Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by lindseymahoney
Applying paint to your front door is one of the simplest ways to refresh the curb appeal of your home. Purchasing a brand new door is expensive and a fresh coat of paint is an easy way to give the front of your home a new, fresh look.
Table of Contents
- Front Door Before
- What is the best kind of paint to use on your front door?
- How to Paint an Exterior Front Door | Tutorial
- 1 | Prep the Area
- 2 | Sand the Front Door & Make Repairs (if needed)
- 3 | Apply Primer (if needed)
- 4 | Paint the Door
- 5 | Reattach Hardware and Finishing Touches
- Final Thoughts
- More Content You Will Love
Front Door Before
Our front porch had seen better days and needs a glow-up! Changing the front door color is the best way to achieve a fresh new look quickly.
A few years ago I painted the door a dark gray called Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams. While I love that color, it wasn’t working on the door. With the front porch overhang, the color was too dark and often swallowed our seasonal wreaths making them hard to see.
I chose a pop of color that brightens up the front of our home and allows our wreaths to really shine. The new paint color is called Escape Gray by HGTV Home Sherwin Williams and it looks great for every season!
What is the best kind of paint to use on your front door?
To paint your front door, you want to use a type of paint that specifies that it is formulated for exterior use. Exterior latex paint is more durable than interior paint and will hold up to extreme weather.
I prefer to use a satin finish when painting our front door instead of flat or high-gloss paint because it is easy to clean without looking too shiny.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you easily paint your front door yourself.
How to Paint an Exterior Front Door | Tutorial
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Materials Needed to Paint an Exterior Door:
- Drop cloth or old sheet
- Painter’s tape
- Sanding block (120- to 220-grit sandpaper)
- Clean cloth or tack cloth
- High-quality exterior paint (choose a durable, weather-resistant paint) – If you are painting one door, you can probably get away with a quart of paint
- Paintbrushes (a 2-inch angled brush is ideal)
- Small foam roller
- Primer (if needed)
- Paint tray
- A stir stick
DISCLAIMER:
Before you start the paint job, check the weather forecast. Ideally, choose a day when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F, and avoid painting in direct sunlight or when rain is expected within 24 hours. This will help the paint dry evenly and prevent any issues with adhesion.
1 | Prep the Area
Start by laying down a drop cloth or old sheet to protect your porch or entryway from paint drips. While you can remove the hardware from your door, I prefer to cut around the door knob and lock with a paintbrush or use painter’s tape to protect it.
If your door has glass, you can use painter’s tape to protect it or use a paint brush to cut around the edges with paint. Once the wet paint dries you can use a razor to remove any dried paint.
2 | Sand the Front Door & Make Repairs (if needed)
Clean the old door thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. I used a rag and a bucket of soapy water but an all purpose cleaner will work too. If your door has any rough surface spots or peeling paint, use sandpaper to smooth these areas out. For larger cracks on a wood door, use wood filler to repair and sand it smooth.
A light sanding over the entire door will help the new paint adhere better. Wipe down the door with a damp rag to remove any dust.
3 | Apply Primer (if needed)
This is where I will advise you to do as I say, not as I do!
If you’re painting over a dark color or a stained door, applying a coat of primer can help ensure that your new paint color covers evenly. Use a brush to apply primer in any crevices or detailed areas, and a roller for the larger flat sections. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.
While I did skip this step when painting over a dark paint color, I did end up applying an additional coat of paint to get better coverage on the door.
4 | Paint the Door
Stir your paint thoroughly before you start applying the first coat of paint. When painting doors with panels, crevices and detailed areas, I like to use a paintbrush on the entire door.
For an exterior front door with large flat areas, I prefer a foam paint roller for a smooth finish without visible brush strokes. If you are painting a wood door, remember to paint in the direction of the wood grain.
It is best to allow the first coat to dry completely, usually about 4-6 hours before applying the next coat of paint. Because I am impatient, I usually wait until the paint is dry to the touch and then apply the second coat of paint. I skipped the primer so I applied a third coat of exterior paint to achieve full coverage.
The door frame has sidelight panels that also received a fresh coat of white trim paint.
5 | Reattach Hardware and Finishing Touches
Once the final coat of paint is dry, carefully remove any painters tape and reattach the door hardware. With a beautiful new front door paint color, now is the perfect time to hang a wreath and lay a new welcome mat to complete your home’s curb appeal makeover.
Even though the paint may feel dry to the touch, it can take several days to fully cure. During this time, it is a good idea to be gentle when opening and closing the door to avoid smudging or chipping the paint.
Final Thoughts
I am so happy with how our front porch looks with the welcoming gray green paint color on the front door. The new paint color pairs perfectly with the warm brown stones on the porch. My next outdoor DIY project will be to paint the shutters a dark green.
Painting your front door is an easy DIY project that can transform the look of your home in just a day. With these simple steps, you’ll have a beautifully painted front door that adds charm and personality to the exterior of your home.