How to Choose Paint Colors for Exterior Doors
Exterior door colors highlight the entrances to your home as well enhance its curb appeal. Exterior paint palettes typically include an accent color used for painting the main exterior door, window trim or shutters. These accent colors draw the eye and, thus, help visitors identify entrances. The architectural style of the house can also guide color choices for exterior doors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Identify the exterior doors and the purpose of each. Some doors may take far more use and abuse than others and require a color that hides handprints and dirt. Other entries may not be used often but a punch of color on the door could enliven surrounding foliage. Not every door of the home requires the same paint color.
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2
Research what colors work well with your home's architectural style. Observe surrounding homes and review exterior color schemes in design magazines and books, as well as paint manufacturer brochures.
Traditional homes work well with colonial reds, blues and greens. Asian-styled homes look stunning with a dark, Chinese red entry door. Homes built with a more modern, open style can carry a persimmon or apple green on doors. Be careful with dark earth tone colors like brown, black and charcoal: these colors can create a dark hole unless lighting highlights the entry area.
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3
Obtain paint samples that match existing exterior colors on the home (this includes paint, stone and landscaping). Exterior colors may vary depending on which side of the home the door is located.
You can take sample cards from store paint displays or purchase a paint fan deck. Carry these paint samples when shopping for door paint, so you can easily choose complementary colors.
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4
Choose a handful of paint colors that speak to the style of the home and the requirements identified in Steps 1 through 3.
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5
View the paint chips on the door at different times of the day. Eliminate those colors that are not appealing.
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6
Once you have whittled down color choices to three or less, purchase a quart size can of each color and paint swatches on the door to make a final decision. Paint a primer first and then several coats of paint for color accuracy.
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Tips & Warnings
Use software found at many paint manufacturer websites to view paint colors on photographs of homes. Some of these even allow you to the download personal pictures and view paint colors on them.
