Painting your front door is a quick and easy way to give your home's exterior a fresh new look. Not only will doing this add curb appeal, but it'll also protect your door from the elements.
If you're looking for how to paint your front door, whether you're a first-time painter or a seasoned DIY-er, we'll walk you through the steps of how to properly paint your front door.
Can You Paint a Door Without Removing It?
Thankfully, it is indeed possible to paint a front door without having to remove it from its hinges. However, doing so entails some extra preparation and care to ensure a smooth, even finish. Follow our tips for painting your front door below.
How To Paint a Door Without Removing It: Step By Step
- Remove hardware such as door handles, locks, and knobs.
- Clean the surface of the door to remove any dirt. Use soapy water or a degreaser if necessary.
- Work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from the paint can be strong.
- If there are any holes or dents in the door, use wood filler or caulk to fill them in.
- Using fine-grit sandpaper, sand the door to rough it up and remove any gloss or varnish and achieve a smooth finish.
- For previously painted doors, use a paint scraper or general flat scraper to remove flaking paint.
- Use painter's or masking tape to protect areas that shouldn't be painted, such as the floor, door frame, door furniture, and glass panels.
- Apply a primer to the door to seal the surface. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply it in even coats.
- Once the primer has dried, use a different paintbrush or roller to apply the first coat of paint to the whole door, painting one side of the door at a time. Use a small paint brush to touch up any tight corners or details. Depending on the type of paint, you may need two coats. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, avoiding drips and runs from excess paint.
- Allow the paint to dry fully before applying a second coat or reinstalling the hardware and closing the door. Depending on the humidity and temperature, this generally takes around four hours.
What Is the Best Paint for a Front Door?
Finding the right exterior door paint will largely depend on the type of door you have. For example, oil-based gloss paint is best for a timber door, as it's practical and hardwearing. Conversely, latex-based paint is also a good option for painting front doors, as it's easier to work with, emits less odour, and dries faster.
What Is the Best Paint for a uPVC Door?
The best paint for a uPVC door is one that is specially formulated for exteriors, is long-lasting, durable and weatherproof, and can adhere well to uPVC surfaces. You will also need a good primer, to prepare the door before painting.
Is Door Paint Necessary?
Using paint that's specifically for a door isn't necessary. However, If you have a wooden front door, then using exterior paint might be a good idea to protect the bare wood. Exterior paint is specially designed for an exterior door, meaning it's made to withstand harsh weather conditions, so it can make wooden doors last much longer.
Do I Have to Paint My Door the Same Colour?
You don't have to paint your door the same shade as the rest of your house or trim. In fact, using a contrasting colour can be a great way to make a statement. Home renovation catalogues are a great resource for colour inspiration.
At Door Supplies Online, we offer a wide range of paint colours to suit any home. We also stock a range of exterior door accessories and hardware, so you can finish off your front door with a stylish handle or kick plate. If you need any more advice on how to paint your front door, do not hesitate to contact us.
For more information about our interior or exterior doors or door accessories, give us a call at 01603 622261 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at sales@doorsuppliesonline.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.