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Paint internal doors.
Hand-painted with eggshell or satinwood — sanded, primed and 2-coated to a clean, even finish.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on internal Door Painting.
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Brush marks in panels
Cheap paint or brush sets pools and marks. Use quality synthetic brush and slow-set paint.
Yellowing white
Oil-based gloss yellows fast. Use water-based satinwood for non-yellowing.
Knot bleed
Pine doors leak sap. Always shellac-knot-block first.
Sticking after paint
Paint build-up makes the door bind. Plane the latch edge if needed.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Hollow-core flat door, both sidesSimple paint job
£50–£120
Solid-core panel door, both sidesMore prep
£80–£180
4-panel Victorian door, both sidesHeritage detailing
£100–£250
6-panel Georgian door, both sidesMore panels
£120–£300
Whole-house doors (10 doors)Bundled rate
£500–£2k
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Decorator explained
Refreshing internal doors transforms hallways, bedrooms and the whole feel of a house. Expect to pay £60–£200 per door fitted in the UK for professional repaint, depending on prep and finish required.
What Does the Work Involve?
Door removed from hinges (most jobs) or painted in situ (faster but more masking). Hardware removed (handles, latch, hinges). Existing finish sanded with 240-grit. Cracks and nail holes filled. Knot-block primer on any pine knots. Primer-undercoat applied. Two top coats of water-based satinwood or eggshell, with light sanding between. Door rehung after final coat hard-dry.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core flat door, both sides | 50 | 120 | Simple paint job |
| Solid-core panel door, both sides | 80 | 180 | More prep |
| 4-panel Victorian door, both sides | 100 | 250 | Heritage detailing |
| 6-panel Georgian door, both sides | 120 | 300 | More panels |
| Spray finish premium | +£50 | +£150 | Per door, off-site |
| Strip varnish before paint | +£60 | +£150 | Per door |
| Whole-house doors (10 doors) | 500 | 2,000 | Bundled rate |
How Long Does It Take?
Single door in situ: 1 day plus drying. Off-site spray (better finish): 3–5 days. Whole-house (10 doors) hand-painted: 4–7 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able for hollow-core flat doors. Panel doors require careful brush work to avoid pooling in the recesses. Spray finish is professional only.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any decorator. For spray-finish, ask if they have off-site spray facility. Quality water-based satinwood (Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood, Crown Trade Fastflow) is the modern standard.
UK Regulations
Lead-paint regulations on pre-1960s doors. Listed buildings may have door restrictions.
Common Problems
- Brush marks in panels: Cheap paint or brush sets pools and marks. Use quality synthetic brush and slow-set paint.
- Yellowing white: Oil-based gloss yellows fast. Use water-based satinwood for non-yellowing.
- Knot bleed: Pine doors leak sap. Always shellac-knot-block first.
- Sticking after paint: Paint build-up makes the door bind. Plane the latch edge if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spray or hand-brush?
Spray gives factory-perfect finish, no brush marks. Hand-brush is acceptable for most domestic situations with quality paint. Spray costs 30–50% more.
Best paint for doors?
Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood, Crown Trade Fastflow Satinwood. For ultra-durable: Tikkurila Helmi (Finnish premium).
Can I paint varnished doors?
Yes — but sand first to break the varnish surface, then use adhesion primer (Bedec MSP, Otex). Or strip the varnish off entirely for a better finish.
Do I need to remove the door?
Best results: yes. But in situ painting works with careful masking. Off-site spray definitely requires removal.
Gloss or satinwood?
Modern preference: satinwood (lower sheen, less brush marks visible). Traditional: gloss. Eggshell is the matt option, increasingly popular.
How long is the door unusable?
Touch-dry 1–2 hours, rehang next day. Avoid heavy use for 7 days (paint still hardening).
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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