How to Paint Your Front Door

Are you thinking about changing the look of your front door? A glass entryway door replacement could be the stylish update you’re looking for. However, an inexpensive coat of paint might be all you need to add a splash of color and a fun new accent to your home.

    The color you choose for your front door is completely up to you. You might pick a hue to match your shutters and trim, or you may select a color that’s one shade darker than the siding. You can also opt for a bold color, such as fire engine red or sunshine yellow, to make a statement when guests approach your home.

   After picking the right color to complement your exterior, follow these tips on how to paint a front door to ensure a beautiful finished product.

  Prepare the Door for New Paint

  Prep work is the most important part of the door painting process. Here’s what you should do:

•    Remove the door from the frame. It’s possible to paint a front door without removing it, especially if you’re only doing touch-ups, but drips and runs are always a concern. If feasible, remove the door and lay it flat on a sawhorse for painting.

•    Remove all hardware. If you decide to leave the hinges, deadbolt, and handle in place, mask them off with painter’s tape after completing all the other prep work.
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• Clean the door with warm, soapy water and a sponge. Rinse with clean water and allow the door to dry completely.
• Scrape away old paint to prevent adding yet another layer that could make the door rub against the jamb. Remove paint from a wood door with a sharp carbide or stainless steel scraper. For a metal door, use sandpaper. For a fiberglass door, strip the paint with a chemical agent. TIP: If the door hasn’t been painted since the 1970s, you should have it checked for lead before scraping or sanding. CLICK HERE for more info on lead-based paint concerns.
• Fill scratches and dents with spackling compound. Use two-part epoxy or epoxy wood filler for deep gouges and holes. Use sandpaper and a wire brush to prep and smooth the surface.

Prime the Door

Don’t skip this step – primer seals porous wood doors, prevents dark colors from showing through, and helps the paint last longer. Prime the entire door to avoid a blotchy look that can come from spot priming.

Once the primer dries, sand the entire door with 180- or 220-grit sandpaper. Vacuum up the debris and wipe the door with a damp cloth.

Paint the Door

Follow these front door painting tips:

• Apply paint evenly and smoothly. Use a foam brush for small areas around windows or panels and a high-density foam mini roller for the rest of the door. Plan to apply at least two, maybe three coats for an even finish.
• Sand the door between coats. Employ the same sanding method you used after priming to help each coat of paint stick.

Hang the Door

When the paint is dry to the touch, it’s time to hang the door. After all, you want to get it back in place as soon as possible for security reasons. To protect the weather-stripping from tacky paint, cover it with painter’s tape until it dries completely. You should be able to remove this protective layer after two or three days.

If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of painting your front door by yourself, enlist the help of Five Star Painting. Our experienced, professional crew guarantees your satisfaction with the job we deliver! To learn more, or to schedule any interior or exterior painting services, please contact us today.