Transform your home – Discover how to paint exterior door for maximum impact
Transforming the exterior of your home can be as simple as giving your front door a fresh coat of paint. Painting your exterior door enhances its appearance while adding a touch of personality and charm to your home’s curb appeal. If you are unsure how to paint the exterior door, this guide will walk you through the steps to paint it like a pro.
Step 1: Take off the Door and Hardware
- Although not necessary, removing your door hardware simplifies the process and gives the end results a professional touch. Detach the handle and lock and store them securely in a plastic bag or wrapped with painter’s tape.
It’s better to remove the door entirely. Have a helper hold it while you detach the hinges, then position it on a sturdy sawhorse for preparation, sanding, and painting.
Step 2: Clean and Dry the Door
- Preparing your exterior door for painting is quite simple. The key is to ensure the surface is clean, dry, and matte. Begin by hand-washing the door with warm, soapy water until it’s spotless, then thoroughly wipe it dry. All you need is a bucket of soapy water and a clean cloth.
Use a scrubber sponge or brush to eliminate any residue or stubborn spots. Allow the door to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step. A safe timeframe to wait is around 24 hours. This ensures that no moisture is trapped within the door, which could lead to premature defects and bubbling in the future.
Step 3: Sand with 120-grit Sandpaper
- For doors in good condition, a gentle sanding is sufficient. Use 120-grit sandpaper and sanding in the direction of the wood grain. This helps prepare the surface for the application of new paint and primer.
However, if your door is significantly worn with peeling paint or deep scratches, additional sanding is necessary.
- Begin by eliminating large paint chips using a metal putty knife or scraper.
- Then, use a palm sander, starting with a coarse grit (80), moving to a medium grit (120), and ending with a fine grit (220).
- In the end, remember to use a tack cloth to remove dust and debris without using water.
Step 4: Apply Primer and Allow to Dry
- While many premium exterior paints can be applied directly over a well-prepared and previously painted exterior door, priming is necessary if you’re painting over an unpainted door or if you’re covering a dark or vibrant color.
Step 5: Apply Two or Three Coats of Exterior Paint
- With your door fully prepped and primed, it’s time to apply two to three fresh coats of exterior paint to create a protective surface on the door.
Start by using an angled paintbrush to coat any molding, panels, or edges on the door, then follow up with the roller to achieve a smooth finish. Avoid applying paint too thickly.
Step 6: Allow the Paint to Dry
Always adhere to the drying time specified on the paint label before applying the next coat. Drying times may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your painting environment.
If you’re using high-quality exterior paint, you won’t need a topcoat when painting your front door, as it acts as a protective seal against the elements.
Step 7: Finishing Touches and Cleanup
- After applying the final coat of paint, promptly clean your paintbrushes and rollers. Once the door is dry, remove any painter’s tape, reattach the hardware, and tidy up your workspace by putting away the drop cloth. Finally, if you have removed the door from its hinges, rehang it.
If you’re unsure about how to paint exterior door, following these steps will help you do a great job. For best results, consider hiring exterior painting services to ensure a flawless finish and professional touch to your home’s curb appeal.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at 603-489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.