How to Paint an Exterior Door (The Fun & Easy Way!)
Can we talk about how one simple weekend project can totally transform your entire house? I’m not even exaggerating – painting your exterior door is like giving your home an instant personality makeover! After painting about a million doors (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration), I’ve learned all the tricks to make this project super fun and totally foolproof.
Listen, if you’ve been staring at your boring door thinking “there has to be more to life than this,” you’re in the right place! I’m going to walk you through how to paint a new exterior door, and I promise it’s way easier than you might think.
Let’s Get This Party Started: Your Shopping List
Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s make sure you’ve got all your supplies ready to go. Think of it as gathering ingredients before baking – except this recipe creates instant curb appeal!
The Must-Haves
- Exterior semi-gloss paint (pick something that makes your heart happy!)
- Foam rollers and handle (trust me on the foam – it’s a game-changer)
- Paint tray (nothing fancy needed)
- Painter’s tape (your new best friend)
- Drop cloth (because paint-splattered porches are not the look we’re going for)
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Fine-grit sandpaper (just in case)
- Small paintbrush for those tricky spots
Prep Work (I Know, I Know, But It’s Important!)
The Clean-Up Crew
First things first – we need to get that door squeaky clean. Grab your cleaning supplies and show that dirt who’s boss! A clean door is a happy door, and more importantly, it’s a door that paint will actually stick to. Genius, right?
Tape It Up
Time to play with painter’s tape! Think of this as coloring inside the lines, but way more satisfying. Get that tape around your hardware, windows, and edges. Yes, it’s a bit tedious, but future you will be sending present you a massive thank-you note.
The Fun Part: Actually Painting!
First Coat Magic
Okay, this is where things get exciting! Grab that foam roller (seriously, foam is your BFF for this project), and let’s get painting! Start at the top and work your way down – kind of like eating a really tall ice cream cone, except less delicious and more productive.
Pro tip: Keep your strokes going in the same direction. Think of it like petting a cat – you wouldn’t go all willy-nilly with that, would you? Same principle here!
Building It Up
Most doors need 2-3 coats to look their absolute best. I know, I know – waiting between coats feels like waiting for water to boil, but trust me, it’s worth it! Use this time to catch up on your favorite podcast or perfect your happy dance for when the door is finished.
The Grand Finale
Hardware Time
After your final coat is completely dry (patience, grasshopper!), you can put your hardware back on. This is like putting jewelry on your newly painted door – it’s the finishing touch that brings everything together!
Keeping It Pretty
Want to keep your door looking Instagram-worthy? Give it a gentle clean now and then with a soft cloth and mild soap. Think of it as a spa day for your door – it deserves a little pampering after all!
Questions You Might Be Asking Yourself
“What If It Rains?”
Pick a weekend when Mother Nature is in a good mood! Aim for temperatures between 50-85°F and low humidity. Nobody likes painting in the rain – not even Bob Ross.
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“How Long Will This Actually Take?”
Plan for about 4-6 hours of actual painting time, plus drying time between coats. It’s the perfect excuse to hang out on your porch all weekend! Bring a comfy chair and make a day of it.
You know what’s the absolute best part about painting your exterior door? That moment when you stand back and think, “Did I really do that?!” (Spoiler alert: Yes, you did!) Whether you go bold with a bright yellow or keep it classy with navy blue, your newly painted door is going to make you smile every single time you come home.
And isn’t that worth a weekend of fun? I mean, when else do you get permission to totally transform your house’s entire vibe with just a few coats of paint? Now go forth and create that door of your dreams – you’ve totally got this
I like your tip to clean the door thoroughly before you paint. If you don’t properly clean the door, you may end up with uneven paint or paint that chips off later on. It honestly might be a good idea to rent a pressure washer if you don’t have one, since it can get all the grime off without a problem. Thanks for sharing!
So true!! Thank you so much for the tip, and stopping by 🙂