Updated on 23 June 2026 · by Pepe, painter in Elche
Dark or yellowed doors and wardrobes age a whole house, but replacing them costs a fortune and means building work. I'm Pepe, a painter in Elche working across the Costa Blanca, and there's nearly always a far cheaper option: respraying them so they come up like new.
Respraying costs a fraction of replacing
Replacing the doors in a house means buying new doors, frames, architraves, handles and paying a joiner, plus all the mess of the works. Respraying the ones you already have costs just a slice of that, with no building work and nothing thrown away. For most homes, it's the smart choice.
When respraying pays off (and when it doesn't)
Respraying is the clear winner when the doors are sound in structure and only 'tired' in colour or finish:
- Yes to respraying: sound wooden or melamine doors, railings and radiators, dated fitted wardrobes.
- Better to replace: doors swollen from water, rotten, out of square or with a broken core.
- If in doubt, I'll take a look and tell you honestly which works out cheaper for you.
Water-based enamel: the secret to a good finish
I work with top-brand water-based enamels: they give a tough, long-lasting finish, stand up to knocks and cleaning, barely smell and dry fast, so you can get back to normal life sooner. Off-white is the most versatile and brightest choice, but I can respray in any colour you like.
How I do it
A proper respray isn't 'one coat and done'. I sand so it grips, apply primer, sort out any imperfections and lay on as many coats of enamel as it takes for an even finish with no brush marks. I protect the hinges, floors and walls, and leave everything clean when I'm done. The result looks like brand-new joinery for far less money.
Want the exact price for your project?
I will come and see it with no obligation and give you a fixed quote, free and the same day. You deal directly with me, no middlemen.
FAQ
- Does the sprayed finish hold up or does it flake?
- With good prep and quality enamels, it holds up perfectly to daily use for years. The key is in the sanding and the primer, which is exactly where I don't cut corners.
- Can I go from dark wooden doors to white?
- Yes, that's what I'm asked for most. Going from a dark sapele or oak to off-white completely transforms a home and floods it with light.
- How long does it take to respray the doors in a house?
- It depends how many there are and how many coats they need, but a set of doors for a flat usually takes just a few days. I'll confirm the exact timing in the quote.