Read this before you paint your front door
Almost every inch of your house requires some amount of maintenance, including your front door. Painted doors are prone to chipping over time and may require refinishing; however, sometimes you may be ready for a whole new look. In either case, take the time – perhaps a weekend – to pick colors, buy supplies, and complete quests.
Also, take note of the time of year and the weather forecast. Clear, sunny days with a reasonable temperature – conducive to paint drying – are ideal.
Gluing pieces of paint to your existing door is one way to choose a color. If you’ve narrowed your choices down to two or three, you may also want to purchase small paint samples to compare a larger range of colors side by side. Be sure to view color swatches at different times of the day to see how the colors change as the light increases and dims.
For a primed exterior door, you will need about a quart of paint. If you don’t have a glass door or barrier between the door and the details, you’ll want to make sure you use paint on the outside. While you can choose any finish, gloss paints are often preferred for doors and trim, because they stand out and accentuate these architectural features.
They also tend to withstand cracks and scratches better than flat paint or eggshells, meaning they can last longer. The most important thing to keep in mind is whether the paint is oil or rubber based. This is especially important for topcoats, as you never want oil on top of rubber or vice versa. The type of primer you use also needs to match the paint you use (latex or oil-based).
You can paint the door in place or remove it from its hinges in the event of a storm or glass door to protect your home and prevent bugs and debris from entering your home. You can also stick a tarp over the opening if you want to remove the door to paint. As mentioned above, you’ll also want to paint the door before painting, if you’re changing colors. Whether you’re painting the door in place or on a sawhorse, you’ll want to remove all the hardware.
Second, you’ll want to wipe down the door with a wet rag, then use a sander or sander to remove any imperfections. Remember to wipe off the dust on the sandpaper before painting.
Start by applying a primer. Cover the door completely. You can use the roller for this application. Once the primer has dried, use a paint brush to re-apply any trim or detail on the door. Next, it’s finally time to paint. You can use a low-moisture roller or a foam roller or paintbrush for this.
A paintbrush will give you a nice “hand drawn” look. Even if you use a roller, you can use a brush for the final coat to achieve the same look. Let the door dry completely before reinstalling the hardware and reinstalling the door, if you removed it for painting.