With a touch of color, you can make your front door pop and change the look of your entire house!
Keep reading for our tips and a little color inspiration …
When is the Best Time to Paint Your Front Door?
The exterior of your home needs regular maintenance. If you’re noticing chipped or faded paint, it may be the perfect time to refresh both your trim and your front door.
The sun is your enemy when doing your front door. The sun will heat the door and cause the paint to dry too fast, causing streaks and drags in the paint. You’ll want to do it on an overcast day or when the sun is on the other side of the house. If it’s rainy or excessively humid in your area, it will take longer for the paint to dry. Early fall is the perfect time of year to get this done because of lower temperatures and lower humidity!
Be sure you have at least 4 hours set aside for this project, preferably all day for proper dry time.
Should You Paint Your Front Door Yourself, or Hire the Job Out?
This depends largely on how much effort you want to put into this project. Be aware, however, that getting a good-looking paint job requires a lot more than just a brush and a gallon of your favorite color.
The prep work is essential:
- Remove the lockset from the door or carefully cover it with painter’s tape.
- If you only can do the door when it’s sunny or you’re more comfortable doing the door horizontally, remove the door from its hinges and lay it out on sawhorses in your garage or other shady area.
- Clean the door with a wet rag and lightly scuff-sand the door to dull the finish with 120 or 150 grit sandpaper to aid in adhesion of the new paint. Wipe the door after sanding to remove any dust.
- Finally, you’ll be ready to paint!
If these steps – plus painting, waiting, reattaching hardware, rehanging the door, and tidying up – are too labor-intensive for you, it may be best to hire a professional.
Tips for Painting Your Front Door
(1) Purchase a quart of high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint. Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Gloss sheen is best for front doors. The shinier the paint, the more challenging it is to make it look nice, so choose wisely based on your painting experience.
(2) Next, purchase a high-quality 2-1/2” or 3” nylon bristle brush. Nylon-Polyester blends or brushes labeled “stiff” make it harder to achieve smooth brush strokes.
(3) Finally, purchase an “extender” such as XIM Extender, M-1 Conditioner, or Flood Floetrol. These will help keep your paint wet for a longer period of time and level out brush strokes.
(4) If the door has been previously painted by a professional, pay attention to the way the brush strokes are laid out. Most doors installed in the last 30 or so years are made of smooth insulated steel or fiberglass. More than likely, they were intended to mimic the direction of wood grain on a traditional wood door, so you’ll want to keep brush strokes in the same direction.
(5) If you’re changing the door color, 99.9% of the time you’ll need to apply two coats, and maybe three or more if you choose bright red or yellow. Be sure your paint is fully dry before painting subsequent coats for better coverage; you don’t want to disturb previous coats by starting your next coat too soon.
(6) If you plan to use a roller on your front door, proceed with caution, as it will leave a roller texture or “stipple” on the surface. Be sure this is the look you desire before you start. If you do choose to roll the door, a velour or mohair roller is your best choice. Be sure to apply enough paint to get a smooth coat without having to work the roller too vigorously. Your final pass should be very light to produce an even coat and a texture free of roller lines or “ropes.”
(7) Move quickly! Paint dries quickly these days and can be frustrating to deal with on a smooth surface such as your front door. If you move too slowly or overwork the paint, you’ll be disappointed with the results.
(8) Give the door a few hours to dry before re-hanging or closing it, especially if you painted it in place, so it doesn’t stick to the door seals.
If these steps – prep, painting, waiting, reattaching hardware, rehanging the door, and tidying up – are too labor-intensive for you, it may be best to hire a professional.
How Should You Choose a Color?
While a just-right paint color can add luxury and style to your exterior, a not-quite-right color can make your house look … off. No one wants their house to be the neighborhood eyesore. That’s why it’s important to take your time, consider the look you want, and choose a color that will go best with your existing exterior.
We recommend picking up a variety of paint chips or swatches and taping them to your door. You can also pick up samples of your favorite paint and try them out. Make sure you’re considering how the color will look in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
Is your house white? Consider a classic red door. Does your house already boast a lot of color? Choose a glossy black for the front door. Do you have a brick or stone home? The options are endless, but we love a surprising color – like deep green, sunny yellow, or even breezy turquoise – to bring a bit of style. There are plenty of combinations to try!
Contact One of Our Experts for a Beautiful, Professional Job – Every Time
Remember that our painters are experienced, knowledgeable, and thorough. If you’d like a professional paint job that will make your home the best-looking on the block, give us a call. Now is the perfect time!
