How to Paint a Front Door

Painting a front door may seem easy. However, it requires proper form and timing. Following these instructions will enable you to paint the door perfectly. Preparing the door, knowing the old paint and knowing the paint being applied will help eliminate many problems. In the end, you will have a beautifully painted front door.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper or Scotch Brite
• Two 3-inch brushes
• Two cloths
• New paint
• Primer
• Two 1-inch brushes
• Painting/masking tape

Preparing the Door for the New Paint

1. Remove the hardware on the door such as doorknobs and locks.

2. Cover the latches with painting or masking tape.

3. Sand the door to remove the current paint.

4. Wipe the paint dust off the door with a soft cloth.

5. Prime the door according to instructions on the paint can.

6. Allow the primed door to dry.

Painting the Door

7. Paint the inside edges with a 1-inch brush.

8. Apply the new color to the panel molding with a 1-inch brush.

9. Paint the panels inside the molding with a 3-inch brush

10. Wipe the drippings.

11. Paint the center stile between the panels with a 3-inch brush

12. Paint the rails with a 3-inch brush. Feather the areas as you meet the paint where you had previously painted.

13. Paint the two outside stiles with a 3-inch brush.

14. Allow the door to dry.

15. Remove the tape and install the hardware back on the door.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need several coats. Remember to let each layer dry before applying the next coat.
• Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to check the paint you are going to remove. Latex paint will wipe off on the cotton ball. Knowing this will help determine the type of paint you should apply.
• Oil paint is messier then latex paint.
• For a metal door, sand with Scotch Brite rather than sandpaper.
• Check the brushes to verify that they are usable for the desired paint job.
• Most front doors use a paint that is glossy.
• Oil-based paint may go over latex but latex cannot paint over oil based paint.