Expert Tips to Paint Exterior Doors: Achieve Professional Results
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to enhance its curb appeal and make your home feel welcoming. But knowing how to paint exterior doors correctly can save you time, effort, and unnecessary mess. Whether you’re updating the color or refreshing the current one, this guide will walk you through the exterior door painting steps to achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Step 1: Remove the Hardware
- Before you start, take off any removable hardware like knobs, locks, or hinges. This gives you a smooth surface to work on and prevents accidental paint drips or damage to the hardware.
Step 2: Clean Thoroughly
- Front doors collect dirt and grime from daily use. Before painting, scrub the door well to remove all the buildup. Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Scrape Away Flaking Paint
- Front doors endure a lot of wear and tear, so it’s common to find peeling or flaking paint, particularly around the edges or doorjamb. To ensure a smooth finish, grab a paint scraper and carefully remove any loose or damaged paint. Taking the time to scrape off these imperfections will help your new paint job adhere better and look flawless.
Step 4: Smooth the Surface with Sanding
- Sanding is essential for a polished and long-lasting paint job. First, determine the type of paint currently on your door. Dab a cotton ball with denatured alcohol and rub it on the surface. If the paint comes off, it’s water-based; if it stays, it’s oil-based.
For doors with water-based paint, use fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. If the paint is oil-based, opt for medium-grit sandpaper (100 to 150 grit). Sanding removes imperfections and ensures your new paint adheres seamlessly. Don’t skip this step.
Step 5: Tape It Up
- Painter’s tape is your best friend for protecting hardware and edges while painting your front door. Carefully tape around locks, doorknobs, and any hardware you can’t remove. This prevents drips and spatters and ensures clean lines for a professional finish.
Step 6: Choose the Right Tools
- The tools you use can make or break your painting project. High-quality brushes and rollers, like those from Benjamin Moore, are perfect for this job. Use a flat brush for the base coat, but don’t forget an angled brush for those tricky nooks and crannies that flat brushes can’t reach.
Step 7: Prime Like a Pro
- Priming is essential for a smooth and lasting finish. A primer hides the old paint and helps the new one adhere better. For non-metal doors, use Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer 046.
For metal doors, Ultra Spec HP Acrylic Metal Primer HP04 works wonders. Apply the primer evenly, ensuring it doesn’t pool, which can create uneven spots later. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before painting.
Step 8: Paint with Precision
- When it’s time to paint, aim for two coats for the best result. Use an angled brush for small crevices and a roller for larger areas. Brush back over roller-applied areas to smooth out the finish.
Allow the first coat to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat. Drying time is crucial, especially in humid or damp weather, so be patient for a flawless look
Step 9: Reattach Your Hardware
- Once your door is completely dry, gently remove the painter’s tape and put back the hardware you removed earlier. Your newly painted door is ready.
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.