Painted internal doors

[calabalamuc]

My house was built in the 50s and the internal doors are painted white. They are looking a bit tatty and need redone but I think they haven't been painted with a brush as the surface is so smooth and non-grainy. Could they be spray-painted? If so, how would I go about repainting? Can I just sand as with a normal door and repaint with a brush?

They might have been rollered. Chances are it's oil based paint so if you use something water based you might need to undercoat them first - Zinsser primers are good for that.

Hmm thanks - do you think it's oil-based because of the smoothness? Thick question, but is normal gloss water-based or oil-based? And can I just use a normal sander?

You can get both oil and water based gloss. Most is water based though because VOCs have had to be reduced. Water based white gloss yellows more quickly than oil based so you might want to use satinwood or eggshell paint instead.

You can test the paint by rubbing it with some cotton wool soaked in running alcohol - surgical spirit. If some of the paint comes off on the cotton wool, it's water based.

If it's oil based and you don't know when it was painted it's possible there is lead in the paint so sanding isn't a great idea. You only need to sand lightly to provide a key for the new paint. You can use a primer like Zinsser instead - no need to sand - and if you're changing from an oil based finish to using a water based paint this will ensure you get a good finish.

Rubbing alcohol, not running

Thank you wowfudge - that is really helpful. I tell you what, mumsnet gives better advice than B&Q

But then I'm not trying to sell you something! I've got 6 doors to paint myself. Luckily it's just a single coat to freshen up.

I’d get oil based as it covers better & looks better. Only benefit of water base is it dries quick & doesn’t smell as bad.

Use a gloss roller for a smooth finish or brush but don’t load the brush with paint.