4 Key Steps for Painting Your Front Door
Updating your home’s look doesn’t need to be expensive and time-consuming. Something as simple as painting your front door may be just the touch of color and bit of change your home’s exterior is begging for! If you’re looking for a weekend project that will make a big impact on your home, painting your front door is the way to go. Follow just a few simple steps and your house will be looking updated with just a little time and effort on your end.
Pick a Paint
Let’s start with the most important step: the color! To gather ideas, do some online searching for palettes already including your home’s exterior colors. Visit your local home improvement store or paint supplier and ask for their suggestions. Take some samples home and paint swatches to compare and view at different times of the day to make sure the color will look how you want it to 24/7.
>>3 Key Steps to Choosing a Home Color Palette>>
You also need to consider what type of paint to use. Make sure you’re using exterior paint if your door does not have a glass or storm door to protect it from the elements. You also need to choose the finish; glossy is a popular choice as it will stand out more and is tougher than flat or eggshell paint. While this is important, the most important distinction is latex or oil-based paint. While the choice itself doesn’t matter in the end, you need to remember what kind you chose so that you can buy the proper primer and also the correct paint when it’s time for touch-ups.
Pick a Time
No matter how you choose to paint your door (on the hinges or off and in a separate workspace), you’ll want the timing to be right. The weather should be pleasant so that having no front door for a whole day won’t make your home too hot or cold. The weather can also impact the paint drying – rain showers are no good. Direct sun, on the other hand, could cause paint to blister. Be a Goldilocks and make sure you pick a day that is just right!
Prep the Door
If you’re bringing your door inside, make sure the sawhorses you’re putting your door on are either outside or in a well-ventilated area with a drop cloth. Take off the hardware and hinges (consider labeling them so you know where they go), or cover them with painter’s tape. Also cover any glass or windows with painter’s tape, as well.
Next, sand your door. Scrub with a wet sponge first to clean, and then lightly sand. This is just to remove any dirt and rough spots, creating a perfect canvas for your new color. Wipe the door again with a damp sponge to remove dust after sanding.
Painting (Finally!)
Cover the entire door with primer (again, make sure you’re using one designed for the type of paint you chose). Use a roller for this and then, once dry, go over trim work and details with a paintbrush to make sure everything is covered.
Once your door is primed, it’s time for the fun part! You can use a brush or a roller depending on how you want the finished product to turn out. A paintbrush is going to be your tool of choice if you want a more “hand-painted” look; you can also do the first coat with a roller for ease, and a second coat with the brush to get that look if it’s what you desire.
Make sure each coat of paint is completely dry before adding the next and before re-installing the door! Patience is key to making sure your door ends up looking perfect and professional.
Expert Home Painting in Metro Detroit
It’s amazing that such a small change can have a huge impact on the appearance of your home, and you might not believe it until you see it. The perfect paint job is the best way to update your house and make it look unique; so what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to get your house looking fantastic, both inside and out, contact Armor Tough Coatings today!
