"
Painting your front door is a quick, easy and cost-effective way to freshen up your home’s façade, while also transforming the door’s effect on your exterior space. Best of all, it’s a fantastic opportunity for you to express your style or make a statement.
That said, it’s important to know how to paint a wooden front door before you get started. In this post, we’ll cover all bases with tips on what you’ll need, preparing your surface and painting the door for the best results.
If your door is exposed to the elements, and not enclosed in a porch, then you will need a suitable durable and weatherproof paint. For ease of application and speed, a self-priming paint is perfect. Many paints require a primer, which means buying extra products as well as adding time to the project. Self-priming paints – like the entire Frenchic range – cuts out that hassle and expense.
Let’s not forget the all-important colour. Think carefully about the impression you want to create. Here are some factors to consider:
Sage green is a timeless colour that’s seemingly always on trend, like this front door in Wise Old Sage:
Or for a heritage look, try Constance Moss:
For something that works well with both traditional and modern spaces, vintage pink Dusky Blush is a great option:
Or why not brighten things up with mid-blue Ol’ Blue Eyes:
You’ve chosen your colour (and hopefully the paint type too)! But hold your horses – it’s important to assess your door before opening the tin. First, check the door is in a good condition for painting. Signs of wear and tear could create problems later down the line.
Rust will need treatment, whilst any algae, mould or moss should be removed. These can generally be removed with outdoor cleaning solutions. Most importantly, always wear protective gear, including a mask and rubber gloves, when cleaning mould.
To get started, you will need:
Choosing the right date and time to paint is also important because it impacts how well your paint will apply and cure (harden). Don’t paint outdoors if, for the next 48 hours, one of the following applies:
Generally speaking, it’s best to do your outdoor painting within the warmer months. That said, if you apply paint in direct sunlight can also make application difficult, as it speeds up the drying process. This can lead to uneven coverage and overworked paint, so check the weather forecast before getting out your brushes.
Fail to prepare? Prepare to fail. Preparing the surface of your door is just as important as the painting stage itself. With proper preparation, you’ll find it easier to get a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Here are some key steps to follow:
Before you start painting, ensure you follow these key preparation steps to achieve the best end result:
Now it’s time to get painting! You might like to watch our video guide to painting UPVC doors as the painting process is the same.
Large, flat surfaces can be a challenge to paint evenly. Whether you are using brushes, a roller or a sprayer, it’s good idea to have practised your technique beforehand to ensure that you’re confident when working on your front door.
When you’re ready to start, here are the steps to follow:
If you’re raring to get started on your own front door, Frenchic can help with a range of self-priming paints to minimise preparation while providing beautiful, smooth coverage. Browse our weatherproof and UV resistant Al Fresco range to find a colour that’s perfect for your home’s entrance – then use our instructions on how to paint your wooden front door for the best results!