Painting your front door is an easy way to increase curb appeal, but before selecting the color, be sure to take all necessary preparation steps into account.
DIYers frequently make the mistake of failing to clean, sand and tape off areas where locks or doorknobs won't be painted before beginning the painting project.
Prepare the Surface
Front doors see plenty of use and can become dirty over time, so give it a good scrub with soapy water to remove grime and dirt. After cleaning off any remaining residue, sanding should be performed to roughen up its surface and ensure paint adheres securely; water-based paint may require only light sanding while oil-based requires medium grit paper for this task.
Once finished sanding, use a tack cloth to wipe down the surface and remove dust particles. Patch holes and cracks with wood filler using a putty knife as necessary before using more sandpaper to smooth over any repairs made with wood filler or putty knife and repeat the sanding process until your repairs have set in.
For this project, you'll require a ladder and quality painting tools. Before beginning painting, it is advisable to cover your entryway floor with a tarp to protect it from drips and spills caused during painting, while also taping off non-permanent hardware like doorknobs and knockers with painter's tape to ensure everything remains intact and untouched during this step of the process.
Choose Your Colors
Your front door color says something about the personality and aesthetic of your home, while creating contrast with other hues in your space. Earth tones like mossy green or blue tend to provide a calming atmosphere while vibrant hues like hot pink or orange may provide energy and excitement.
When choosing your paint color for the door, take into consideration your interior or exterior palette as a whole and what sort of statement you wish to make with your door. A classic neutral shade might work best; this way it stands out without becoming overpowering or distracting.
Color wheels can also help you find an appropriate hue for your door. Opposite colors on the color wheel work well together and are an ideal way to ensure they won't clash with other parts of your home's color scheme.
Prep the Door
Painting a front door is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to improve the curb appeal of your home. Touch ups or complete refurbishment - once you understand how the process works it should go smoothly.
Before beginning to sand, first wipe your door surface down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt build-up. Next, use quality primer to cover existing paint colors; this will both conceal them while giving new colors something to grab onto. Typically two coats will suffice; make sure you sand between applications according to recoating instructions of primer manufacturer.
As part of your painting project, it's wise to protect any hardware and hinges with painter's tape so as not to inadvertently get paint on them accidentally during your endeavor. Also be sure to tape off window panes separately with tape; this helps avoid drips as well as having to retape afterward.
Paint the Door
Painting your front door is an enjoyable way to improve its exterior appearance and express your personal style. By avoiding common errors such as improper cleaning, sanding, and applying painter's tape you can ensure an attractive yet long-lasting finish.
Assemble the door and position it flat on sawhorses to prevent drips and make accessing its doorknob and knocker easier. Wipe away dust or dirt using a damp sponge before using high-quality paintbrushes/rollers on any moldings/panels/flat areas as well as 4-inch mini rollers - allow primer time to dry completely between coats in order to avoid streaking! Apply two to three thin coats of paint; allow each to dry fully between applications in order to avoid streaking.
