Painting Over Semi Gloss Interior Doors: Simple Prep Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Updated October 2025: Refreshed tips and product recommendations for painting over semi-gloss interior doors, including primer advice and step-by-step guidance.

Painting over semi-gloss requires a little preparation, but it’s really simple once you know the steps. Since we’re gradually painting our entire house, I thought sharing our experiences might be helpful.

It’s important to prep the surface well when painting over semi-gloss. Skipping this step can lead to way more work down the line (trust me, I learned this the HARD way!).

When we purchased our home, we were thrilled that much of it had been freshly painted. But just a couple of weeks after moving in, we noticed cracking and alligatoring on the walls, and in the bathrooms, the paint even fell off completely. It turned out that flat paint had been applied over semi-gloss without proper priming or prep.

Weirdly, In our former home, I painted semi-gloss over semi-gloss without prepping a couple times with no issues!

Now, I always prime to be safe. The age of the paint definitely seems to matter. Being thorough with prep every time is WAY easier than repairing a peeling, flaking mess.

Preparation Methods for Painting over Semi Gloss Surfaces:

Deglosser is an option, but the fumes can be dangerous so I only like to use it outdoors.
Sanding to remove gloss: I hate thoroughly sanding, so I just don’t unless it’s really necessary because of roughness.
A high quality gripping primer: For our older home with peeling and texture issues, I use Zinsser Bulls Eye 123.

Since our home is older with a track record of peeling and paint texture issues, I use a high quality latex gripping primer with great results called Zinnser Bullseye 123. I used it here to paint this off yellow six panel interior door to finish up the pantry makeover.

If you’re repairing peeling or alligatored paint, Kilz Original or BIN are foolproof too, though the fumes are stronger, and cleanup is more involved.

Note: If your current paint is oil-based, you’ll need an oil-based primer such as Kilz or BIN before using latex paint. Unsure? Rub isopropyl alcohol on a small spot with a cotton ball. If paint comes off, it’s latex. If not, it’s likely oil based (or possibly lead based in an older home).

Supplies Needed

Zinnser Bulls Eye 123
Wood Filler
Sand paper
Paintbrush (love this brush!)
Foam Roller Kit
Your Desired Paint
new doorknob if needed

The Process:

Step 1: For best results when painting over semi gloss doors, Bighorn Interior Painting recommends starting with a thorough scrub using a degreasing cleaner first.

Step 2: Patch screw holes and imperfections with wood filler. For my door, I applied two coats because wood filler shrinks as it dries. Lightly sand the filled areas smooth and wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 3: Remove the doorknob and tape off hinges. You could remove the doors to paint them flat, but I prefer painting them in place to maximize nap times. A foam roller helps prevent drips and brush marks.

Step 4: Apply one coat of primer. Use a small brush for trim and bevels and a foam roller for flat surfaces. One coat is usually sufficient for good adhesion.

Update: I have done a ton of painting the past few years, and I love the wooster shortcut brush to cut corners precisely without taping! I added a few updated photos of a more recent project.

Step 5: After the primer dries, apply your paint. Start with bevels using the Wooster angled brush, then the roller for center panels and flat surfaces. Recoat as needed after each layer dries completely. Between coats, you can store rollers and brushes in plastic wrap or a sandwich bag, they’ll stay wet for weeks this way!

Now the pantry door is ready for some wooden spice racks! I’m thrilled to have a simple, reliable method for painting over semi-gloss doors, especially since there’s lots more painting to do in this house.

I obsessively researched and spoke with pros after our paint fiasco…so if you’re dealing with peeling or alligatored walls, I totally get your pain!

I’m happy to have a simple method for painting over semi gloss doors…because I have lots more to paint! As long as it will still turn out well, I like to keep things as simple as possible!