Deciding On A Door

How To Properly Paint An Exterior Door

26 November 2014

Peetu Couri

Painting your exterior door can change the entire look of your home. It can add curb appeal to your home, in addition to making it look more appealing to you. You can paint it any color you want, the possibilities are endless. You have to be sure to paint it properly though, to keep it from looking like an eyesore. Painting your exterior door properly requires cleaning, sanding, priming and finally painting. See below for tips on how to properly paint your exterior door.

Tools And Materials You'll Need:

• Degreasing Cleaner
• Rubber Gloves
• Water and Bucket
• Fine Grit Sanding Block
• Painter's Tape
• Primer For Steel Doors (water based)
• Paint For Steel Doors (oil based)
• Paint Thinner (for cleaning up and in case of a spill)
• Angle Paint Brush and Paint Roller

Instructions:

1. Cleaning Your Door

Deep clean your door with a degreasing cleaner to get rid of any dirt and grime that has built up over the years. Use an old cloth and your gloves when using the deep cleaning agent. Keep water in a bucket to help wipe the cleaner off of the door. 

2. Sand Your Door

Sand down your door with the fine grit sanding block, to get rid of old paint drip markings, even out scratches, and to be sure the new paint will adhere to the old paint. Wipe off your door with a clean cloth to get rid of any dust from sanding.

3. Tape Your Door

Use your painter's tape to tape off any areas you do not want to get paint on, such as glass, door handles or hinges. If you are painting in your home, you may want to be sure you have a drop cloth in place prior to painting as well. 

4. Apply Primer

Paint the primer on your door, using the paint brush to get into any of the corners, and around the door handle. Then use the paint roller to prime the flat areas of your door. Be sure not to use too much primer, you don't want drip marks. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying a second coat of primer.

5. Apply Paint

Apply your paint the same way you applied the primer. Start with your paint brush and get into the corners first. Then apply the paint with the roller. Oil based paint is a little harder to use than latex paint, or water based paint, so take your time. Oil based is also harder to clean up, so try not to get it anywhere but on the door itself. Use your paint thinner and a rag to wipe up any paint spills, if you have an accident. 

Allow the paint to dry completely, and apply a second coat if necessary.

Painting your door can be done without taking your door off it's hinges, but if possible, it is easier to paint your door on a flat surface. You won't have to worry as much about your paint running, or accidental paint spills in your home. 

Now that your door is painted, have fun dressing it up with seasonal wreaths and decor, to really make it stand out.

For more information about caring for your door, contact a company like Crawford Door Company.

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