Paint or Refinish Your Front Door
Your front door is the focal point of your home's exterior. A fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to dramatically improve curb appeal.
Quick Summary
3-4 hours
$30-100
Moderate
Very High
Why This Matters
According to real estate experts, a freshly painted front door can increase perceived home value and is often cited as the single best curb appeal investment. It's also one of the few exterior projects you can complete in a single afternoon.
Beyond resale value, your front door sets the tone for your entire home. It's the first thing guests touch and the last thing they see when leaving. Make it memorable.
Materials Needed
Required
- •Exterior door paint (quart is usually enough)
- •2-inch angled brush for details
- •4-inch foam roller for panels
- •120-grit sandpaper
- •TSP or degreaser
- •Painter's tape
- •Drop cloth
Optional
- •Primer (for bare wood or major color changes)
- •Wood filler (for dings and holes)
- •Sawhorses (if removing door)
- •Paint sprayer (for fastest results)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove All Hardware
Take off the door handle, deadbolt, knocker, kick plate, and house numbers. Place screws in a labeled bag so you don't lose them. This step is worth it—taping around hardware never looks as clean.
Pro tip: Take photos before removing to remember placement.
2. Clean Thoroughly
Mix TSP according to package directions and wash the entire door with a sponge. Pay special attention to areas around the handle where oils accumulate. Rinse with clean water and let dry completely.
Skip this step and your new paint may peel within months.
3. Sand and Prep
Lightly sand the entire door with 120-grit paper to create "tooth" for the new paint. Fill any dings or holes with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
4. Prime (If Needed)
Apply primer if you're painting bare wood, covering a dark color with a light one, or if the existing finish is chalky. Most door repaints over existing paint in good condition can skip this step.
5. Paint in the Right Order
For panel doors: Start with recessed panels, then the rails (horizontals), then the stiles (verticals), then the edges. Use a brush for details and a small foam roller for flat areas to minimize brush marks.
6. Apply Multiple Thin Coats
Two to three thin coats look better than one thick coat. Wait at least 2-4 hours between coats (check your paint's instructions). Lightly sand between coats with 220-grit for the smoothest finish.
7. Reinstall Hardware
Wait at least 24 hours before reinstalling hardware—paint needs time to fully cure. Consider upgrading to new hardware while you're at it for maximum impact.
Popular Door Colors
Bold Statement Colors
- • Classic Red: Welcoming, traditional
- • Navy Blue: Sophisticated, versatile
- • Teal/Turquoise: Fresh, coastal vibe
- • Yellow: Cheerful, cottage-style
- • Coral: Warm, modern
Timeless Neutrals
- • Black: Elegant, works with everything
- • Charcoal: Softer than black, very modern
- • Forest Green: Natural, traditional
- • Dark Brown: Warm, rustic
- • White: Clean, farmhouse style
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Painting in direct sun. Paint dries too fast and leaves brush marks. Paint in shade or on an overcast day.
- ✕Skipping the cleaning step. Even invisible oils will cause paint to fail.
- ✕Using interior paint. Always use exterior-rated paint for durability.
- ✕Closing the door too soon. Fresh paint can stick to the frame—check for tackiness before closing fully.
- ✕Ignoring weather. Don't paint if rain is expected within 4 hours or if temps are below 50°F.