Painted doors are prone to chipping over time and can require touch ups.
New wooden door paint.
If you re replacing the old hardware make sure the new hardware will match.
Painting a door is a race against time.
If your door is paneled start with the panels.
Almost every inch of your home requires some amount of maintenance including your front door.
Your first step will be to give the entire surface a thorough cleaning to remove the stubborn dirt and grime that s built up over the years.
In either case set aside time perhaps a weekend to select a color purchase supplies and complete the task.
Choose an interior door paint color if you re painting your door white and have white trim around it i recommend using the same paint color and finish as the trim.
Wipe it down with a damp rag just before painting.
Since your door will be exposed to rain sun wind and other elements you ll need flexible and mold resistant exterior paint.
Select door paint for one primed exterior door you ll need at least one quart of paint.
The texture that rollers impart works well for walls and ceilings but isn t attractive on doors or wood trim.
Choose paint recommended for interior doors such as types with a durable gloss or semi gloss sheen that makes it easy to clean.
Start with a dust free door.
Using semigloss exterior paint and a 2 inch angled sash brush with synthetic bristles paint around the edges of the panels.
However occasionally you may be ready for an entirely new look.
Remove the door knobs and all other hardware from your interior door to simplify the paint application.
Be certain the label states the pail contains exterior paint not interior paint.
Alternatively wash the door with detergent and water if it is painted.
You have to lay down the paint and smooth it out before it becomes too sticky to work with or so stiff that brush marks won t level out and disappear.
For wooden doors with flaking cracked or peeling paint use 120 grit sandpaper to sand away the paint down to the bare wood.
Getting an outdoor wood surface ready for a fresh coat of paint isn t difficult but it does require a little prep work to ensure that the new paint has a smooth stable surface to cling to.
Sand the door with a palm sander and 120 grit sandpaper if it is made from new unfinished wood.
Paint a flat door with a brush pad or roller with a 1 4 inch nap or foam sleeve.
Switch to a mini roller.
Once the dust has settled wipe it away with white spirit.
Consider a paint additive to slow down drying and improve leveling.
Sand it with 120 grit.