Don't Trust Painter's Tape To Protect Your Doorknobs. Here's What To Do Instead

Painting doors can seem like a straightforward project, but even the most seasoned homeowners who love to DIY still often fumble when they get to the doorknob. Although following the clever tips and tricks you need when painting your doors can help, it's still cumbersome. Yes, painter's tape is often tagged as the ultimate protector for these handles, but the reality is the adhesive strip is far from reliable. No matter how meticulously you tape, it's nearly impossible to get that completely secure coverage over such a curved and awkwardly placed surface. The solution to stop this headache is simple: remove the doorknob.

It's time to accept that the tape, even if you think you've chosen the right kind of painter's tape, can only do so much, especially around uneven surfaces like a doorknob. Tiny gaps in the seal let paint seep through while you're trying to maneuver the brush around the knob, often leaving behind a hard-to-clean mess on the handle. Plus, the final product is not as clean or crisp as you'd hope, and there may even be a little tape residue left behind. Removing the doorknob entirely then would free yourself from these obstacles to give you a professional-looking paint job. It may sound like extra effort, but detaching the handle might be the best route when you consider the hassle of cleaning stray paint splatter on your doorknob, which could also mess up the fresh coat of paint on the door. The removal will save you time, frustration, and give you a far cleaner result in the end!

Fortunately, removing a doorknob is far easier than it sounds. Most standard handles are held in place by just a few screws, which you can remove using a screwdriver. These are situated either on the faceplate — the part where the knob meets the door — or beneath a small latch. The knob should slide right out once the screws are removed. If the faceplate or latch remains in place, you can gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver or butter knife. Just remember to keep all the parts in a small bag or container to avoid losing any pieces so you can have a smooth reinstallation.

There are workarounds if removing the doorknob is not an option, especially if you're dealing with an older fixture that's stuck or a handle with no visible screws. You can try using plastic wrap or a small plastic bag secured with an elastic band and tape to fully cover the knob. This then creates a tighter and more protective seal than painter's tape alone can provide. You can also use foil wrap as another household staple to help keep paint from getting on your doorknobs. While painter's tape is a go-to, it alone isn't the best solution for protecting tricky areas like door handles. By taking a few extra minutes to remove the hardware, you'll have a flawless paint job that looks professional and polished.