How to paint a front door without removing it?

Abby
by Abby

How do I paint my front door? I don't want to take it off the hinges.



  20 answers
  • Judy Judy on Oct 15, 2018

    Just be careful and place cardboard under the door to catch drips. Slow and easy get the job done.

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Oct 15, 2018

    If you choose to do it while still hanging, just make sure to tape off the hinges and locks so you don't get paint on them.


  • Pat hayes Pat hayes on Oct 16, 2018

    don't overthink it.....not all doors have to be taken down to paint...especially a front entry door. tape off whatever you feel would be difficult to paint then prep it, wash off dirt and light sanding you should be just fine. and use a small low nap roller and an angled sash brush.

  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 12, 2017

    You don't have to take it down to paint it. I painted my door at our old house several times. A few coats of light paint, allowing to dry between coats. I used a paint made especially for doors. Worked great for me.

  • Judy Judy on Sep 12, 2017

    First of all clean it, with a detergent. Then, make sure it is dry, and put newspapers under the door. This will help catch any drips that may go on wooden floors, or carpet. As you paint , always paint the edge first, then work towards the center. Do not use too thick, but do this evenly. Always dry it in a shaded area. Do NOT let the sun shine on it, for nature will take care of it. You may have to give it another coat, but do this evenly also. Change the paper, as you give new coats. Make sure there is no paint streams that run down the part of the door, where the outside of the door, and the catch plate meet. Keep it safe, and even. Best wishes, J.

  • John Everett John Everett on Mar 05, 2018

    You just have to leave the door open until the paint dries.

  • Deb K Deb K on Mar 05, 2018

    You can use masking tape on the hinges, peel it off once you are done.

  • Emily Emily on Mar 05, 2018

    We painted our front door with oil paint. We did remove the hardware to polish it. But did not remove the door from its hinges.

  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Mar 05, 2018

    Do it early in the day on a warm day - no rain or moisture. You will need to leave the door open all day and put a fan on it too.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jun 19, 2018

    Tape up your hinges, and put aluminum foil around your knobs. Leave the door open to the inside while painting. Tape a sheet or a piece of screen up while doing this, unless you have a storm door. Clean your door well, let it dry, sand any little imperfections or peeled paint, wipe it down again, then prime and paint. Get them to tint your primer one color lighter than your door, and one coat might complete the look. I always paint two coats.

  • I painted mine by laying down a drop cloth, cleaning the door with soap and water, taping off the windows, and painting with a quality brush. Be sure to use a good exterior paint.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Nov 09, 2021

    Hello. Just taking some additional prep taping off masking areas and doing a cautious paint application so no runs are encountered. Be aware of your paint requirements as far as temperature and dry time.

    Here’s a door painting link that could be helpful with more tips.


    https://youtu.be/JYjAX8tV3cE



  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on Nov 09, 2021

    Hi Abby, You definitely don't need to remove a door to paint it. Use painter's tape to tape off the hinges and knobs, and whatever else you don't want to get paint on. I use newspapers placed under the door to catch any drips. Depending on what type of door you have, you can use a brush for the detail areas and a small roller for the flat areas. Make sure to use the right type of paint for the weather conditions in your area. Ask at your home improvement store.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Nov 09, 2021

    You really don't need to remove the door from it's hinges to do this. The best way to make your paint job at it's best is in the prep work. Clean it well and let dry, sand and tape off all areas where you do not want paint. Use a drop cloth or cardboard, something solid, I have found newspapers can shift and cause gaps in the floor coverage. As for the products, use a quality brush and paint for best results.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 09, 2021

    Hang a sheet of plastic over the opening and tape all the way around to prevent dust and insects from flying in. Put a piece of plastic or drop cloth on the floor beneath the door. You will need to prep it, probably with a deglosser. Then you are ready to prime and paint. Make sure you get a paint that is formulated for an exterior door and the type of material your door is made of.


  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 09, 2021

    here is info on how to do this Abby

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRsy0YV_WsM

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 09, 2021

    Hi Abby, you can do this, and it's very easy!

    first out painter's tape and something like paper to avoid splashes on all the hardware, walls and floors.

    Make sure you door is smooth, sand any rough spots

    Clean the door well, and make sure it's dry, then apply a coat of primer

    Once the primer is totally dry, you can paint a coat of your paint, Once completely dry, you can apply a second coat if you like

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB9FckDpIPY

  • You can place cardboard and make sure to put tape on the hinges and locks to avoid staining them.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 07, 2023

    Do the inside details first and then go around the edges. I always used a brush, but you may like to use brush and roller.