Your front entrance is more than just an entrance; it represents a unique feature that sets the mood for your whole house. A change of weather conditions over time can negatively impact its appearance, making it look old and dull. Certainly, another positive side of portraying a new layer of paint on the entrance door will breathe new life into it, boost your property’s overall appearance, and make an indelible impression on the passers-by.
By this all-embracing guide, we will walk you through the systematic procedure of transforming your ordinary front door into the fabulous one. From concept to completion, learn the inside tips to achieve a perfect, professional finish. Say goodbye to dull exteriors and hello to a boisterous, fresh facade by giving your home’s entrance the transformation it needs and deserves with the help of our top tips on how to paint the perfect front door.
Painting Your Front Door in 7 Steps
1. To paint a front door, especially for older doors, it’s often more practical to paint them in place rather than removing them from their hinges and dealing with hardware removal. Begin by carefully taping off areas on the door that should not be painted, such as around the doorknob, deadbolt, and any glass panels. Use tape and rosin paper to effectively cover all the glass surfaces to avoid any accidental paint splatters.
Additionally, slide a drop cloth under the door to catch any drips or potential accidents. This step is crucial, so take your time and be patient during the taping and covering process, as it significantly influences the final appearance of the painted door.
2. Prepare a two-part, exterior-grade wood filler by mixing it on the end of a putty knife. Apply the filler to any holes or cracks around the door, ensuring thorough coverage. This versatile wood filler can also serve to replace any missing sections of trim, though it requires sculpting and sanding to achieve the desired shape.
3. After allowing the wood filler to dry, lightly sand the surface of the door. Focus on smoothing out the applied wood filler and scuffing the overall surface of the wood. To eliminate any residual sanding dust, also use a tack cloth for a clean and smooth finish.
4. Use brushes and a paint roller to apply the primer to the door. Ensure precise coverage by cutting in along edges and around hardware before using the roller. If the door features intricate trim, employ a brush to work the primer into the detailed profiles. Allow the primer to dry completely.
5. Once the primer has dried, proceed to apply a coat of exterior-grade oil-based paint. Utilize brushes to cut in along the edges and fill in any intricate details. Don’t forget to cut in around the door knob and hardware using the brush. Additionally, allow the painted coat to dry thoroughly.
6. Apply a second coat of paint to the door, aiming for a different pattern than the initial coat. For example, if you began painting the rails (horizontal members of the door) first, switch to the stiles (the vertical members) this time, or vice versa. Allow the second coat of paint to dry thoroughly.
7. Gently remove the painter’s tape before the paint completes its curing process. Take hold of the tape’s end and gradually peel it away from the edges, ensuring a 45-degree angle for optimal results. Once the tape is removed, you can appreciate the renewed look of your revitalized door!
What are the Required Materials?
Rosin paper
Drop cloth
Wood filler
220 fine grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Oil-based primer
Oil-based exterior paint
