A Guide on How to Paint Your Front Door

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!