How to Paint a Front Door？

Your front door is the face of your home or commercial property. Giving it a fresh coat of paint can instantly boost curb appeal and protect the door’s surface from the elements. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to paint a front door effectively.

1. Choose the Right Time

Pick a dry day with mild temperatures—ideally between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Humidity or direct sunlight can affect drying and lead to streaks or peeling.

2. Remove or Protect Hardware

Take off door hardware like handles, locks, and knockers, or carefully tape them off with painter’s tape. This ensures clean lines and avoids accidental paint stains.

3. Clean and Sand the Door

Wash the door with mild soap and water to remove dust and grease. Once dry, sand the surface lightly to help the new paint adhere better. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper.

4. Apply Primer (If Needed)

If your door is bare wood, metal, or a dark color, applying a primer is essential. It helps prevent stains from bleeding through and provides a smooth base for topcoats.

5. Select the Right Paint

Use exterior-grade, weather-resistant paint. Acrylic latex paint works well for most door materials. For steel or fiberglass doors, look for paints formulated specifically for those surfaces.

6. Use the Right Tools

Combine a high-quality angled brush for edges and panels with a foam roller for smooth, even coats on flat surfaces. This helps you achieve a professional-looking finish.

7. Apply Thin, Even Coats

Start with a light first coat, and allow it to dry fully before applying the second. Two coats are usually enough, but a third may be needed for bold color changes.

8. Let It Cure

After the final coat, let the door dry for at least 12-24 hours before reattaching hardware or closing it fully. Some paints may require up to 3 days to fully cure.

Bonus Tip: Consider Door Material

At Zonle Doors, we offer high-quality wooden, steel, and WPC doors that are pre-finished and ready to install. If you’re looking to upgrade instead of repainting, contact us for a customized quote.

Painting your front door doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and tools, you can give your entrance a fresh new look that lasts.