How to Paint a White Door to Look Like Wood?

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a wood-grain tool, paintbrushes, a foam roller, wood stain or paint (in your desired wood color), and a base coat (if needed).
2. Prepare the Door: Remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat. Clean it thoroughly, then lightly sand the surface to help the paint adhere.
3. Apply a Base Coat: If you want a more authentic wood look, start with a base coat that matches the undertone of your chosen wood color. Let it dry completely.
4. Stain or Paint: Apply your wood-colored paint or stain using a brush or roller. Work in sections to keep a wet edge.
5. Create the Wood Grain Effect: While the paint is still wet, use a wood-grain tool or a brush to create lines and patterns that mimic natural wood grain. You can practice on a scrap piece first to get the technique down.
6. Seal It: Once everything is dry, apply a clear topcoat to protect the finish and enhance the look.
7. Rehang the Door: Once fully dried, reattach the door and enjoy your new wood-look finish!

We repainted our exterior house last year but the front white door didn’t go well with the look so we thought of changing it. I wanted to give it a wood finish, but didn’t know how to do it. Then, I researched it and came across a video that explained how to paint a white door to look like wood. I found that it can be done by sanding the door and then painting it with the latex paint. I have shared the tips below for your reference.

How to Make White Doors Look Like Wood? 

Creating a faux wood finish is easy but to make sure it’s convincing, I found that you need to be extra careful to not mess things up. Here are the steps you can follow. 

Sand the Door

Firstly, protect your door hardware with painters tape to ensure you don’t spill paint all over. You also need to spread a drop cloth on the floor to prevent stains. Lightly sand the door to remove any gloss and then wipe it off with a cloth. 

Paint the Door

Paint your door brown with the flat latex paint. If you’re painting a door that has not been previously painted, prime it first. 

Apply Gel Stain

• Once the paint is dry, apply gel stain all over the door using a foam brush or a stain pad. Stain pad is a better choice for easier access to the corners. 

• Once you’re done, keep it overnight to dry completely. 

• Then, apply a second coat of gel stain and use a chip brush to remove some gel stain to create grain lines. This will give a wood-like appearance. 

• Then, use a cardstock to create a barrier between the edges of each section. 

Seal the Door 

Apply three coats of any sealer to seal the door. This will protect the faux wood finish and make it look like a real wood. 

These are some of the necessary steps you should take to give your door a faux wood finish. However, I decided to consult a professional as I am not skilled enough to do it alone. I hope this helps you understand how to paint white door to look like wood.