Are you ready to freshen up your home’s curb appeal with a newly painted exterior door? Whether your front door is peeling, fading, or looking outdated, a fresh layer of paint can revive the vibrance of your home. This blog provides comprehensive information on exterior door painting, including painting ideas, tools, a step-by-step guide, and essential maintenance tips.
Why Painting Your Exterior Door Matters
Painting your exterior door offers the following benefits:
- Enhanced curb appeal & value: A newly painted exterior door enhances curb appeal and helps boost the value of your home.
- Weather protection: Long-term exposure to weather elements gradually degrades the paint on your door, exposing the underlying material. It not only dulls the appearance but also causes damage to the door, like rotting or corrosion. Weather-resistant paint protects your door from weather damage, extending the longevity of your door.
- Regular maintenance: Painting your exterior door is a part of regular maintenance. It protects the door from wear and tear and makes it last longer.
- Personal style & freshness: Painting your exterior door allows you to create an aesthetic for your home that matches your style and preferences. It keeps your door looking fresh and vibrant for years.
Signs It’s Time to Repaint Your Exterior Door
If you are noticing these signs of damage on your exterior door, it is an indication that the door needs repainting:
- Peeling, chipping, or cracking: When the paint on your exterior door starts peeling, chip, or cracking, it exposes your door to rotting or corrosion. If you spot these signs, the door needs to be repainted.
- Blistering or bubbling: Are you noticing the paint on your exterior door blistering or bubbling? It often results from exposure to moisture and heat, and a lack of proper surface preparation while painting.
- Fading and chalking: When the paint begins to chalk, it leaves a residue on the surface that makes the paint look faded or dusty. This mostly happens due to continuous exposure to weather elements.
- Moisture stains and mold: If your exterior door has dark stains or black, green patches, that might be a sign of mold or excess moisture.
- General wear and tear: Paint degrades with normal aging and everyday use. This causes general wear and tear, like fading, peeling, and cracking.
- Change in preference: Are you tired of seeing the same old paint on your front door? Elevate the look of your property with a fresh coat of paint.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Achieving a good finish for your exterior door painting project is only possible with proper painting tools and materials. The following are the items you will need to paint your front door like a pro:
- Sandpaper and cleaner: Sandpaper smooths the surface by removing dirt or rust. For tougher stains or grimes, you can use mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner.
- Power wash: To clean mold or stubborn stains, use a power washer, which utilizes pressure to remove accumulated grime, mold patches, and layers of old paint.
- Drop cloth or plastic sheets: These items are used to protect your floor from paint drips. They are placed around the door while painting.
- Painter’s tape: This is a special tape used to cover doorknobs, hinges, and other hardware components to make sure paint doesn’t stick to them.
- Paint brushes and rollers: Rollers are best for painting large surfaces. To paint the edges and tricky corners, small brushes are best.
- Primer: Choose a primer specifically designed for exterior use that is compatible with the material of your door.
- Weather-resistant paint: Look for paint that is water-resistant. This offers protection against weather elements and keeps your door in good condition for years to come.
- Wood fillers: These are best for filling the gaps and cracks in wooden doors. They quickly restore any broken or damaged wooden areas and allow for even paint coverage.
Painting an Exterior Door: A Step-by-Step Process
Whether you are doing a DIY project or hiring a professional for the job, the following are the basic steps involved in painting an exterior door:
Step 1: Choose The Right Paint and Finish
For exterior doors, high-quality water-based paints like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Duration Exterior provide excellent durability and protection against weather and everyday use. These paints deliver a smooth, long-lasting finish similar to oil-based products but with easier cleanup and quicker drying time. For a softer look, an acrylic latex option with a satin finish works well, just make sure the product is rated for exterior use and designed to withstand the elements.
Step 2: Prepping The Door For Painting
Start by thoroughly cleaning and power washing the door to remove dirt, mildew, and buildup. Once the surface is completely dry, sand it to help the new paint adhere properly. We typically keep the door in place during this process, but you can remove it from the hinges if you prefer easier access.
Step 3: Priming The Door
If your door has any bare wood, make sure to prime those areas before painting. Primer helps the paint stick better, gives you smoother coverage, and ensures a long-lasting finish. Use a small brush for the edges and a roller for the flat sections to keep things even. Once it’s fully dry, you’re ready to start painting.
Step 4: Paint The Door
Paint the door in sections for smooth coverage. You can start by painting the edges and then paint large, flat sections. Apply a thin layer of paint and allow it to dry completely. Then, apply a second coat to create an even finish.
Step 5: Dry, Cure, and Reinstall The Door
The time it takes for paint to dry and cure depends on the type of paint you applied. While the paint usually dries in a matter of a few hours, it can take days to cure.
When DIY Isn’t Worth It
Not all exterior door painting projects are easy DIY projects. In the following scenarios, it might be best to hire a professional painting contractor to paint your door.
Complex Doors and Intricate Designs
If you have doors with intricate designs, it may require special techniques to achieve a smooth finish without hindering the aesthetics of your door. Professional painters have the skills to paint complex doors and intricate designs flawlessly.
Lead-Based Paint Concerns
Working with this type of paint can be harmful to your health if you do not know how to protect yourself from lead exposure. Professionals have a full range of safety gear and tools to deal with lead-based paint.
Severe Damage or Structural Issues
If you have a door that doesn’t fit in the frame properly or has severe damage due to rotting, deep cracks, or splits, this is a sign of structural issues. You may need a professional to thoroughly inspect the damage and provide a proper solution before they begin painting.
High-Gloss Specialty Finishes
DIY methods may not give you the results that a professional painting job can. If you are looking for a luxurious, high-gloss finish that’s nearly perfect, you should hire a professional painter.
Tight Schedules
Do you want the job done fast? Hire a professional painter. They possess the expertise and the necessary tools to get the job done quickly.
Maintenance Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Finish
Keep your newly painted exterior door in good condition for years to come with the following paint maintenance tips:
- Prepare the surface of your door properly so that it is clean, dry, and smooth.
- Choose professional tools and techniques for a durable and long-lasting finish.
- Do not skip priming the door before you paint.
- Use high-quality, weather-resistant primers and paints.
- Apply the second coat of paint only after the first one is completely dry.
- Inspect the door at least once every six months and touch up the areas that need painting.
Contact Us Today For Professional Exterior Door Painting
Ready to pick up the brush to paint your exterior door and revamp your property? Make sure to follow the tips discussed above to create the finish you want. If you feel the need for professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Boise Painting specializes in creating high-quality paint finishes for your home. Call us to schedule a consultation.
