After 11+ years of teaching women how to paint door hangers, I’ve noticed something surprising:

Most beginner frustration doesn’t happen during the painting.

It happens before you even pick up the brush. But the good news is that it’s fixable with a few simple tricks and supply swaps. 

In this guide, I’m walking you through the most common beginner door hanger painting mistakes — and exactly what to do instead so your next project feels easier, smoother, and more fun!

Why Most Beginner Door Hanger Projects Go Wrong

If your first door hanger didn’t turn out the way you hoped, it’s easy to assume that you aren’t artistic or talented enough. But that’s not the problem! 

Instead, I usually see things happening like: 

• The wrong supplies
• No prep
• A design that’s too advanced
• No clear plan

So by the time you sit down to paint, you’re already working uphill. Let’s fix that so making door hangers always feels creative and fun!

Mistake #1: Using Cheap Craft Store Brushes

One of the biggest beginner mistakes in door hanger painting starts with something simple – your brushes.

I get it. You walk into a craft store, see a pack of brushes for a few dollars, and think, “This will work for now.” But here’s what actually happens when you use low-quality brushes:

• They don’t hold their shape. 
• They leave streaks.
• They shed bristles into your paint.

And suddenly, painting feels harder than it should. That’s when a lot of beginners start thinking: “Maybe I’m just not good at this.”

But it’s not you. It’s the brush!

What to Use Instead

Don’t worry about curating a brush collection. A few good-quality brushes that give you control will work just fine. I recommend having these on hand: 

• A flat brush for base coating
• A round brush for curves and smaller areas
• A liner brush for details and lettering

A good brush glides. It helps you, instead of fighting you. And that alone can completely change your experience as a beginner.

If you want a little direction for your next trip to the craft store, check out my brush guide here.

Mistake #2: Skipping Wood Prep Before Painting

This is one step that gets skipped all the time. Mostly because it’s not the fun part. And I understand that – I always have my husband, who works in our woodshop, do this because I hate sanding door hanger blanks.

But it matters more than most people realize.

When you don’t prep your wood:

• Paint can look streaky or uneven
• It may not stick properly
• You can end up with peeling later on

Even wood that feels smooth — like MDF or plywood — still needs a light sanding.

Why Sanding Matters

Paint sticks best to a slightly scuffed surface. Without that, your base coat can struggle to go on evenly, no matter how many coats you apply. Two minutes of prep can save you so much frustration later.

Mistake #3: Choosing a Door Hanger Design That’s Too Advanced

This one is probably the most common mistake beginners make. You find a beautiful design online — something detailed, layered, maybe with fancy lettering — and think:

“That’s the one I want to make!”

And I don’t blame you. Of course you do. I’m not here to discourage you! But if you’re just starting out, that kind of design requires skills you haven’t built yet.

So what happens?

• You feel overwhelmed
• It doesn’t look like the example
• You get discouraged

And the last thing we want is for that to lead you to giving up painting altogether. As a beginner, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s momentum. So pick something simple as you get more comfortable painting. 

Look for designs with:

• Large, open shapes
• Minimal details
• Simple or optional lettering

Remember: Even experienced painters didn’t start with complex designs. They built their skills one project at a time.

Mistake #4: Not Planning Your Colors Ahead of Time

You choose one color you love. Then another that “kind of” matches. Then a third for the background. And before you know it, something feels off, but you can’t quite figure out why.

The issue isn’t the colors themselves, it’s how they all fit together!

When your colors aren’t chosen intentionally, they don’t work together. They compete.

Instead, before you paint:

• Choose 3 to 6 colors
• Lay them out side by side
• Look at how they feel together

If one color feels too loud or out of place, trust that instinct.

Mistake #5: Using Too Many Paint Colors

This mistake usually goes hand-in-hand with the last one. You pull out every color you own just in case you need it. And then you end up using all of them. It happens!

But it usually results in:

• A design that feels busy
• Too many competing colors
• No clear focal point

Less is usually more. When you limit your colors, everything looks more cohesive and intentional. I recommend sticking with 3-4 colors max.

How to Paint a Door Hanger Successfully as a Beginner

If you take nothing else from this, remember this simple setup:

Before you start painting, make sure you have:

• Quality brushes that work with you
• A prepped (lightly sanded) surface
• A beginner-friendly design (this tutorial is a great place to start!)
• A simple color plan
• A limited color palette

None of these steps are complicated, but they make a huge difference in how your final piece turns out!

Ready to Learn How to Paint a Door Hanger Step-by-Step?

My free Door Hanger Basics Training walks you through everything you need to know as a beginner, including:

• What supplies to use
• How to get started
• Simple techniques that actually work

It’s designed to be a clear place to start, so that even if you’ve never painted before, you can get a solid start! Clearing up the confusion before you start can make the whole process a lot more fun. So grab your free training and let’s get you started!