Remove hardware from your door, where possible.
How to Paint a Front Door
There's no easier and quicker way to improve your home's curb appeal than applying a fresh coat of front door paint. Use the best paint for front door projects, our new SnapDry™ Door & Trim Paint that dries in just one hour so your door won't stick! You'll be ready to welcome in guests that same evening!
Supplies for This Project
1.
2.
Wash grime from your door using a degreasing cleaner then rinse and let dry.
3.
Lightly sand your door with a sanding sponge and clean with a damp cloth to remove contaminants and dust.
4.
Apply painter’s tape to the edges of your doorknob, the door’s windows, hinges, and any other details you want to protect from paint.
Tip: Cover your doorknob with aluminum foil to completely protect it. If you accidentally bump it when it’s not covered, use a wet cloth to wipe it immediately.
5.
If primer is needed, use a 1½”-2” angled brush, applying first to recessed or detail/style areas (see A below). Then fill in the remaining flat areas (B to E) using a mini roller.
Tip: Use a primer for best color coverage when you’re painting over a dark surface. Visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store for expert advice on selecting the best products for your project.
Tip: Keep in mind exterior door paint dries faster in higher temperatures, lower humidity, and when exposed to direct sunlight. When possible, paint your door in early morning or late afternoon.
7. Door Area A
Begin by using an angled brush in recessed or detail/style areas.
Prevent your brush marks from touching the larger, smooth areas of your door (B-E) by using painter’s tape around all detail/style areas (A). This is important because dried brush marks may continue to show on smooth areas even after covering with a roller.
Tip: If painting the door exterior only, also paint the hinged edge of the door. The interior color of the door should match the latch edge.
8. Door Areas B to E
Next, use a brush or roller on all remaining areas (paint in alphabetical order).
While making brush or roller strokes, make sure the fresh paint you are overlapping is still wet. This will help you to avoid paint streaks.
9.
Allow paint to dry before applying a second coat.
10.
When second coat is dry, remove all painter’s tape, re-install your door hardware, and enjoy the beauty of your freshly painted door.
Tip: If painting the door exterior only, also paint the hinged edge of the door. The interior color of the door should match the latch edge.
Tip: Always clean your brushes for future use. Learn how to properly store and dispose of paint here.
Colors We Used
Check out our most popular colors for your most important projects to develop your color palette and create like a pro. See the colors we used for this design below.
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