Painting front door

Nola Patti
by Nola Patti
i have a wood front door that is been on the house since 1954 when the house was buil. I would like to paint it . I would like to know if I need to use primer before I put the color on ? Is there a special paint I need to use ?

Thank you
Nola Patti

  7 answers
  • Kim Kim on Oct 25, 2017

    You want to repair any nicks or bumps with wood filler and sand paper. Remove all hardware and sand any paint ridges. Tape off bare wood under hinges and latch plate. Lightly sand the shine off of the old paint and wash door with TSP. Make sure surface is dust free and prime the door. Skipping the priming coat is a way to save a few minutes now so that you have hours of work later to repair your peeling door.

    I prefer 2 coats of primer, one applied vertically and one applied horizontally.

    You can use a 400 grit sand paper to very lightly remove brush marks for a smoother finish. Then 2 coats of paint in the same fashion. Then a good outdoor poly clear coat to protect all of your hard work!

    😊

  • FL FL on Oct 25, 2017

    "Interior enamel paint is tough and durable, but don't make the mistake of painting your exterior door with it. The best paint for exterior doors is exterior acrylic paint because it is flexible and contains mildewcides designed to protect your door from harsh conditions. No paint will stick to dirt, grease or rust, so you will have to clean the door before you paint. Use a synthetic mini roller to give your door a fast and easy face-lift." This site recommends 2 coats of a stain-blocking primer. Details: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-exterior-front-door-37459.html


  • Vrohde Vrohde on Oct 25, 2017

    Behr paint has a paint with primer right in it. I get mine at Home Depot

  • Bobbie Bobbie on Oct 25, 2017

    I would sand down the door and give it a couple coats of primer then paint the color of your choice.

  • Here are a couple links for you. Go to a proper paint store and purchase the correct formula primer and paint. They have UV resistant paint specifically intended for exterior doors. Have fun and good luck!


    https://m.wikihow.com/Paint-an-Exterior-Door


    https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wooden-front-door/project

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 25, 2017

    I do prime front doors when I paint them, and I like to use marine paint as it wears exceptionally well in harsh climates like the seashore where I live. But any exterior enamel will do in either a satin or high gloss. I use a foam roller and paint brush. I cut in around panels, apply with 4"-6" smooth foam roller on big flat surfaces, and then drag a good brush lightly over the rolled areas to remove any texture. I do this on saw horses or 4 buckets.

    I always take the door down where possible, but if you do paint in place, use very light coats so you get no runs, check periodically to ensure no runs, and use a brush to correct any runs before it sets up. Slide a piece of posterboard under the door to prevent sticking. If done in place, I don't paint the closing sides, top or bottom of door.

    Start real early in the morning on a nice sunnyday to allow maximum dry time.

    http://www.kilz.com/projects/refinish-a-door?&gclid=CjwKCAjw7MDPBRAFEiwAppdF9IT7SrCi5moVkpraX945jirUyVENX9OdYhEORGY93Ic2hLE6OLaURxoCzeoQAvD_BwE