Simple Steps to Repaint your Front Door
There are lots of easy DIY projects to be done around your home this summer if you are looking to fill up some time. A perfect revitalization to your home can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint on your front door. Here are some tips and tricks on choosing the perfect paint, and steps on how to prep and repaint your door.
Step 1: Choosing the paint product and sheen
Make sure to use an exterior paint product that can withstand the elements. Paint companies such as Benjamin Moore Paint, Sherwin Williams, and Fine Paint of Europe offer some great options ranging from waterborne to oil and hybrid paints in a variety of popular finishes (sheen). You can choose from any paint sheen but satin and semi-gloss are the most commonly used sheens when it comes to the sheen for front doors. You could also go with a gloss or high gloss finish but that requires a totally flawless surface and level of prep as the high sheen can magnify the imperfections on the surface.
Having an eye-catching front door can increase the resale value of your home. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and in this case, it’s having a beautiful front door.
Step 2: Prep, Prep, and More Prep
Following are the steps for preparing a painted door to be repainted:
- If possible remove the door and all hardware and set aside. You may use some plywood boards to temporarily close the entrance while working on the door.
- It is best to work on the door in a garage or basement room free of dust.
- Take the time to cover up the floor and surroundings.
- Lay the door on a pair of sawhorses. (make sure to place some soft padding in the back of the door if not painting it to prevent scratches). Laying the door flat in a dust-free room provides more control and also allows the paint to level out while drying for a smooth finish.
- You can start by sanding the existing paint to remove any bumps and dry runs with 120-150 grit sanding disk and orbital sanded.
- Fill any holes or dents with 3M patch and prime or epoxy fillers for larger holes and let dry.
- Sand the door again with a 150 grit and clean the dust by a damp rag.
- For a waterborne finish, you could use either an oil or waterborne primer. If planning to use a high-gloss finish such as Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac you must use the FPE primer.
- Apply a coat of primer including the top and bottom of the door (It’s a good idea to tint the primer) appropriate for your top finish. Painting the top and bottom of the door stops moisture and prevents the door from warping.
- Sand the primer with 220 grit sanding disk or sponge and clean the dust with vacuum brush followed by a tack cloth.
Step 3: Paint
Make sure to use an exterior paint product that can withstand the elements. Paint companies such as Benjamin Moore Paint,
It is time to paint once the primer is dry. A paintbrush will give it a hand-painted look, but you can always use a low-nap roller or foam roller for this as well. One of the best ways to paint your door is in this order:
- Bevel
- Panels
- Center stile
- Rails
- Outer stiles
Apply additional coats when the paint is dry sanding with a fine sanding sponge in between coats. When the first side is dry, flip over, and repeat.
Let your front door dry before re-installing. When the paint is no longer tacky and feels dry to the touch, your door is ready to be put back.
We hope these tips helped and that you can make this a fun summer project! We can’t wait to see the results.
Following is a link to more craftsman operating procedures including how to paint a 6-panel door sample for anyone to download. Thanks to the hard work of Painting Contractors Association’s Craftsmanship Forum for providing these COPs: HERE
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