Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray

You might have noticed that I went from painting our pantry door black to painting it blue-gray in a very short time period LOL!! And us girls are known to change our minds – like often. I did really like the black door, but still loved the modern coastal style more. Plus this paint color was the perfect chameleon color (sometimes its looks more blue or looks more gray – depending on the surrounding decor). And since I had just painted the door black, this makeover was even easier! Let’s get to it. Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray

If you’re coming over from Painting Interior & Pantry Doors Black – this post has better pictures!

You can use these pics for the same process (if that’s what you decide).

***NOTE*** This post contains affiliate links which means that I will receive a small compensation if you purchase from those links at no cost to you. Thanks so much for your support 🙂

Here are some questions you might have.

Primer, Painting, Hinges Questions:

Do I need primer?

Yes if using Latex Paint (use water-based primer first, then paint).
Optional if using Oil-Based Paint (but if you do prime, use oil-based primer first, then paint).

I did not prime either of my doors, but did notice that the paint didn’t adhere perfectly at first.

It’s probably because I’m very particular about my paint 😉
Our doors were sprayed by the painters during our remodel – so I think that specific paint dries so cleanly, that it might prevent the paint from adhering well.
End result – it still dries perfectly smooth (even without primer).

How do I know if my Interior Doors were previously painted with latex or oil-based paint?

Rubbing Alcohol Test:

Dip cotton ball or paper towel into some rubbing alcohol and rub on your door. If paint comes off or you see the color on your cotton ball/paper towel – it is Latex Paint.
If the paint does not come off or is not on your cotton ball/paper towel – it is Oil-based Paint.

Can I paint only one side of an interior door?

Yes, I painted only one side of our back door and pantry door.
I’ll show you 2 different ways to paint the door edge: (not painted on back door & painted on pantry door)
Click here (bath/linen closet) or here (bedroom/closet doors) to see how to paint both sides of door.

Do I paint the hinges to match?

No do not paint hinges – if keeping the harwdare the same (like if stainless door knob, then keep stainless hinges).
Yes do paint hinges – if the hinges are already painted or if changing the hardware (like if the hinges are stainless, but you’re going to add a new gold knob).

Ok, let’s get to the supplies I used for Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray.

Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray

Here are the supplies I used for this project.

Supplies:

*1 Quart Oil-Based Satin Paint Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249)
1 Angled Paint Brush
small roller brush, handle, & tray
refills small roller brushes
plastic/cardboard boxes
canvas drop cloths
painter’s tape
scissors/paper towels – (to cover door handles)
paint brush cleaner
ladder/step stool
*If using latex paint, use water-based primer)

*Note: I recommend using satin for less sheen or semi-gloss for more sheen. I honestly prefer the satin finish, now that I have used both satin (painted black) and semi-gloss (painted blue-gray). Both clean up dirty finger prints very well 😉

Ok, let’s get to the 3 Easy Steps! Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray.

Painting Our Pantry Door: Blue-Gray

3 Steps:

Prep & Tape Area
Paint 2 Coats Blue-Gray
Paint Touchups

*Prime first if using latex paint.

Step #1: Prep & Tape Area

The first thing you want to do is wipe down and clean your door very well. There’s always dust that you can’t see, and that will prevent your paint from adhering well.

Then:

Tape the sides, top, and inside portions (if you have a window).
Tape the door handle or cover with paper towels.
You will notice that I did NOT tape the hinges on this door – because I am painting them.
Then put down your canvas or plastic floor covering.

So why did I only tape one side and half of the top trim?

It’s much easier to paint a door when it’s open.

Here is a better picture of the inside – so you can see that I am only painting the front side of the door again.

And that diagonol piece piece of tape on the upper left – is there to make sure that “some people” don’t accidentally close the door while the paint is drying 😉

And don’t forget to tape the inside of the door area as well.

You will be painting the inside edge of the door also (where I had previously painted it black).

Step #2: Paint 2 Coats Blue-Gray

Now you will paint 2 coats of your blue-gray paint.

I used Oil-Based Semi-Gloss Paint Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud (SW 6249) – but would use satin next time.

I recommend beginning in the top corner by the hinge side first.
That way you can get to the inside edge of the door and inside hinge areas (to catch drips).
This works so much easier with the door slightly opened.

You will use your paint brush to get all of the sides, panel grooves, and areas around the door knob.

Then you will go over those areas with your roller brush – to get rid of the paint brush “brush marks.”