Shop Online
Your front door is the centerpiece of your home’s exterior, and a fresh coat of paint can give it a new life. Whether you want to switch up the color or simply freshen up the existing one, painting your front door is a great DIY project.
However, to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish, it’s crucial to follow a few essential steps. Here are our top tips for painting your home’s front door, including how to prep, when you can close it after painting, and how long it takes for the paint to dry.
Prepping Your Front Door
Before you dive into painting your front door, thorough preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure the best possible results:
Clean the door. Start by cleaning the door thoroughly with mild soap, water, and a sponge. Remove any dirt, grime, or grease that may interfere with the paint’s adhesion. Rinse well and let the door dry completely.
Remove hardware. Take off all hardware, such as doorknobs, locks, and hinges, to make painting easier and prevent accidental paint drips. If removing the hardware is not an option, cover it with painter’s tape for protection.
Sand and smooth. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the door’s surface. This will create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. Sanding will also smooth out any imperfections, such as chipped paint. Wipe away any dust left from sanding when you’re done.
Patch and repair. Inspect the door for any cracks, holes, or dents. Fill them with a wood filler or an appropriate patching compound. Once dry, sand the patched areas to ensure they are even with the rest of the door’s surface.
Prime the door. To enhance paint adhesion and improve the overall durability of your paint, apply a thin coat of primer. Pick a primer compatible with the door’s material (wood, metal, or fiberglass). Let the primer dry completely before painting.
 |  |  |
Choosing the Right Front Door Paint
Now that you have properly prepped your front door, it’s time to paint! Choosing the right paint is a crucial step to ensure the results you want.
Choose high-quality paint in a color that will complement your home’s siding, garage doors, porch, or any other elements you’d like to consider. You’ll need weatherproof exterior paint that can handle the daily use that front doors typically experience, so it should be resistant to scratches, scuffs, and fading.
Semi-gloss paints are most popular for front doors, but it all depends on your unique style. Just remember that flat or eggshell paints can be less durable and show more damage.
 |  |  |
When Can I Close the Front Door After Painting?
It’s important to allow the paint plenty of time to dry before closing the front door. Closing the door too soon can cause the paint to smudge, stick, or pull away from the surface, ruining your hard work.
The exact drying time will vary depending on humidity, temperature, and the type of paint used. As a general rule, wait at least two to three hours before gently closing the door.
However, you may need to leave your door open overnight or for at least 24 hours to ensure complete drying and prevent damage to your new paint job.
 |  |  |
How Long Does It Take for a Front Door to Dry After Painting?
While you can usually close the front door after a few hours, remember that it will take longer for the paint to fully cure and harden. This curing time depends on the type of paint used.
For example, latex or water-based paints typically dry faster, taking around one to two days to dry completely. On the other hand, oil-based paints require more time to dry, often needing two to three days or even longer.
To prevent damage to your door’s fresh coat of paint, avoid touching or placing objects against the door until the paint has fully cured.
Find Your Perfect Paint at Color Wheel
Is it time to paint your home’s front door for a fresh look? Find your perfect paint at Color Wheel. Our team can help you find the right exterior paint brand, color, and finish to refresh your door and make a great first impression. Stop by and see us today!