How To Paint A Front Door

We have a super fun project to share with you guys today. One that applies to basically everyone, no matter your style, taste or even skill level! Today we’re sharing how to paint a front door (or repaint).

We are painting the exterior of Savannah’s front entry door of her house today. She’s in a rental so we knew we would just be able to do cosmetic updates to the outside.  The plan was to paint the front door, some other paint updates (the step under the door, repaint the foundation, facia and door casing), add shutters, a window box and some plants and flowers. If you’re in a rental, be sure to check with your landlord first before painting a door!

The front door was replaced a few months ago. It came primed but not painted and she waited and waited until she decided on the perfect color to paint it.  She finally decided she wanted a deep, rich navy so we got to work!

How to paint a door

Supplies To Paint Front Door:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Cleaning cloth
• ScotchBlue PLATINUM Painter’s Tape
• Putty knife
• Exterior door paint
• Paintbrush
• Lint-free paint roller
• Paint tray

Painting Your Front Door in 4 Steps:

Step 1 – Clean & Prep Your Door

Make sure your door is clear of any dust, lint, dirt, wax etc. Using an all-purpose cleaner and a cleaning cloth to scrub any dirt off of your door. Allow to dry before the next step. Cleaning your door well will ensure the most crisp paint lines and a smooth and durable finish on your front door.

Step 2 – Tape The Door

Once your surface is completely clean, apply ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape on windows, glass, door knobs, deadbolt locks, etc. Basically over anything you do not want painted. Take care to apply it straight and use a putty knife to smooth and add pressure to the tape to ensure a tight seal for the paint. For tricky angles, ScotchBlue PLATINUM Painter’s Tape tears at perfect 90 degree angles. This was especially helpful around the window.

Step 3 – Painting Your Front Door

Start painting your door by painting the details of the door first. When painting a door, we paint the decorative areas and the window casing first.

Paint the rest of the door. We used both a paintbrush and a roller and did 2-3 coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before doing the next coat. The brush gave a bit better coverage but the roller helped provide a really smooth looking finish without brush strokes.

Step 4 – Remove Painters Tape + Let Dry

Carefully remove the Painter’s Tape at a 45 degree angle while paint is still tacky.

Allow to dry. While the door dried, we also painted the door casing and the step beneath the door.

The faux boxwood wreath was hung with a command hook directly on the glass and we love the color and freshness it adds. The shutters, window box, plants and flowers are all new and totally change the look and add to the curb appeal of the house! We love how it turned out!

For more painted front doors, check out:

• Dark Green Front Door
• Pink Front Door
• Classic Black Front Door

For more outdoor projects, check out:

• DIY Wood Shutters
• DIY Planter Box
• Home Exterior Paint Project