Painting your front door is a great way to add a little personality and flair to your home’s exterior. Not only can it make your home look more inviting, but it can also help protect the door from the elements and increase its durability. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to paint your front door and why it’s a great option for improving your home’s appeal and value.

1. Decide on the Paint to Use

You’ll need to decide on the type of paint to use. Using outdoor paint, especially in Arizona, is best to tolerate the temperature extremes. Latex-based is the most flexible and a semi-gloss finish to stand out and make it easy to clean is best.

2. Best Colors for a Front Door

Next, determine the color. There are a variety of colors to choose from, so pick one that complements the other colors of your home. If you are selling or renting, it’s best to go with more neutral colors. A 2022 Zillow survey found that homeowners would be will to pay $6,500 more for a home with a desirable paint color on the front door, and $6,500 less for an undesirable color. So to say that color is important is an understatement!

Black, blue, sage green or even deep red for a more traditional look are good choices. Avoid pink, yellow, purple or even grey (buyers see it as too boring and not inviting). But if you own your home and plan to stay there a while, then go for any color you like! A non-traditional color makes it easy for guests an even emergency services and delivery people to find your home.

If you’re not sure, you can always consult with a professional who can help you find the perfect shade.

3. Gather the Supplies

Once you’ve selected your color, the next step is to gather the necessary supplies and prep the door. You’ll need a good quality paint, a primer, a paintbrush, a roller, cleaning cloth and bucket, sandpaper block, and a drop cloth to protect the area around the door.

4. The Hardware

For the prep, start by removing the hardware. If you are keeping the door hanging while you paint it, remove the handle if you can, and if not, then at least cover it and the hinges with painter’s tape or aluminum foil so you don’t have to clean them up later. There is also a paint shield product that you can paint on them and the windows to make any paint comes off easily when you’re done.

5. Prep

A good cleaning is needed, but taking the time to fill in holes and cracks and then sanding it, starting with 100-150 grit and finishing with a 180-200 grit sandpaper, then thoroughly cleaning all the dust off will help create a better looking and longer lasting finish. Now you’re ready to begin painting.

6. Primer

Apply the primer to create a good base and ensure that the paint adheres correctly. Use a brush to paint the corners and edges of the door. Then, use the roller to cover the large flat areas. Make sure to use even strokes and to cover the entire door. Allow the primer to dry before continuing.

7. Paint

Next, paint the first coat using the same method as the primer. Once the first coat of paint is dry, add a second coat to achieve a more even color. Allow the paint to dry completely before hanging the door back in place (if you took it down to paint it.)

Painting your front door is a great way to add a bit of personality to your home. Not only does it look great, but it also helps to protect the door from the elements and increase its durability.

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