how best to paint slatted (louver) closet door -- roller, brush, spray?

[Anonymous]

I need to put a fresh coat of paint on the closet door in my daughter's room, and while I don't want it to look sloppy, I really don't have a lot of time to dedicate to this project. I'd think that using a paint brush would be very time-consuming, what with the need to get in between all the slats -- should I try spray paint, or a roller instead? Have you done this, what have you tried? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I need to put a fresh coat of paint on the closet door in my daughter's room, and while I don't want it to look sloppy, I really don't have a lot of time to dedicate to this project. I'd think that using a paint brush would be very time-consuming, what with the need to get in between all the slats -- should I try spray paint, or a roller instead? Have you done this, what have you tried? Thanks.

wood or metal?

We have odd shaped doors from the 60s (metal) that my husband had to take out, strip and then repaint with a sprayer b/c it gave a more even look.

[Anonymous]

Ah, yes, that is an important detail -- sorry! They are wood. I'm leaning toward spray paint but also don't want to make a giant mess...

[Anonymous]

Might be cheaper and less time consuming to replace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Might be cheaper and less time consuming to replace.

+1

[Anonymous]

I had to repaint some shutters with slats; I did a paintbrush and it tended to get drippy and the paint would gather in the low points. So I might suggest spray paint as long as it's a standard-issue color -- but that paint can get drippy too, as I've learned, so be sure to apply thinly and evenly!

[Anonymous]

We ended up replacing ours after attempting to paint with a brush. The previous owner had painted it pepto-pink and it was much easier to buy a new door and be done with it! I'd try spraying, knowing you can replace if need be.

[Anonymous]

We are considering this our openings are 36 and 18, are these standard sizes, duo you have to cut replacements doors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are considering this our openings are 36 and 18, are these standard sizes, duo you have to cut replacements doors

Disregard 18 ,, I meant 36 and 72

[Anonymous]

OP here -- love the suggestions to simply replace the doors and be done with it! They are a standard size and a quick spin thru the Home Depot website shows me I can spend $35 and solve this problem. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Replacing is a good idea, except that you will not find doors at HomeDepot that come already painted. They are just primed and you need to paint them yourself.

[Anonymous]

Having attempted this before, I also agree with simply getting new ones.

[Anonymous]

The best, easiest and fastest is to use both a roller and a brush. Clean first with a vacuum and a brush, then roll on a good amount of paint vertically, then smooth out with a brush horizontally. Stat the top so you can smooth out drips as you go. There a lot of videos on YouTube that show this.

[Anonymous]

Are you changing the color, or just refreshing the existing color?

If your interest is speed, spray, but do multiple thin coats rather than trying to get all the spots on the first or second coat. It will save you time in the long run.