How to Paint an Outside Door

Create a welcoming entryway to your home with a red door.

A brightly colored front door creates a welcoming entrance, says Jill Blake, author of "Healthy Home," and a front door painted red may bring good luck into the home. You can change the whole "face" of your house just by repainting your front door.

Things You'll Need

• Paint scraper
• Sandpaper
• Sponge
• Bucket
• Bleach
• Water
• Painters tape
• Exterior alkyd paint for the primer coat
• Exterior latex paint for the finish coat
• Paint brush/roller

Instructions

1. 

   Paint will fail quickly if you paint over flaking paint.

   Scrape off any paint that is flaked or blistering.

2. Sand away any old paint drips that might have hardened on the door from the previous paint job.

3. Wash the surface of the door with a sponge soaked in solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before painting. The paint will adhere better to a clean, mildew-free door.

4. Tape off any areas of the door you don't want painted.

5. 

   Working from the top down will let you catch any paint dribbles.

   Work from the top of the door down and apply one coat of primer. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying the finish coat.

6. Paint on the finish coat completely covering the primer. Again, work from the top of the door to the bottom.

7. Remove the painters tape once the door is dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure you paint is thoroughly mixed before applying.

• Do not paint in damp weather, this could lock moisture into the paint, causing mildew and flaking.

• Do not paint in direct sunlight as the paint will spread poorly on a hot door.

References

• "Healthy Home"; Jill Blake; 1998
• "Good Housekeeping Household Encyclopedia"; The Hearst Corporation; 1993