You'll need a screwdriver, latex gloves, goggles, TSP or TSP-PF, drop cloths, a bucket, clean rags, 180-grit sandpaper, liquid chemical deglosser (if you’re covering semi-gloss or glossy paint), primer, a 2-1/2 or 3-inch angled sash brush, stir sticks, and a pad painter (only if you don’t remove the door).
Take the door off its hinges, using a screwdriver to push up on the pins.
![Take the door off its hinges, using a screwdriver to push up on the pins.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361468.image0.jpg)
Get a helper to hold onto the door while you’re working. If you prefer to leave the door in place, cover the handle and all hardware with 2-inch blue painter’s tape to avoid spatters.
Lay the door flat on the floor, on sawhorses, or on chairs.
![Lay the door flat on the floor, on sawhorses, or on chairs.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361469.image1.jpg)
Protect the floor or raised surface with a drop cloth.
Remove doorknobs and other hardware.
![Remove doorknobs and other hardware.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361470.image2.jpg)
Using the appropriate screwdriver to remove the hardware.
Mix a mild TSP or TSP-PF solution in a bucket, and use the solution and clean rags to remove dirt, grease, and oils from the door.
![Mix a mild TSP or TSP-PF solution in a bucket, and use the solution and clean rags to remove dirt, grease, and oils from the door.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361471.image3.jpg)
Be sure to wear gloves and goggles. If the door is especially greasy, wipe on a degreaser and clean it with a rag. Let the door dry completely.
Smooth any chipped paint or bumpy imperfections with 180-grit sandpaper.
![Smooth any chipped paint or bumpy imperfections with 180-grit sandpaper.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361472.image4.jpg)
Be sure to feather out the edges of the paint surrounding the chips. Wipe off dust with a clean, damp rag.
Wipe a deglosser on with door with a clean rag until the door feels tacky.
![Wipe a deglosser on with door with a clean rag until the door feels tacky.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361473.image5.jpg)
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the deglosser to determine the best waiting time before moving on to paint.)
Brush primer on the door.
![Brush primer on the door.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/361474.image6.jpg)
Use a 2-1/2-inch brush to apply the primer. Let it dry thoroughly.
Smooth away any imperfections using 180-grit sandpaper. If you notice tiny imperfections in the primer that will show through on the finished layer, lightly sand the primer after it dries using 180-grit sandpaper. Be sure to wipe the door down with either a damp rag or a tack cloth.