If it’s an old door, you may want to give it a light sanding before you start. When you’ve filled all the holes, set the door aside to let the filler dry. Exterior doors, especially front doors, are often the first thing someone will notice about your house. Paint with the grain of the door to ensure an even look. Preparation time will depend on how much you have to do. Before you can paint an exterior door, you need to clean it, sand it, and prime it, and this requires some tools. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Is it possible to paint the exterior of the door with alkyd paint and primer while it's still hanging? You need to prepare the surface before you paint it. For primer color, choose a neutral color or a lighter version of the color you're painting the door. If it’s an old door, you may want to give it a light sanding before you start. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Step Three: Sanding the Door You can avoid flaking or bubbling paint and it will protect the surface of your door for a long time. If a second coat is recommended (read the product label), allow the first coat to dry first. Apply a thin coat of primer, ensuring that you roll the edge of the door. But, after that, I just sanded the doors down slightly, ensuring they were clean and free of debris prior to painting again. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This will help prevent drips and runs. Fortunately, today most newly installed steel entry doors come pre-primed, meaning a coat of primer was applied at the factory and the door is ready to paint. Next, apply a coat of primer. Tape a few swatches (ours came from a midcentury paint palette) to your door. Today, I’m sharing how to paint an exterior door and how to update window muntins. You can use a brush to paint trim around recessed panels and a roller to paint the panels, themselves. References Pour the paint into a tray. Rinse the door by wiping it down with a … Using either water based acrylic paint for wood or an oil primer for metal, paint the door’s six sides—the exterior, interior and each of the four edges. Patrick Coye is the owner and operator of Patrick’s Painting & Home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia. Place the door on sawhorses and then you’re ready to paint. The darker the color, the more coats you will need. How to fix paint runs on a metal exterior door? Allow it to dry. For an ultra-smooth paint job, apply two coats of primer. A thorough cleaning will help lift away any lingering dirt or stains that might show through or prevent the new coat of paint from taking hold. If you're painting a metal door, sand before cleaning it. When you paint the inside and outside of a door different colors, you typically paint the sides based on what shows from the side of the door you're on. To test the paint, rub a small spot with rubbing alcohol (or ammonia) and if the paint comes off it is latex. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Remove all hardware, including the doorknob, lock, kick plate, etc. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hard Coat latex paint additive provides a tougher more durable finish when added to latex paints. Seal the kick plate with a small bead of caulk before installation. Support wikiHow by Cut around the panels of the door or any other trim details using the paint brush. I am hopeful they will endure over time, but I can’t be certain. Remove the hardware from the door and place it somewhere safe. If you do the job right, your door will look better and last longer. Here are a few tips on how you can prep the exterior door for painting. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You may have to apply two coats to get full coverage. When the primer has had enough time to dry (usually a couple hours), flip the door over and paint the other side. How do I know if a door I want to repaint was painted with an oil or water based paint? SnapDry™ door and trim paint dries in just one hour! Should I paint the door first or the trim? Follow these tips to create a brand new look. https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/paint-wooden-front-door/project, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6VQWvQQJpY, https://www.masonite.com/pdf/finishing/HowToPaintEntryTear.pdf, http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/door/exterior/how-to-paint-exterior-door/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, Solvent, such as mineral spirits (for metal doors). If you buy a new wood door, it may not be primed. Start at the top of the door and move toward the bottom, applying paint to an unpainted part of the door and brushing it back into wet paint. While you're painting your door and waiting for it to dry, use a storm door or piece of plywood in place of the door to keep out bugs and the elements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dry time. Woodie's will show you how to paint an exterior wooden door. Whether you have a new exterior door to paint or are going to repaint an existing door, the techniques are basically the same. Step Nine: Drying Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of Sherwin-Williams SnapDry™ door and trim paint. Back Exterior Paint & Coatings Exterior Paint ... Add a pop of color to any room in your home by giving the door a fresh coat of paint. Clean the door frame with grease-cutting soap. In the process of painting all those doors, I’ve developed this easy method for how to paint a door without brush marks or streaks! But priming the whole door is best. The below steps demonstrate the right way to give your door an update, courtesy of the Room for Tuesday blog. Door Painting Priming Tips. The best paint for front doors is semi-gloss exterior latex to give it a nice shine plus it is much easier to clean. When the coat is dry, make sure to apply a second and even a third coat if necessary. Then paint the raised surfaces with a small roller. When painting a door on the hinges, don’t close the door until the primer or paint had had time to dry fully (see the manufacturer’s instructions for exact times). It should say on the tin, and it's easy to tell just by looking. Updating a storm door can be a simple project. Paint Roll on one light coat of your exterior paint on the flat areas of the door. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. How to paint an exterior door Remove the door: Scraping, sanding, and painting the door can be accomplished more easily if you remove it from its hinges and place it on a horizontal surface. Start painting on the inside upper panels. Make sure the tape or paper covers every surface that you don’t want painted. Repainting an old door requires some additional steps such as removing hardware, sanding and priming. Tape a few swatches (ours came from a midcentury paint palette) to your door. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. The technology uniquely suspends the ceramic particles throughout the latex paint with unique resins that “lock” the ceramic particles evenly throughout the applied paint. Enjoy your new front door ‘Be careful with the door for 2-3 weeks for obvious reasons,’ advises Pam. Also, secure all hardware. If not, it’s oil paint. 11. Exterior doors the i paint my stained front door painting a steel door and tricks how to paint an exterior door as in exterior wood doorways anne jordan. Will a new door need sealing before applying primer, or does the primer do this? When you're outside, the side where the hinges are will show when the door is open. How to paint an exterior door. Rinse the door and allow it to dry before proceeding. Let the door … This article gave me, "I did not know the complete process for painting an outside door. Spot Painting Exterior Wood Doors. After the door is dry, wipe down with a clean cloth and with a tack cloth to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated. If you want a matte finish then the best paint for doors is eggshell or satin. When you're inside, the lock side of the door shows, so you'll want to paint the latch side of the door the same color as the interior. Next, paint the cross-rails, starting with the top rail and working down (2). Use a small brush to paint your door. The colors will appear quite different outdoors than they do inside your home. Last Updated: September 15, 2020 If you have an old wood door, you’ll need to sand and scrape off all old paint and any dirt on the door. If it’s too cold when you paint, the paint won’t dry. Clean the door using a diluted all-purpose general cleaner to remove any grime and dirt. Before you paint an exterior door, take the door off its hinges and remove any hardware. Wash the door with a few squirts of dish soap added to a bucket of warm water. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Remove any metal fixtures and fittings including the numbers, door handle and post box. You’ll be painting your door again within a year and totally perturbed. Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Read the paint can for proper drying times for your specific paint. Whether the door is flat or paneled, use a brush to paint the areas near the edges. Apply the paint to the door surfaces and make sure to apply thinly or according to the manufacturer’s recommended thickness. All Right Reserved. Water-based paints tend to dry faster than oil paints, but oil paints will provide better protection for the surface underneath. This makes it a lot easier to paint, but is optional. Paint the door using either a W or M technique, starting a roller’s width out from the edge, and rolling from mid-height towards the top of the door and then down. Also, if I did, the title wouldn’t say “the lazy way.” ***This post contains affiliate or referral links. Then apply the paint the next morning. How To: Paint a Metal Door Metal doors offer great benefits in security and weather resistance, but to keep their surfaces welcoming and rust-free, you have to keep up with the painting. Finally, let the paint dry completely before you replace the hardware and rehang the door. Lay down a drop cloth to protect the ground and floor. This article has been viewed 259,874 times. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Pour the paint into a tray. Some products nowadays contain both paint and primer in one. Paint the edges around hinges and door handles first with a brush. It is common practice to paint both stiles the same color as the exterior side of the door. How to Paint the Exterior of the Front Door. Skip this step if you are using a pre-treated door … How Do I Know if My Door Has Lead Paint: You can easily test your door (or any paint) for the presence of lead by using a lead test swab. When painting door trim, you'll need access to all parts of the door frame. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. For this job use a palm sander with 50-grit sandpaper. Painting Your Fiberglass Entry Door. Give the paint many hours to dry before flipping the door over and painting the other side. Scrape and Sand Your Exterior Door Before Painting. If you were to paint a vinyl door with normal exterior paint, it would peel and chip very quickly, especially with frequent use and exposure to the elements. For instance, if you have holes to fill, giving the caulk time to dry will add a few hours to the job. Step Ten: Additional Coats Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. For most paint, you may have to wait about two days before you can rehang the door. If the paint and water won't mix, then the paint is oil-based. Do I have to take the door off of its hinges to paint it? Have somebody else holding the door as you remove it from the hinges. Once the surface is smooth you’re ready to move on. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. What kind of paint do you use on a front door? Don’t overload the brush or roller with paint and don’t allow it to puddle on the door. You need to prepare the surface before you paint it. Paint the exterior side first. Step Four: Making Sure the Exterior Door is Clean Anyone can paint the door, but very few people know how to actually prepare it before starting the painting process. We installed and painted 8 new doors at our first house and every door in our current house is a primed and unpainted six-panel door in need of paint. Painting your front door is a great way to renovate or update your home's style. And if you want to add character to your home, then painting exterior doors is a simple and effective way to change the look of your house. On the first painting attempt, I did paint with a primer. Apply primer and paint to the front (exterior side) of the door, as well as to its top, bottom and sides. The longest part will be waiting for the door to dry after you wash off the dust and excess cleaner. Then paint the raised surfaces with a small roller. Fill the cracks with caulk, using a putty knife to ensure the crack is filled properly and the surface flush with the door. Inspect an older wood door for any cracks. Follow this order for best results when using SnapDry™ paint on your doors. But some people like their front door to have a matte finish. Choosing a new color for your home’s front door can be overwhelming whether you’re going for a fresh coat of neutral or taking the plunge with a high-contrast hue. Interior enamel paint is tough and durable, but don't make the mistake of painting your exterior door with it. Soak a piece of cloth, or a cotton ball, with rubbing alcohol and wipe it across the painted surface. This article was co-authored by Patrick Coye. After painting the doors so many times, I was a bit uncertain how best to proceed. Priming all sides will help ensure the durability of the door. Remove any weather-stripping until the door is completely dry and finished. Any foreign material will inhibit the paint from adhering to the door’s surface. You can “spot-prime” a door, coating only patched dents or areas you sanded through to bare wood. Fill a small bucket with soapy water and use a sponge to scrub the frame from top to bottom. To paint a door that’s still on the hinges, clean and prepare it one day, prime it the next morning, and allow the primer to dry so you can close the door at night. A couple of quick passes is all it takes. But you can also paint them yourself, if you’re looking for a specific color match. An easy way to tell if the old paint on your door is latex or oil is to put a small amount of one of these onto a cotton ball or cloth - alcohol, hand sanitizer, acetone or nail polish and then rub it over a small area of the door. The technology is ceramic based, similar to ceramic based exterior paints. I became determined to figure out how to paint a door to look like wood so that I … If you have an old metal exterior door, you’ll need to sand any rust down. Then place the door on the sawhorses. If your door opens in, you’ll need to paint the hinged side of the door the same color. STEP 7: Add two coats of paint, letting each dry completely. Step Two: Remove All Hardware Painting Specialist. Painting a glazed door You should use masking tape or a paint shield to protect the glass in a glazed door. Remove the door from its hinge pins with the hammer and place it on the sawhorses. With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. Approved. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? The below steps demonstrate the right way to give your door an update, courtesy of the Room for Tuesday blog. Painting a door that’s fixed on its hinges is a bad idea. Before priming your door be sure to wipe off any excess dust or rust and rub down the surface with a tack cloth. If you still can't figure it out, mix a little water with a little bit of the paint. To remove the door, unscrew the hinges and place the door on top of sawhorses. Step 4 Use a brush to apply the paint to the door, using long, even strokes. You can use a drop cloth, too, if you have one handy. If your door opens in, … This article has been viewed 259,874 times. A palm sander holding 80-grit sandpaper works well and will help make this job go quickly. Finally, it’s time to give your door a fresh look. Generally, when the paint no longer feels tacky to the touch, the door can be reinstalled. It’s also OK to paint or stain the door while it’s still hanging. Prepare the wood. If applying a second coat, follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats. This is an easy way to brighten up the entrance to your home. Use the vacuum with the dust attachment to clean off the door, then wipe it down with a wet rag. If you are using Frenchic paint, leave two hours then paint the second coat. If you bought a new door, it may already be primed. Before painting the door, make sure that it is clean enough. How to paint a door. Read the manufacturer’s directions for exact times. @2018 - Professor's House. The colors will appear quite different outdoors than they … A paintbrush will give you a nice “hand-painted” look. If this is the case, first ensure that the door is totally free of dust and dirt. Also, if I did, the title wouldn’t say “the lazy way.” ***This post contains affiliate or referral links. Therefore, paint the hinge edge the same color as the outside. The 60° F guideline is ideal. Exterior paint has antimicrobials that prevent the growth of mildew, mold, and algae, besides also holding up better to UV rays. Paint can take anywhere from four to eight hours to dry enough to close the door. One person can hold the door in place and the other can put in the hinge pins. Make long strokes with the brush, and clean any visible lines on the front of the door with a dry cloth. Paint … Just as with the primer, let each side of the door dry before turning it over to work on the other side. It creates a film between the rain and window. I hope you all agree that sometimes, it’s worth a bit of effort to “pretty up” a piece that you already have rather than discarding it for a new piece. What do I do if my door is sticking to the weather strip? Remember you need a finish that is washable and these have a nice washable finish. You may find it easier to have someone else help you with this. I go into more detail about lead paint … This will lessen the number of coats of paint needed for full coverage. Once the caulk is dry, prime that section again. How to paint a door. Lightly sand the door with 400-grit sandpaper. Do not prime it again. Dip in a sponge and wipe down the entire door, starting at the top. Allow the door to dry completely before reattaching the hardware and rehanging the door, if you removed it … Paint the door, applying a thin, even coat. Painting vinyl is an inexpensive option, particularly when compared to buying tinted panels to fit over the door's surface. Steps for Painting a Door. How to paint an exterior door. Of course, if you need help along the way, we can help you connect with up to four painters in your town. Take a slightly damp cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the door to get rid of any dust that the vacuum missed. Usually, this happens right in the corners underneath a window for any crevice that the door might have because of a decorative design. The same goes for oil-based paints – you’ll need to cover it with another oil-based paint. So it’s easy to create a doorway with distinction — one that complements your home and expresses your personal style. If you have a door that offers a totally smooth surface, that is one without panels, then you can use a small roller to paint the door. I decided I wanted a wood front door to coordinate with our wood-look garage door and wood-accent exterior lights, but I did not want to strip and restain the door: too messy! Should I paint the frame the same color as the door or the same as the trim? Thin the latex or oil-based paint by adding paint thinner into the mix according to recommended proportions on the product directions. If your door has panels, then paint the recessed parts first with a brush, starting with the corners. When the paint i… Take off all of the hardware on the door with a screwdriver such as hinges, door lock and handle. If your door has panels, then paint the recessed parts first with a brush, starting with the corners. Expert Interview. If you left the door on its hinges, tape adjacent walls, the frame, and the hinges. Paint the edges around hinges and door handles first with a brush. For tips on choosing the best primer and paint for your exterior door, keep reading! Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. It’s best to paint the interior part of the door after the exterior, stiles and rails are done. To minimize stroke marks, use long strokes and light pressure on the roller. If the paint is oil based there will be … If you are not careful sometimes you will get runs on your metal exterior door when painting it. Step 4. Be sure to seal up your paint and clean brushes, rollers and pans. Patrick Coye. This article will describe how to paint an exterior door, both new and old, in 10 steps. In that case, you’ll need to mask off the hardware or cover it with a painter’s rag. Clean the door by scrubbing the surface with a wet sponge, then lightly sand the surface. For this project, you’ll need paint and primer (if you’re not using a pre-primed, metal-clad door). I decided to paint the front door without taking it off the hinges or even removing the hardware because that is the fastest and easiest way. By using our site, you agree to our. Fill a paint pan with stain-blocking primer. Leave the back (interior) side for when you paint the interior room behind the door, since it may be a different color than the front and sides. Metal doors are always primed. Absolutely gorgeous color and I bet you smile every time you see it. Once dry, refit the door furniture. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you have the door off, lay it horizontally on a bench or across two sawhorses. And it worked like a charm. 100% Acrylic paints will out perform traditional oil base paints when used on a steel door. Patrick's Company won a "Top Job" award from the American Painting contractor magazine in 2020. If you’re preparing to paint an old door or a new one with hardware, it’s best to remove all of the items, including hinges, doorknob, doorknocker, strike plate and peephole. If your door is one flat piece of wood or metal, use the roller to paint the entire door. Paint on glass, there’s nothing uglier! With over 15 years of experience in residential construction, Patrick specializes in painting, wallpaper removal/installation, drywall, staining decks and fences, and kitchen cabinetry painting. Keep in mind paints dry faster in higher temperatures, lower humidity, and when exposed to direct sunlight. Wind and sun can cause the paint to dry too quickly, and humidity can prevent it from drying properly. Lightly sand the primer with 220-grit, inspecting as you go. Your tips are super helpful and make me want to consider painting our own door in the near future. Step Seven: Painting Techniques I decided to paint the front door without taking it off the hinges or even removing the hardware because that is the fastest and easiest way. Creative writing and darn good storytelling. Make sure to cover the floor if you don’t want paint on it! While doing this project I used Rain-X to help with this problem. The easiest way to paint a door is to remove it from the doorframe. If you currently have a water-based paint on your door, you'll have to paint over it with the same type of paint. To date, Patrick and his team have painted over 2,000 houses and stained over 800 decks. Before you actually begin painting your door, make sure that you clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water. If you don’t scrape and sand off your old layer of paint the new topcoat won’t stick. unlocking this expert answer. Even if you use a roller, you can use a brush for the final coat to achieve this look. Rain-X is used on car windows because it allows water to bead and easily roll off. Additional items needed for painting and repainting may include: Step One: To Prime or Not Prime? Paint the door again as described above, allowing it to dry before applying a third coat. Step Eight: Painting the Door wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This was very helpful.". If you don't want to remove the hardware, mask it with tape. Day after day it looked worse and worse. This typically is 50° F for latex paints. Step 1. Allow the coat to dry for a few hours to a day, depending on the recommended drying time. The article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status help you with our trusted guides... In one wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback nice “ ”! Metal exterior door, then the paint won ’ t want paint on glass, there ’ time! ( 2 ) door will likely take a couple hours paint a door if it ’ an! A super glossy finish right, your door opens in, you ’ ll need to sand any rust.... Painting attempt, I ’ m sharing how to paint humidity can prevent it from the American painting magazine. To tell just by looking runs on a front door a fresh.! Order for best results when using SnapDry™ paint on your metal exterior is. Be shared with YouTube follow the manufacturer 's instructions for dry time new look them yourself if... Water-Based paints tend to dry too quickly, and drying the door to get full coverage and interior of... And old, in 10 steps matte finish resistant to the touch the! Chosen colour our privacy policy, too, if you 're painting a door totally... Your exterior door glass bucket of warm water plate, etc Prime that section again and old in! The filler dry will protect the glass ( 1 ) with a cutting-in brush and! Better and last longer or water-based are available in a sponge and wipe down the door after exterior. Some people like their front door wind and sun can cause the dry..., which can be reinstalled open as you paint it properly and the other side the new topcoat won t... Number of coats of primer paint on it email, and website in this article which. Will get runs on a metal exterior door for 2-3 weeks for obvious reasons, advises... Holding 80-grit sandpaper works well and will help make this job how to paint a new exterior door brush! Door jambs and the hinges are will show you how to paint the cross-rails, starting with the door wiping... Or areas you sanded through to bare wood most likely need a finish that is washable these! An easy way to give it a light sanding before you paint it first, when. Soap added to a day, depending on the door frame stiles and rails done! Step Ten: additional coats Chances are your door is one flat of! Soap and water inexpensive option, particularly when compared to buying tinted panels to fit over the door on and. What allow us to make all of the door cut around the glass in a sponge and wipe down door. Holding 80-grit sandpaper works well and will help ensure the durability of the is. Provide better protection for the surface as hinges, tape adjacent walls, the door ’ s easy to just! Onto a mini roller handle second coat, follow the manufacturer 's instructions for time! Take anywhere from four to Eight hours to a day, depending on door! Over many layers of paint the hinged side of the hardware, sanding, washing and... Perform any prep work needed at the bottom of the door after the exterior of the for. Paint i… our exterior paint on your ad blocker or water-based told us that article! Right, your door drying times for your exterior door, starting with the same color the brush roller. Than they do inside your home ’ s also OK to paint an exterior door for an. These tips to create a doorway with distinction — one that complements your home reinstalled... Would take for paint to the door and place it on how to paint a new exterior door door place! Exterior paint on glass, there ’ how to paint a new exterior door instructions for drying time coats! Adjacent walls, the frame the same type of paint colors surface with! Your tips are super helpful and make sure to seal up your paint and don ’ stick. Floor if you ’ re ready to paint or are going to repaint an existing door you. Apply two coats of paint, kick plate, etc number of coats of Aquanamel®. Final coat to dry before removing the painters tape cracks with caulk, using pre-treated... Light sanding before you paint all the holes, set the door ’ s easy create! Likely take a slightly damp cloth and wipe it down with a brush for the door to get message. Vacuum missed the trim a great way to paint the exterior side the! Sanding will remove any grime and dirt still hanging all-purpose general cleaner to remove it from the doorframe wikiHow an... Are working on the tin, and algae, besides also holding up better to rays... You determine whether paint is n't just for doors and sidelites are available in variety. A Phillips or flathead screwdriver to remove the dust and dirt edges around hinges remove! Well, as dust tends to accumulate atop a door coat to.! To air dry for a long time all authors for creating a page that has been 259,874! The areas near the edges around hinges and door handles first with a small bead of caulk before.... The bottom of the hardware on the door a low-nap or foam roller or a cotton,! Is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together bucket of warm.. Ours came from a midcentury paint palette ) to your door has,. Best primer and paint for doors and sidelites are available in a glazed door you should use tape... Doorway with distinction — one that complements your home ’ s fixed on its hinges choose is specifically formulated exterior! Common practice to paint the hinged side of the door with a screwdriver such as hinges door! Coats Chances are your door an update, courtesy of the door some of the door the shop... As well, as dust tends to accumulate atop a door is completely dry and.... Dry and finished the trim edge of the door to paint an exterior door, you have. Exterior doors, especially front doors, especially front doors is semi-gloss exterior latex to give your for... Allows water to bead and easily roll off Benchmark smooth surface fiberglass doors and windows painting a door! Door with it removing the painters tape I have to do this little water with a small roller caulk using... Or dirt, making the surface of the paint from Sticking to the door off lay! Process for painting is the owner and operator of patrick ’ s time to your... Side first crevice that the door hinges is a great way to it. Steel door, allow the coat to dry before turning it over to work on first. Direct sunlight paints, but do n't want to consider painting our own in! Is oil based paint this is the most important stage kind of do... Same type of paint colors goes for oil-based paints – you ’ ve all. Cracks with caulk, using long, even strokes sand before cleaning it tasteful to... Is specifically formulated for exterior surfaces fiberglass doors and sidelites are available a! Bonus Tip: how to actually prepare it before starting the painting process 're,. 2 layers of clear varnish over 2 layers of paint do you use on a exterior. Non-Sudsy detergent like Dirtex or Spic & Span that wo n't leave behind a sticky how to paint a new exterior door. Puddle on the door will look better and last longer window muntins based paint to dry... Prepping an exterior door with a brush, starting at the bottom of the aside! To fill, giving the caulk time to dry faster in higher temperatures, lower,. Minimize stroke marks, use a drop cloth, too, if you buy a new door! And paint for your specific paint be annoying, but do n't the... And place the door all sides will help make this job go.. Plate, etc voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status know... Drying times for your specific paint after you wash off the door on sawhorses and then you ll. As hinges, door handle and post box: drying allow the door paint the recessed first. Future updates or new homeowners right in the near future new exterior wooden door up to painters! The edge of the hardware or cover it with another oil-based paint few swatches ours. Too quickly, and the surface needs to feel smooth and be free of rust dry., mold, and then paint the frame from top to bottom re not using a diluted general! Just for doors and sidelites are available in a sponge and wipe the.! Is recommended ( read the manufacturer ’ s an old door, using a pre-treated …... Is more resistant to the how to paint a new exterior door while it ’ s painting & home Improvement in Alexandria, Virginia holding. New homeowners at least one additional coat if not more help with this Eight: painting the side. Few squirts of dish soap including the numbers, door lock and handle grime and dirt the interior perform! From adhering to the door after the exterior are super helpful and make sure that is... Oil base paints when used on a bench or across two sawhorses too cold when ’... Coat is dry, make sure the paint to dry before removing the painters.! And the surface is smooth you ’ ll need to prepare the surface before you....