Asked on Aug 17, 2016

Chalk paint on this front door?

Janis Yearwood
by Janis Yearwood
I used a technique on my front door about 20 years ago that was a "crackling" paint. The door is solid wood and was perfect before I did this. I've actually been happy with it but I'm ready for a change, and want to get rid of the dated color, also. I was thinking about using Chalk Paint with a dark wax because the videos that I've seen of really distressed tables, etc. look great. I've never used Chalk Paint before. Do anyone have an opinion? I'd rather not strip the paint off or go through sanding it smooth. Thanks for any help.
  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 17, 2016
    In my opinion I would opt for regular outdoor paint.There are a lot of new and exciting colors now.
  • Jackie Byrd Jackie Byrd on Aug 17, 2016
    Hope you have a big supply of sandpaper. . . and elbow grease. Looking forward to seeing the results.
  • Rosieflynn Rosieflynn on Aug 18, 2016
    Chalk paint would require little or no prep work but if the door is exposed to weather, chalk paint will not hold up.
  • Debbie Debbie on Aug 18, 2016
    If your door is under a covered porch i would think you could use chalk paint; however, after the wax i would put a couple of coats of hand rubbed polyurethane. i've done this on furniture pieces that need protection and it comes out beautiful. you would not need to sand, but the texture of the crackle may show through. that may be a look you would like.
    • Janis Yearwood Janis Yearwood on Aug 18, 2016
      Thank You Debbie, it is under a small cover(3 ft), plus a glass door but the polyurethane would probably be a good idea.
  • Elaine Elaine on Aug 18, 2016
    I wouldn't do it, Janis, if I were you! Chalk paint is fun and yes, there's no pre-sanding but I'm not sure of fading from UV rays plus durability plus there's more elbow grease required when you do the necessary waxing and buffing, etc. When it comes to front doors, that's the focal point of the house and I'd go classic every time and choose the proper paint for exterior surfaces. Remember not to paint it the same as the garage door(s) assuming you have a garage because, again, it's supposed to be the focal point of the house so garage doors should blend in with the brick or siding color.
    • See 1 previous
    • Elaine Elaine on Aug 18, 2016
      You're very welcome, Janis. You say you have beigy/yellow brick with dark green? It's funny, I was just going to suggest a green but you've already got it. Not sure what you mean by "ends" ... are you meaning the "sides" of the house? A photo would be great. Someday, if you ever repainted the ends (or sides if that what you mean) how about a subtle tan or medium beige to blend in with the siding (instead of contrast) then paint your front door a glossy sophisticated black or rich, deep chocolate brown. I once had an all brick bungalow that was the yellow-beigy brick and did the door a rich brown. I forgot to ask the color of your roof so you need to take that into cosideration too. Some people prefer contrast and would suggest the opposite of yellow (on the color wheel) which would be blue but you already have green on the ends/sides so I'd hate to see too many colors on your house as it may be too much. Good luck with your decision. PS: also, a suggestion ... go on Houzz and type in exterior paint/siding/brick ideas - or something to that effect - and you should see lots of ideas. Or maybe just type in "yellow siding houses". Again, good luck.
  • Diana of all Trades Diana of all Trades on Apr 21, 2017

    I use and sell chalk based paint. Your finished surface will not be any smoother after use than it was before use. No matter whether you use latex or outdoor paint or chalk based paint, you will have to sand the crackle finish off to get a smooth finish. I use and recommend Heirloom Traditions products. There is a sealant for outdoor use that i would use for this project. I have to admit it smells awful just like the polyurethane stuff you get at the hardware store though. Use code DSD to get 10% off at www.HeirloomTraditionsPaint.com.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 28, 2022

    Chalk Paint won't stand up to the weather, go for painting over with something that is darker, maybe Racing Green or Navy or even Black. Embrace the finish you have, otherwise you will hve a lot of work on your hands to get it smooth again.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 01, 2023

    Somewhat depends on the weather in your area. Chalk paint isn't as weather hardy as regular paint.