FAUX-PANEL DOOR

Make an entrance by giving a plain internal door a classy new look with trim and paint. We’ve used half-round beading, but you can use moulding with a wider, more detailed profile. Cut the long sides first; if you make a mistake, they can be repurposed for shorter pieces. Most doors are in high-traffic areas, so choose a hard-wearing paint tinted in your favourite feature colour. Have permission to paint a door in your rental but not to remove and rehang it? Mask over the door hardware before painting in situ.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, eye protection and gloves ) n Drop sheet n Pair of sawhorses n Tape measure and pencil n Level n Combination square n Mitre box and handsaw n Cloth n 50mm angled paintbrush n Mini microfibre roller and tray n Flush internal door n Half-round moulding• n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block n Construction adhesive with applicator n Primer n Semi-gloss water-based enamel paint (we used PPG Paints ‘Ultimate Enamel’ in Amazing Ada)

1 Haydn 110mm mini paint tray, $5.25, I/N: 0755836.

2 Dulux ‘1Step Prep’ primer, sealer and undercoat in White, I/N: 1370231. 3 Hume Pine ‘Pinetrim’ 18mm x 6mm untreated clear pine half round moulding, $5.22/2.4m, I/N: 0293524• 4 Irwin ‘Xpert’ 550mm 10 TPI fine handsaw, $38.99, I/N: 0171679. 5 Paint Partner 3.6m x 2.6m canvas drop sheet with PE back, $23.65, I/N: 1660308. 6 Monarch ‘All Purpose’ 50mm wall synthetic paintbrush, $13.49, I/N: 1660613.

7 PPG Paints ‘Ultimate Enamel’ semi gloss water based paint in White, $51.55/1L, I/N: 0171667. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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1 Lay a drop sheet over a pair of sawhorses, then place the door on this. Mark out the feature trim design with a tape measure and pencil, using a level as a straightedge. Tip: Check that the moulding won’t impede the handle or the door jamb.

2 Transfer the measurements onto lengths of moulding, using a combination square to mark the mitred ends. Tip: We set out three panels with 18mm x 6mm half-round fly beading, but you could choose any design and profile for the moulding.

3 Cut the moulding, long sides first, using a mitre box with a handsaw. Smooth the ends using 180-grit abrasive paper with a sanding block to remove any breakout. Tip: Secure the mitre box to your workbench with screws through existing holes in the base.

Now see how to revamp your home’s entry: bunnings.co.nz/ paint-a-front-door

Watch it!

4 Check that the moulding fits as you cut each piece. Once you’re happy with the moulding, fix it in position using construction adhesive, pressing each piece down firmly. Remove the excess adhesive with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

5 Apply primer, using an angled brush to cut in over and around the moulding and a mini roller over the rest of the surface of the door. Tip: We used a new door. If you’re using an existing door, remove the handle and hinges prior to priming and painting.

6 Apply two coats of waterbased enamel using an angled brush to cut in over and around the moulding and a mini roller over the rest of the surface of the door, leaving to dry after each. Reinstall the hardware or remove the masking tape and then hang the door.

Keep in mind...

n If using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

n When painting or using aerosols like spray adhesive, work in a wellventilated area, wear a mask, eye protection and gloves, and protect surrounds with a drop sheet.