Repaint Door

Hi
I have an exterior door that need to be repaint. It looks like it already have been painted 2-3 times in the pass already, now that there are paint cracks all over the door. What is the best way to repaint the door? I have tired paint remover/thinner and doesn't seem to be working. Can I just try to sand it a little and put new paints?

 

You say that you have tried paint remover/thinner and it doesn't seem to work. What are you trying to do? If you wish to strip the old paint off and start with a fresh surface, paint thinner will not work. Paint thinner only removes wet paint. Once the paint has set, you must use either a mechanical method (sanding, scraping), heat (torch) or chemical (paint remover). What kind of paint remover did you use and what was the result?

 

Is the door wood? or metal?

Normal prep is to sand, wipe clean and paint.

 

I am trying to remove the old paint and start fresh coats. I forgot what brand I used but it was something I picked up from Wal-Mart. Due to multiple layers old paint on the door the paint remover is barley working. I have tried to sand it but it doesn't work either. Its a wooden door that access to my backyard.

 

What paint remover are you using?

 

You probably want to prime as well - do you know if the paint is oil or latex?

 

I am not sure what brand of paint remover I used.
Not sure if its oil or water base paint.
I know that if i just repaint it over I will see those crack lines =(

 

Paint and varnish removers [also called strippers] get brushed on the paint and bubble the paint up as it sets/works. You then scrape off the paint. it may need more than 1 application. When done the surface needs to be rinsed and sanded before it is ready for primer and paint.

Products like 'oops' and 'goof off' are for removing small amounts of latex paint - drips, smudges,etc.

A door that has only been painted 2-4 times shouldn't need to be stripped. A good sanding should ready it for paint. What grit sandpaper are you using? sanding by hand or with a sander?

Depending on the cause of the cracks and the weather exposure it recieves, SOMETIMES it is ok to use an exterior spackling to fill JUST the cracks - then sand, prime and paint.

 

I have tried both hand sanding and using a sander and does not seem to be working. I do not remember what grit sandpaper I used. Any recommendation on what grit sandpaper I should use?

The paint remover/stripper I used does not work too well, it only bubble up a small section at a time even when I applied heavily on the whole door. I guess the paints are too thick.

Maybe I give exterior spackling a try (what brand)?

 

I wouldn't recomend using a stripper at this point! Either continue with the stripper - apply liberally, don't over brush it and use a putty knife to scrape off the paint as it lifts/bubbles. It may take more than 1 application. The other option is to sand down what you have. I'd start with 80 grit but you could go as rough as 60 grit if the paper plugs up too quickly.