How to Paint a Front Door Like a Pro

4 Materials
$16
3 Hours
Easy

Do you realize that in just a few hours you can freshen the look of your home? It’s true, one simple change can boost your curb appeal! Learn How To Paint a Front Door in one afternoon without removing it from the hinges. If you follow these quick & easy DIY tips, you can have a new front door color by tomorrow! This is one of the cheapest ways to boost your curb appeal!

It may seem a little intimidating to paint a front door. It’s heavy and difficult to remove. But, there is not need to remove the door, just with a few simple tools and a quart of paint you can create instant curb appeal!

 You can also use these techniques to paint any interior or exterior door.


Choose Paint Color


Your front door says a lot about your home, so a good first impression is a must! The best front door colors make an immediate impact, complementing your home’s style and improving curb appeal.


Not only is repainting your front door a new color a simple and inexpensive exterior project, but it can be done in just a few hours. 

Choosing the best color for your front door, doesn’t mean just slapping on your favorite color. You’ll want to consider other colors on the house and the style of your home as well.


Grab a color wheel, when considering colors for your front door. You can base your color scheme with a monochromatic (several shades of a single color), analogous (colors found side by side on the color wheel), contrast (three colors spaced evenly apart on the color wheel), and complementary (two hues opposite each other on the color wheel).


By using these color principles as a guide you will be able to select a front door color that compliments your home’s other exterior elements.


I grabbed my paint at Home Depot, I used Dragonfly by Behr for my front door.


Pro Tip: Paint a few samples on your front door. Look at the color at different times of the day and in different light. This will ensure you get a color you’re happy with.


Grab Your Supplies


You’ll need:


STEP 1: Prep the door


First remove all hardware. This is much easier than trying to mask off the door handles and peep hole. It will also make it easier to get a smooth final finish.


Second, clean the door thoroughly. Then, use a painter’s tool or a putty knife fill in any dents and fix other imperfections with putty. Let the putty fully dry.


Finally, lightly sand the surface to ensure a smooth final result. This will also help the paint to adhere well.

Thoroughly wipe the surface with a lint-free damp rag to remove any dust.

Step 2: Tape


Tape off any windows and the surrounding trim or edge of the door.

I was only painting the front of the door. The inside and side of the door were remaining charcoal.

Place a drop cloth on the ground.

Step 3: Paint the Front Door


Begin cutting in the recessed areas and around windows, if necessary. This is where it is real important to have a good quality brush. This will ensure that you will not have brush marks. We are big fans of Purdy brushes!

Paint the panels inside the receased areas next. 


If your door is smooth, you will want to paint the remainder of the door with a mini roller. My door is a textured fiberglass door, and I wanted to keep that texture, so I used my Purdy paint brush on the entire door.

Paint the rails (these are the horizontal cross pieces) working from the top down and painting horizontally, left to right.


Finally, paint the stiles last (the vertical parts of the door) from top to bottom.


Wait an hour or follow directions on paint can and apply a second coat for durability. Follow the same order as the first coat.


Sometimes a third coat of paint is necessary for good coverage, especially if painting light over a dark color.

Pro Tip: While paint is still wet remove the tape. This will ensure that it will not pull off your fresh paint.

Leave your door open for 2-3 hours for the paint to cure.

The Reveal


I love the way the blue now compliments the orange tones of the brick. It made such a huge difference.


To see the front porch styled for summer click  here.

The before and after photos are pretty dramatic. Before the door was lost in a sea of white. But now, the blue door really pops!

For more curb appeal ideas click  here.

Do you feel confident that you can paint a front door like a pro? It really is a fairly quick project with impressive results.


Thank you for spending a little time with us!


If you have questions or comments about how to paint a front door, please drop us a line in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you! 

Resources for this project:
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Sunny Side Design
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3 of 8 questions
  • Barbara Barbara on Aug 29, 2020

    I have a metal door. Have paid 3 time different painters. Every time the door will peel. They sand and prime. What can I do? Going to try it my self. White and faces the south.

  • Arianna Arianna on Aug 29, 2020

    What’s the paint color you used?! 😍

  • Patty Patty on Jan 01, 2023

    Why do you paint it a certain order? I have a south facing metal door as well. Thanks for all the tips.

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  • Yub33418296 Yub33418296 on Mar 07, 2023

    Your door looks fabulous! I have been wanting & needing to paint my brown front door for a while now. It's a metal door with a large, oval window. My siding is a light brown/khaki color & when we replaced our roof with a metal one, we chose hunter green for it, along with the gutters, soffit & facia. I really don't want to paint the front door the same shade of green. I feel like it would be way too much green. After staring at the color wheel for a while, I feel even more confused or overwhelmed. I really would like it to standout. Any thoughts or suggestions on a color that might work?

  • Sunny Side Design Sunny Side Design on Mar 08, 2023

    Thank you. I'd be happy to suggest a few colors. It would be best to see a photo of your home. Please upload a photo in the comments.

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