfections in the finish are more noticeable.
Matt paints have no gloss at all. They look understated and modern. You can achieve a particularly powdery effect with chalk paints. These paints can effectively conceal small imperfections in the wood and give the room a simple, elegant look. However, chalk paint finishes are susceptible to stains, dents and abrasion.
3. Painting door frames: instructions
The steps for painting door frames vary depending on the choice of paint and the material of the door frames. If in doubt, follow the paint supplier’s instructions.
These are the typical steps:
1. Prepare the surface: remove any unevenness, old varnish or paint residue using sandpaper (120–180 grit). If the surface is already smooth, you can also paint the door frame after lightly sanding it. Important: if there are already several old coats of varnish, sanding is generally essential. Otherwise, you run the risk of the door not closing properly after painting.
2. Cleaning: clean the frame thoroughly. Remove dust and grease.
3. Masking: carefully tape off adjacent surfaces (wall, door) with painter’s tape. This will give you clean edges. You can also remove the door from its hinges.
1. Check whether a primer is required. This depends on the type of varnish chosen and on the material and condition of the door frames. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. If so: apply the primer to the prepared surface according to the instructions, using a clean brush or a paint roller.
3. Allow the primer to dry completely dry completely.
Depending on the material, it may be advisable to use special protective primers makes sense. For example, if you want to paint untreated metal door frames, a anti-rust primer makes sense. For untreated wooden door frames, a so-called «wood sealer» is often worthwhile. wood sealer.
Use a brush or a small paint roller. Apply the lacquer in a thin, even layer. Allow the paint to dry completely. For the drying time, follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
Intermediate sanding: After the first coat of varnish has dried, sand the surface lightly (220–320-grit paper). This will help you smooth the surface and improve the adhesion of the second coat.
Applying the second coat: Apply a second coat of varnish and allow it to dry completely. If you wish, you can apply a third coat.
For chalk-based paints: Apply the topcoat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove the painter’s tape, while the paint is still wet. This way, you avoid tearing off any dried-on paint.
Drying time and care
The lacquer must be completely dry, before you use the door frame again. Afterwards, you should clean the frame regularly. This will help keep the new paintwork in good condition for a long time.
Please note: when painting with solvent-based paints, there is a health risk.
During painting and drying, you should only enter the room with appropriate protective equipment enter the room only while wearing appropriate protective gear. Additionally, ensure the room is well ventilated until the paint is completely dry.
4. Painting a door frame: how much will it cost?
The cost of painting a door frame yourself varies depending on the material and size. They also depend on whether you paint it yourself or hire professionals.
Here are the approximate costs of painting the door frame yourself:
| Lacquer (acrylic, synthetic resin, 2-component or chalk lacquer) | Approx. 10 to 40 francs per tin |
|---|---|
| Primer | Approx. 10 to 20 francs per tin |
| Brush, roller, sandpaper, masking material | Approx. 25 to 100 francs |
| Protective equipment (respirator, protective clothing) | Approx. 50 to 100 francs |
| Total cost of initial equipment | Approx. 95 to 260 francs |
Note: With this material, you can usually paint several door frames.
How much does a professional charge?
A painter charges approximately between 150 and 250 francs per door frame – depending on travel, the amount of work required and the chosen paint. However, the prices can sometimes vary greatly.
5. Common mistakes when painting door frames
These are common mistakes when painting door frames:
Inadequate masking: without careful masking, you will get messy edges and paint marks on adjacent surfaces. This affects the overall appearance.
Coats that are too thick: this often results in drips and unevenness. It is better to apply several thin coats.
Insufficient sanding: a smooth surface is important to ensure the varnish adheres evenly.
Using the surface too soon: varnish that has not yet fully cured can quickly develop scratches or marks.
Using the wrong tools: an unsuitable brush or paint roller can leave streaks or blisters. Using the right tools ensures an even finish.
Insufficient drying time between coats: if the first coat of varnish is not yet fully dry when the second coat is applied, unsightly marks and unevenness can occur.
Should I paint myself or hire a painter?
Painting door frames can be quite tricky and time-consuming. If you have the budget, it may therefore make sense to hire a professional painting company. It may be worth comparing different quotes in this case.
6. Frequently asked questions about painting door frames
Sanding down the door frame means that the new paint lasts longer. That’s why it’s worth sanding the door frame before painting.
You should not paint door frames with wall paint. This is because varnishes are generally more durable. Use a paint that is suitable for the substrate.
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This article was first published on 26.11.2024
