As most people turn to their creative sides as they get stuck in their homes for quite a long time, we find that one of the easiest tasks to do with better returns is to simply paint your front door. You get a wonderful door– and a long-lasting one. One of the ways to make this job easier is by painting it while hung. This would require the least effort and manpower, as you would not need someone to assist you in carrying the door before and after. So if you are looking for something to do, then this can be a productive job you can take on. Choose a nice cool day that is neither too hot nor too cold to help with the drying process, and you can finally begin!
Step 1: Clean your door
Front doors are the most exposed to different substances as it is out in the open. Because of that, many dirt and grime may stick to your door after a long time without cleaning. You may soak an old sponge in warm soapy water to wipe off all the dirt stuck to your door. You can remove the metal fixtures such as knobs, handles, mail slots, etc. for better ease with cleaning. Dry the door first before proceeding to the next step.
You might also want to check out: Restoring Your Old Wooden Doors Through Simple Cleaning Methods
Step 2: Sand your door
After cleaning your door and getting a good grasp of its actual current condition, you can choose to sand imperfections down. Use medium-grit sandpaper to do this. You can also scrape off flaking paint off of the door. Use a good wood filler to fill out some cracks or dents that would need filling and wait until dry.
Step 3: Prep your door for painting
If you are not really in touch with your painting skills, it is best to cover some areas with painter’s tape. This can be done especially with glasses, and other door parts that you would not want to paint on, just to be on the safe side as you paint around them. It would be easier to avoid the mess than to clean it afterwards. You can also lay down some newspapers underneath, and prop something underneath your door to make sure it will not swing open and close while you are working on them.
Step 4: Paint your door
It is best to paint front doors with exterior paint. Exterior paint makes sure your doors are protected from harsh weather conditions so they can last longer. You can use a paint roller for a faster job and use paintbrushes to smooth out some of the details in the door. Paint along the grain of the wood and in thin coats. Wait to dry before applying the next one. You may also use acrylic varnish to seal the paint on your door.
And that is it! You have finished painting your door in the easiest way possible. You can put back your fixtures or buy new ones that can fit the new colour better. This quick and easy task just improved the curb appeal of your home!
Painting Doors: The Guide To Doing It The Professional Way
Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of The Wooden Door Company by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.