How to Paint a Front Door for Kerb Appeal
Give your home a confident welcome with a smart, weatherproof front door finish.
The front door is the first thing a visitor sees and the detail that most defines a home's kerb appeal. A freshly painted door in a well-judged colour can lift an entire facade, and the job is achievable in a single dry day with careful planning.
Choose settled, mild weather and start early so the finish can dry before evening damp sets in. If possible, remove the door furniture rather than painting around it for the neatest result.
What you will need
- Sugar soap
- Medium and fine sanding paper
- Exterior wood primer
- Exterior satin or gloss door paint
- Quality angled brush
- Decorator's tape
- Screwdriver for furniture
Choose your conditions
Pick a dry, mild day with no rain forecast and begin in the morning. Avoid painting in strong direct sun, which dries the paint too quickly and leaves marks. Make sure you can leave the door ajar to dry without compromising security.
Remove the furniture
Unscrew the knocker, letterplate, handle and any numerals, keeping the fittings safe. Painting a clear door is far quicker and gives a cleaner finish than cutting around every fixture. Mask the hinges and glazing if present.
Clean and sand
Wash the door with sugar soap to remove dirt and salt, then rinse and dry. Sand the whole surface to key it, taking extra care to smooth any flaking or weathered areas. Wipe off all dust before priming.
Prime bare and repaired areas
Spot-prime any bare timber and repairs with an exterior wood primer to seal and protect them. This prevents moisture ingress and helps the topcoat adhere. Allow the primer to dry and give it a light rub down.
Paint in the right order
Follow the natural sections of the door, painting any mouldings and panels first, then the horizontal rails, then the vertical stiles. Lay the paint off in the direction of the grain for a smooth finish. Work quickly enough to keep a wet edge.
Recoat and reinstate
Once the first coat has dried fully, lightly denib and apply a second coat for a rich, protective finish. Allow ample drying before refitting the furniture to avoid marking the paint. Leave the door open as long as practical to harden off.