It’s time to give your front door a refresh! As the entryway to your property, your front door sets the tone for your entire home. Over time, weather and general wear and tear can dull its appearance, but a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into your home’s exterior. If you’re ready to upgrade your front door, here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
How to Prepare and What You’ll Need:
Before diving into the project, gather the necessary tools and materials our experienced painters recommend to ensure you’re fully prepared for the painting process.
- Sandpaper: Start with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to smooth the surface of the door and remove any existing paint or finish.
- Primer: Choose a high-quality primer suitable for exterior surfaces. This helps paint adhere better and ensures a smoother finish.
- Paintbrushes and Rollers: Opt for small brushes or rollers designed for your chosen paint type. A quality angled brush will help you achieve clean lines and even coverage.
- Painter’s Tape: Use painter’s or masking tape to protect surrounding areas, such as door hardware and trim, from accidental paint splatters.
- Exterior Paint: Select a durable exterior paint formulated for doors and trim. Consider factors like weather resistance and colour retention for long-lasting results.
- Screwdriver: Ensure you have a screwdriver available to remove any hardware.
- Drop Cloth: Lay down a drop cloth, dust sheet (or even an old bed sheet!) to protect the ground from drips and spills.
- Cleaning Supplies: Ensure the door surface is clean before painting by using a mild detergent and water or a specialised cleaner.
- Safety Gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust, fumes, and any potential hazards.
How to Paint Your Exterior Door
Follow these expert-approved steps to paint your front door like a pro:
Step 1: Prepare the Door
Start by removing any hardware, such as handles and locks, from the door. Place them in a safe location, ready for reinstallation later. Clean the door surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and grime. Use your sandpaper to smooth any rough areas and create a clean, even surface.
Step 2: Tape Off Areas
Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas you want to protect from paint, such as door hardware, windows, and trim. Take your time to ensure clean lines and prevent paint from bleeding onto adjacent surfaces.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Once the door is clean and dry, apply a coat of primer using a small brush or roller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats. Primer provides a base for the paint to adhere to and helps improve its durability and longevity. For more information on the best paints for your door, take a look at our recommendations below.
Step 4: Paint the Door
With the door prepped and taped off, it’s time to apply the paint. Start by painting the recessed or detailed areas first, such as panels or grooves, using a brush. Then use a roller to apply paint to the larger flat areas of the door. Work in smooth, even strokes, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure full coverage.
Step 5: Allow to Dry and Recoat
Once the first coat is applied, allow it to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the paint type and weather conditions, this may take several hours. Once dry, apply additional coats as needed for desired coverage and colour intensity, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Step 6: Reattach Hardware
Once the final coat is dry to the touch, carefully remove the painter’s tape and reattach the door hardware. Take care not to smudge or damage the freshly painted surface.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Newly Painted Door
Allow the paint to cure fully before subjecting it to heavy use or exposure to the elements. Once cured, step back and admire your handywork!
What Are the Best Paints to Use for Exterior Doors?
From our experience, we’d recommend choosing a high-quality, long-lasting paint designed specifically for outdoor use. Look for paints labelled as “exterior” or “door and trim” paints, as these are formulated to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection.
For added protection and longevity, we’d consider using an exterior paint with built-in UV protection or weather-resistant properties. These features are often included in most exterior paints and are designed to prevent fading, cracking, or peeling. If you’re interested in learning more about signs indicating your home’s exterior requires repainting, delve into our informative blog post on the topic.
Acrylic and latex paints are popular choices for exterior doors due to their resistance, flexibility, and ease of clean-up. These paints are available in a wide range of beautiful colours and finishes, allowing you to achieve the perfect look for your home’s exterior.
Paints for Composite & PVC Doors
Composite and PVC doors are known for their durability and resistance to moisture and rot. When painting these types of doors, it’s essential to use a paint specifically formulated for use on non-porous surfaces. Look for acrylic or latex paints designed for exterior use, as they offer excellent adhesion and flexibility.
Additionally, consider using a primer specifically produced for naturally watertight surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and long-lasting results. These primers help create a suitable surface for the paint to bond to, preventing peeling and flaking over time.
Paints for Wooden Doors
Wooden doors offer a timeless and classic look, but they require proper maintenance to keep them looking their best. When painting your wooden door, our painting specialists recommend choosing a high-quality exterior paint prepared for use on wood surfaces. Acrylic and latex paints are excellent choices for wooden doors, as they are easy to apply, flexible and durable.
Before painting, it’s essential to properly prepare the wood surface by sanding it smooth and removing any existing paint or finish. Apply a primer suitable for use on wood surfaces to bolster adhesion and prolong the paints lifespan.
Consider using an exterior paint with built-in UV inhibitors and weather-resistant properties to protect the wood from sun damage, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. These features will help ensure your wooden door looks great for years to come.
Painting your front door can be a simple yet impactful way to refresh your home’s exterior and leave a lasting impression if done correctly. If you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, we’re on hand to support with any assistance you require for your home renovation. Explore our comprehensive exterior painting services, call us on 01252 377714 or fill out our contact form for a personalised, free no-obligation quote and to discuss your project.
