Revamping your home's entrance with a splash of colour isn't just reserved for traditional wooden or uPVC doors. Known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, composite doors can also join in on the transformation game, thanks to the wonders of paint. Yes – you can paint a composite door.
Whether you're looking to breathe new life into a tired entrance or simply fancy a change, painting your composite door is not only possible but also a super-satisfying project to undertake.
With Frenchic Paint, you're not just choosing a can of paint. You're embracing an opportunity to infuse your kerb appeal with personality and charm, simply and effectively – and being self-priming, Frenchic saves on lots of faff. Let's dive into how you can transform your composite door into a statement piece that speaks volumes.
Preparing your composite door for painting
Before the transformation begins, a bit of prep work is essential to ensure your composite door is ready. Just like any masterpiece, the preparation is as crucial as the application. Here’s how to prepare your door for its Frenchic makeover, ensuring a finish that’s not only beautiful but lasting.
1. Cleanliness is key
Start with a clean slate by thoroughly washing the door. Use Frenchic’s Sugar Soap, diluted in warm water, to scrub away any dirt, grime or greasy fingerprints. This step ensures that the paint adheres properly to the door, providing a smooth and even finish. Rinse well with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
2. Light sanding
Once clean and dry, give the door a gentle sanding. This doesn’t mean labouring away until the surface is raw but lightly buffing it with medium-grit sandpaper to create a slightly rough texture. This texture gives the paint something to cling to, enhancing its durability and finish. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth, leaving a clean, slightly abraded surface ready for painting.
3. Masking off
Protect the door’s hardware, glass panels and any other areas you don’t want painted by using masking tape and polythene sheets or newspaper. Make sure you mask off any of the door seals, as these should not be painted (it may affect the seal material and the paint is likely to peel off over time too). This step is crucial for achieving a neat, professional look. It’s easier to take a moment to mask properly than to clean up unwanted splatters later!
4. Check the weather
Lastly, consider the weather. The ideal conditions for exterior painting with any product (including Frenchic’s Al Fresco range) are dry, mild and not too sunny. Extremes of temperature and moisture/rain within 48 hours of painting can affect the drying process – so aim for 2 dry days and temperatures between 10°C and 32°C for the best results. For more information, take a look at this guide on the best weather conditions for painting outdoors.
With these preparatory steps complete, your door is now ready for its transformation. This process might seem like a bit of a preamble, but it’s the foundation for a stunning and enduring finish. Remember, the best results come from not just the paint you choose but the care you take in applying it.
What paint is best for composite doors?
When it comes to selecting the perfect partner for your project, you need a paint that’s suitable for composite doors. Our Al Fresco range is the perfect choice.
Durability
The Al Fresco range is specifically formulated to withstand the rigours of the British weather. Rain or shine, this paint promises to keep your door looking pristine with its weatherproof and UV-resistant properties. Whether your door faces the sun's full glare or is battered by the occasional downpour, Frenchic ensures your entrance remains as vibrant as the day it was painted.
Ease of application
Frenchic understands that your time is precious. That's why the Al Fresco range is designed with ease in mind. It's self-priming, self-sealing and self-levelling. This means you can skip the tedious processes of priming and sealing, making your painting project quicker and easier. Not to mention saving you money on those extra products. The self-levelling feature also minimises brush marks, leaving you with a professional finish, regardless of your experience level.
Picking your colour
Frenchic's Al Fresco range boasts a beautiful palette of colours, from subtle neutrals to bold statement hues. Whether you're looking to make a dramatic entrance with a pop of colour or prefer a classic, understated look, Frenchic has you covered. Each colour is rich, vibrant and full of depth, ensuring your door stands out for all the right reasons.
Not sure which colour is best for you? Follow these tips…
Reflect on your home’s character
Every home has its own personality, whether it’s a modern marvel, a country cottage or a Victorian classic. Choose a colour that complements your home’s architecture and existing colour scheme.
Consider the surroundings
You want your door to look good in its own right. But you may want to take the style of your garden, the street and general location into consideration as well:
- Is a heritage colour a good idea?
- Is your garden clipped and formal or naturalistic?
- Would a bright colour or a neutral colour look best?
A colour that harmonises with its surroundings creates a cohesive look.
Think about the aspect
The direction your door faces can influence your colour choice. South-facing doors receive more sunlight and can benefit from lighter shades that reflect heat. North-facing doors, receiving less sun, can embrace deeper, richer colours without the likelihood of heat building up.
Personal style
Ultimately, the colour you choose should reflect your personal style and the message you want to convey. A bold, bright scarlet red like Hot Lips can offer a cheerful welcome, while a muted duck egg blue like Duckling suggests elegance and tranquillity. If you like variety, you can keep up with the most on-trend colours by repainting your front door every year or so!
Painting your composite door
With your door prepped and paint in hand, it’s time to embark on the transformation journey. Painting your composite door is not just about the change of colour. It’s about reinvigorating your home’s entrance with your personal touch.
Here’s how to ensure the painting process is straight-forward and delivers great results….
1. Stir, don’t shake
Begin by stirring your chosen Frenchic Al Fresco paint thoroughly. Shaking can introduce air bubbles, which might end up on your door’s surface. A good stir ensures the paint’s consistency is perfect for application.
2. Apply with care
Using a high-quality paint brush or roller, start painting from the top of the door downwards to avoid drips, as this minimises the chance of drips landing on new paint. If your door has panels, paint these first, working in the direction of the grain. The Al Fresco range is self-levelling, which helps minimise brush marks, but taking your time and applying with care will ensure the best finish.
3. Test the waters
If you’re using a brush or roller, no thinning is required. However, if you opt for a sprayer, you might need to thin the paint slightly. Always do a test spray on cardboard or scrap material to ensure the consistency is just right.
4. Layer it up
For the most vibrant and durable finish, apply two to three coats, allowing sufficient drying time between each as recommended on the tin – which is 2 hours with the Al Fresco range. This builds up the depth of colour and ensures a weather-resistant finish that lasts.
5. Mind the details
Be cautious around hardware and windows, using a smaller brush for edges and fine details. Remember, the beauty is in the details, so a steady hand and patience go a long way.
6. The final touch
Once the final coat is applied, remove any masking tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to avoid peeling. Stand back and admire your handiwork, knowing your door is not just painted but protected and personalised, ready to welcome you home for years to come.
With these steps, you’re not just applying paint. You’re applying personality, protection and a pinch of Frenchic flair.
Aftercare and maintenance
Congratulations! Your composite door now boasts a stunning new look, thanks to a bit of TLC and the magic of Frenchic Al Fresco paint. But the journey doesn’t end here. To ensure your door continues to greet you with its vibrant hue and flawless finish for years to come, a little aftercare is in order.
Here’s how to keep your door looking as fresh as the day you painted it:
Let it cure
While Al Fresco paint dries to the touch relatively quickly, it takes a bit longer to fully cure. Having made sure you painted your door in good weather conditions, you should also avoid scraping or scratching the painted surface during the first 48 hours. It will be fully cured and at its most durable after about three weeks, ready to withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Gentle cleaning
To keep your door looking pristine, a gentle clean now and then is all it needs. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. A soft cloth and a mild soapy solution will do the trick, removing dirt and grime without compromising the paint’s finish.
Ready to get started on your composite door makeover?
With the right preparation and our fantastic Al Fresco range, you can transform your composite door with long-lasting results. All that’s left to do is choose your favourite colour. Opt for something bold with blues, greens and pinks, or go pared back and neutral with greys and whites.
Whatever your preference, you’ll enjoy the same weatherproof properties and excellent finish. Just don’t forget to tag us on Instagram!
