Knock Knock...

Answer the door with colour this summer

Summer is nearly here, a season that blooms with vibrancy and colour. 
Its gentle warmth and longer, lighter days make summer the perfect season to take the paints outside to give your front door a makeover. 

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Keen to get started but still looking for the perfect door paint?
We have the answer. Our Al Fresco range is weatherproof, UV resistant and can be used with any type of door - wooden, composite and UPVC.

And with five new limited edition shades to choose from, there’s no better moment to boost your curb appeal with a bright new look for summer. 

So from personalised colour choice to expert application, follow our guide for everything you need to know about painting your front door. 

The right paint for your front door

When it comes to painting front doors, you need something that delivers bright, smooth colour but has the durablity to withstand the elements without fading.

Voted Best Garden & Exterior Paint at the 2025 Ideal Home awards and Highly Commended Garden & Exterior Paint at the 2026 Ideal Home awards, Al Fresco is the perfect choice, here’s why: 

Weatherproof

UV Resistant

Fade-resistant

Hard wearing

Self-priming

Self-sealing

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Al Fresco Limited Edition

New for summer our Limited Edition Al Fresco range is the perfect way to bring sunshine, warmth and joy to your door all year round.

Available for a limited time only each of the five shades brings its own sunkissed personality- take a look to find your perfect match.

Bradstock - Cool and soothing, this fresh sage glows with country cottage atmosphere.

Clay Pot - An earthy, terracotta tone that transports any space to the warmth and magic of the Mediterranean.

Macaroon - Summer sweetness in a tin, this warm and inviting pink will bring joy to your house all year round.

Hot As Mustard - A warm, sunny yellow with a hint of zest. Zingy, uplifting and always welcoming. 

On A Whim - Subtle yet eye-catching, soft and smoky tones shift from soft yellow to pale, apple green depending on the light. 

The right paint for your front door

From heritage grandeur and country chic to doors designed to stand out, with over 40 colours available there’s an Al Fresco paint colour to match your home style. 

But if you’re finding colour choice tricky, here are some questions to ask yourself: 

Is your home in a conservation area, or an area where heritage tones are important? 

Take a look at your house front - are there bricks, tiles or beams that you’d like the colour to complement? 

Step back inside, how will your door colour flow with the hallway and interior? 

Do you want your door to effortlessly blend in or are in the mood for a bold pop of stand-out colour? 

Planning

Colour choices made and ready to go? For best results there are a few things to do first. 

Check your door:
Wooden, UPVC or composite? Take a look and then follow the corresponding painting guide below. It’s also important to check the structure of your door to make sure it’s sound as you’ll need a firm foundation for painting. 

Keep an eye on the forecast: 

To allow the paint to properly cure, weather conditions need to be dry with a temperature between 10°C and 32°C and humidity between 40% and 70% for painting application and for 48 hours after. Read more about optimal weather conditions here.

Get your tools together:

Once you start painting, you don’t want to have to pause to find what you need every few minutes. So, before you start get everything you need together and ready:

Here's what you'll need

Your chosen Al Fresco paint

A paintbrush or small roller 

Frenchic Sugar Soap and sponge

A clean cloth 

Medium sandpaper 

Masking tape 

A polythene sheet or sheet of cardboard 

Preparation

Cleaning:
Dilute your sugar soap in warm water and use a sponge to remove grease or grime from your door. Rinse with water and wipe dry. 

Sanding:

Lightly scuff sand your door, this will help the paint to adhere to the surface.

Masking:

Cover glass panels with a polythene sheet or cardboard and secure with masking tape. Cover handles and knockers with masking take, or unscrew and temporarily remove. Lay a sheet down around the door to catch any drips. 

Application

Wooden Doors:
Use an Oval Brush and follow the direction of the wood grain to apply the paint in smooth even strokes. Read more here

Composite Doors:

Use a brush or roller to paint from the top of the door downwards. Paint any panels first, following the direction of the grain as you paint. Read more here.

UPVC Doors:

Use an Oval Brush, use the panelling as a guide and use left-to-right and up-and-down strokes for smooth coverage. Read more here

Aftercare

After all that work, it’s important to make sure your door keeps its bright new look for years to come.

Curing:
Touch dry within a few hours, your door takes longer to cure. Avoid scratches or scrapes within the first 48 hours and after three weeks it is fully cured and tough enough for the daily bustle. 

Cleaning:

As with everything, to keep your door looking its best, it’ll need a gentle clean from time to time. Use a soft cloth and mild soapy solution, avoiding any harsh chemicals or abrasive scourers. 

Time to get creative, and we can’t wait to see the finished result, so don’t forget to share your front door transformation with us on Facebook and Instagram

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