Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Front Door?

Existing Paint Type
First, you'll need to determine if you have oil or latex paint. There's an easy way to figure this out. Grab a cotton ball and pour some nail polish remover onto it. Rub the cotton ball on a small section of the door. If the paint rubs off, it's latex. If it doesn't rub off, it's oil.
Watch our DIY Basics video: Do I Have Oil or Latex Paint?

Paint Type
What’s the best paint for a front door? You'll need to ensure that the paint and primer you select is for exterior use. If you're trying to decide between using oil or latex paint, here are a few considerations for each.

Latex
Pros: Dries quickly, less odor/VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and can expand and contract as the weather changes. Latex is a better choice if your door has a lot of direct sunlight.
Considerations: More apt to scuff or chip and brush strokes show more easily on latex.

Oil
Pros: It has a smooth appearance and a hard, durable finish.
Considerations: It has a strong odor and high VOCs, dry time is longer and colors are more prone to yellowing. Oil-based paint works well for historic or older front doors, providing a beautiful finish. Learn how to clean paint brushes after using oil-based paint.

Sheen
The most popular choice for a front door is semi-gloss latex exterior paint. It's durable and easy to clean. If you prefer a less shiny look, use satin. It'll be more difficult to keep clean though, so it helps to have a storm door to protect it from the elements. A high-gloss paint is a show-stopper. They're easy to wipe clean, but gloss can also highlight any bubbles or imperfections.

Good to Know

With proper preparation, a latex exterior paint can be painted over an oil-based exterior paint and vice versa. Follow the steps below to clean, sand and prime before painting an exterior door.

Tip

Is it Better to Use a Roller or a Paint Brush?
You'll need both. A paint roller can cover a large area more quickly and more uniformly than a paintbrush. But you'll need a paint brush for the edges, corners and curves of a door.

How to Paint a Door

Follow these instructions for the perfect exterior door paint job.

Before you start an exterior paint project, you'll need to check the weather. The ideal temperature to paint a door is between 60–75 degrees with low humidity.

It's best to pick a dry day with little wind. If it's less than 50 degrees, then you shouldn't paint. The paint won't adhere properly, which can cause cracking or blistering later. Dry times are also much longer. Anything above 75 degrees is okay, but it’ll also extend drying time.

A front door can be painted on the hinges, but we recommend removing the hardware and placing the door on a flat surface. This ensures cleaner lines, fewer drips and a better paint job overall.

First, you'll need to remove the hinges, the door knob, lock, and kick plate. If you choose not to remove the hardware, tape around it to prevent drip marks.
Next, you'll need to remove the door.

Use a hammer and nail to remove the hinge pins. Tap them until they're loose and take them out.
Open the door and pull it to the side to separate the door hinges.
Place the door on a flat surface. We used two sawhorses.
If you're leaving the door on its hinges, open the door as wide as possible to make it easier to paint. Cover the floor around the door with drop cloths.
If you have removed the door, use painters tape and plastic sheeting to cover the door opening.

Start from the top of the door and work your way down. This prevents drips and spills. First, paint the panels, using a brush on the beveled edges. Use a roller to paint the rails and the stiles, finishing with the flat sections of the door. Don’t forget the edges as well. This seals the door, preventing moisture and damage. Apply at least two coats. Read the manufacturer's directions for recoat times.

Once the second coat is applied, let it dry thoroughly. It's typically 4-6 hours for latex paint and 24 hours for oil-based paint to dry.

Tip

Use a paint additive, such as floetrol for latex paint and penetrol for oil-based paint. This helps to prevent brush and roller marks.

Good to Know

If your door is exposed to excessive sunlight or rain, add a clear topcoat to provide another layer of protection.

Painted Doorways for a Splash of Color

The front of a home with a pale pink door, brick pavers, a black bench and black outdoor lanterns.

Painting your existing front door is a rewarding way to quickly refresh your home’s exterior. Here are a few popular paint colors that’ll make a great first impression.

Good to Know

When you're deciding on a color, it's always a good idea to purchase several paint samples. Paint a large piece of drywall or wood with the paint colors and place them on your front porch. Watch them at different times of day to see which color you like the best. The amount of light that the door is exposed to can alter the paint color, making it appear lighter, darker or bring out a certain undertone.

Let's Get Started

Painting your front door is an easy way to update your home and enhance curb appeal. With the right paint and tools, this job can be done over a weekend.

Step 1: Remove the door and door hardware.
Step 2: Clean the door.
Step 3: Sand and repair the door.
Step 4: Prime the door.
Step 5: Paint the door.
Step 6: Reattach the door and door hardware.

If you're ready to get started, Lowe's has the best exterior door paint and supplies. Shop online or visit your local store.