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!
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
- OPTIONAL: Paint Sprayer
How to paint a door with a sprayer
I have painted several doors with a paint brush but Kyle and I recently upgraded our paint sprayer to the TC Pro Cordless Airless Paint Sprayer which made the process of painting all of the doors in our home super quick! We love this sprayer and highly recommend it if you’re in the market for one!

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:
For more outdoor projects, check out:


41 Comments
Handyman Hackney
June 14, 2016 at 5:47 amCongratulations, you did a professional work here! The color you’ve chosen is also outstanding!
Lois Black
June 15, 2016 at 5:35 amGreat job! Make a huge difference!!!
Whitney Shortt
June 18, 2016 at 3:29 pmLove the blue with the black! We just painted our front door a vibrant blue recently and I’m hoping to paint the trim and storm door black if I can convince the hubs!
http://www.whitneydonae.com/home/how-we-picked-the-perfect-shade-of-blue-for-our-front-door2016
Sandy Lasey
July 5, 2016 at 8:29 amWhat color and brand of paint is this door?
Ria
July 13, 2016 at 7:35 amLove the updated look!!! Could you please share the paint brand/color that was used? It’s exactly the shade of blue I’m looking for!
Gildy
July 18, 2016 at 5:57 pmI love this update, can you share the door color ? Thanks !!!
Hildy
July 18, 2016 at 7:55 pmBeautiful, can you share the color you used for the door ? Thanks !!!
Chanda
July 19, 2016 at 9:14 amAny suggestions for a front door with an oval window.
Lydia
July 19, 2016 at 9:57 amWhat color blue did you use for your door? Thanks!
JM
July 25, 2016 at 1:52 pmWhat happens if your front door is in direct light most of the day? How long did you let it dry between coats?
Mallory & Savannah
August 23, 2016 at 6:30 pmHi! You’ll want to read your paint can for instructions on dry time. We waited about an hour using Modern Master’s front door paint. 🙂
Cassandra McKelvey
June 23, 2020 at 12:57 pmHi, just wondering what shade of blue did you use for this door? It looks great!!
ali
July 23, 2017 at 2:31 amNice design. İ like the blue door . İ should paint my door 🙂
Cheap Assignment Service | BuyAssignmentService
March 11, 2019 at 4:50 amOh great ! i can also make so many designs with this tape technique. Thanks a lot.
Sheila
April 30, 2019 at 1:12 pmThis is my favorite set of instructions! Will be doing it in the next two weeks. My door is completely flat and I’d like to use just a roller.
Should I start from the top and plan to just blend in any drips?
Alyssa Lehn
May 20, 2019 at 2:08 pmI’ve been wanting to paint my front door. My door right now is black and I want to paint it green. Do you think I should paint the door white first and then green or do you think the paint will cover it enough?
laura
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emma
February 2, 2020 at 12:25 amI just wanted to let you know I mentioned this post in one of my blog posts because I used the coffee lover tin idea last year.
lisa
May 4, 2020 at 11:34 pmThe story sounds wrenching, but that girl on the cover as quite the look of fierce determination. I haven’t heard of the free Black community of Weeksville and am interested in finding out more.Doors
Alicia Hursley
May 21, 2020 at 8:52 amThat is a really nice shade of blue. I’ve never really thought of painting my front door as a DIY project. I’ve gone with N-Hance in the past and really liked the work they did. It wasn’t super pricey either. That said I’m definitely going to follow your tips and try to get some of my bedroom doors painted this week!
Vanguard Painting
June 9, 2020 at 9:20 pmIt’s interesting to read about how to paint a front door. The step by step procedures are very clear and easy to understand. You indeed have written it in a layman way so that anyone can understand and work accordingly. You have done a great job. Thank you for sharing this blog with us.
Exterior Plastering Auckland
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chris lyn
July 21, 2020 at 3:12 amThe story sounds wrenching, but that girl on the cover as quite the look of fierce determination. I haven’t heard of the free Black community of Weeksville and am interested in finding out more.Doors
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Mike Kim
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Jim Gregory
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Mike Kim
July 21, 2020 at 6:11 amNice to heart about it..Great work.Very helpfull
Shelly
August 7, 2020 at 8:42 pmHi,
Can you tell me what color and brand of paint you used?
Thanks!
Diego Nieves
October 21, 2020 at 3:30 amGreat Tips. I am also providing interior and exterior painting services.
Nikki
October 21, 2020 at 12:39 pmHi. What type of paint? Brand, color, is it a satin sheen?
Portella
November 11, 2020 at 1:58 amHey, thanks a lot! Do types of paint matter? I hear there are premium paints with weather-resistant features or high-gloss finish. Was wondering if it’s worth the price.