10 Steps to a Professional Level Front Door Paint Job

Painting your front door can be one of the quickest and most affordable ways to revitalize the entire exterior of your home. Because whether you select a tasteful shade from an array of neutral tones or roll on a burst of vibrant color, any fresh coat of paint turns into an eye-catching experience for those passing by. 

It’s amazing what a little paint can do to your entryway. From creating a distinct new look to improving the durability of your door, choosing the right exterior paint makes a big impact on the curb appeal of your home. Plus, it hides any dings or warping caused by sudden shifts in temperature.

Ready to say goodbye to a bland front stoop? Our helpful hints will show you exactly how to paint a front door just like the pros, so your house can be the talk of the neighborhood.  

What Type of Front Door Paint

If you want the new paint job in your entryway to look flawless and stand up to the elements for a long time to come, then selecting the right paint for your front door is crucial. With so many different types of paint on the market, it can be easy to grab the wrong type of paint by mistake—so doing a little bit of research ahead of time can save you some time and heartache.

The first thing you want to keep in mind before you paint a metal front door, or a wood one, is that an acrylic or latex-based paint in satin or semi-gloss are your two best options. 

Acrylic and latex-based paints:

• Are super versatile
• Cover well
• Are extremely durable in all types of weather conditions
• Dry rather quickly
• Are incredibly flexible
• Expand in warm temperatures and contract in cool temperatures which prevents peeling and cracking

The second thing you want to look out for is selecting a brand name that offers front door paint colors in a variety of modern hues. Nothing is worse than finding a high-quality exterior paint only to find out that the company offers a few boring choices. Benjamin Moore’s front door paint is known to manufacture superior products that last. Plus, their designers have created a myriad of modern, sleek colors to choose from.

When to Paint Your Front Door

Wondering when to paint your front door this year? No matter what climate you live in, your best option is always to paint your front door on a nice day during one of the milder seasons.

Do your best to avoid painting during high humidity or extreme temperatures—either hot or cold—will ensure that your first and top coats adhere well, dry quickly, and last for years to come. Front door paint is also better done on days without rain, sleet, or snow, so pick a couple of dry days in the forecast to get started. 

How to Paint a Front Door

Teaching you how to paint a front door is simple with these helpful tips. In no time at all, you will have a freshly painted entryway that upgrades the entire aesthetic of your home and makes you proud to pull into your driveway once again. There’s no time like the present, so let’s get started.

Materials Needed:

• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Paint brush 
• Paint roller
• Paint tray
• Painter’s tape
• Sandpaper (120 to 220-grit)
• Putty knife (optional)
• Dropcloth
• Tack cloth
• Primer 
• Paint
• Sawhorses

1. Choose Your Paint
   Carefully following our advice above, choose an acrylic or latex-based paint formulated for exterior surfaces. A satin or semi-gloss finish is the ideal choice for front door paint. And bonus points for a brand that locks in color like Benjamin Moore’s Grand Entrance paint.    
2. Select a Color
   Spend some time looking at a variety of color samples at your local Benjamin Moore dealer, then take some samples home with you. Holding them up or taping them onto the door itself will allow you to see the shades in different lighting and see which ones best complement the exterior of your home. Once you have decided on the perfect color, it’s time to make your purchase.   
3. Remove the Door
   Place a flat head screwdriver on any of the hinge pins and tap the bottom of the screwdriver with a hammer until that hinge pin is loose enough to remove. Repeat the process for each hinge pin, then remove the door from its casing. 
4. Lay the Door Flat
   Lay the door flat on two sawhorses, exterior side up. Use care as you do this since you don’t want to scratch or scuff up the interior side of the door in the process. If you will be painting inside, make sure the saw horses are on top of a drop cloth to protect your floors.
5. Remove the Hardware
   Using the Phillips head screwdriver, remove all hardware from the door including any hinges, door handles, nameplates, door knockers, or deadbolts.
6. Tape the Edges
   Apply painter’s tape to the edges of the door. This prevents the primer and paint from bleeding onto the sides of the door.
7. Complete All Prep Work
   Sand the exterior side of the door with 120 to 220-grit sandpaper. Scuffing the door up before you prime and paint allows the fresh coat to adhere to the door better. If any large flakes of old paint remain, use a putty knife to remove paint chips. Then, wipe the entire surface with a tack cloth to eliminate any dust or debris.
8. Prime the Door
   Apply a coat of primer to the exterior side of the door. For any raised panels, bevels, or glass accents, use a paint brush for cutting in around the edges then roll the rest of the door with a paint roller. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the instructions on the can.
9. Paint the Door
   Once the primer coat is fully dry, it’s time to paint the door. Cut in around any trim with your paint brush and paint then roll the rest of the door in its entirety. Depending on the color you’ve chosen, you may need to let the door dry thoroughly and then apply a second coat.
10. Reinstall the Door
    Once the door is dry, you’re ready to reattach all hardware with a Phillips head screwdriver. Lastly, reinstall the door by lining up the hinges and tapping the hinge pins back into place with a hammer.

Benjamin Moore Front Door Paint

Never settle for an old, outdated entryway. Dinged, scratched, cracking, and peeling paint ages your house significantly. And it does a number on its curb appeal—changing the way you feel about your home and lowering its value. 

With Benjamin Moore’s front door paint, you can browse a vast selection of premium shades and find the one that’s right for you. Go from dull to charming in a few short hours thanks to Benjamin Moore’s Grand Entrance paint and your only regret will be that you didn’t roll up your sleeves and start painting sooner. 

Because of its rich finish and color lock technology, Benjamin Moore’s Grand Entrance paint rolls on smoothly and eliminates the dull and faded look forever. Plus, it’s mildew and mold resistant so humidity swings have no effect on the appearance of your entryway. Essentially, it’s a high-quality front door paint for a great value.