Best door paint
How to Choose the Best Exterior Door Paint for Your Front Door (And Why)
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Q: I want to repaint my front door to cover up some old water stains and add curb appeal. What is the best paint for front doors?
A: A fresh coat of paint can hide minor imperfections on your front door, defend it against harsh outdoor elements, and boost curb appeal in a big way. But to get these entryway assets, you can’t slap on any old paint. The best paint for a front door will have a blend of qualities that maintain its integrity and good looks in the face of stormy weather and scorching sun. You’ll want to consider paint durability, sheen, color, and suitability for the material of the door. Read on to learn how to pick the right products for your front door, plus color selection and application tips to ensure professional quality results.
RELATED: How To: Paint Your Front Door
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How to Pick the Best Front Door Paint
Every DIYer tackling a paint project should bone up on the different types of paint, suited to different surfaces and locations, as well as the basics of paint selection. Then consider the paint properties that best suit the surface of your front door, keeping in mind the durability of color and finish.
First, look for paint (or a paint-and-primer product) that is labeled “exterior” or “interior/exterior.”
Front doors must withstand temperature fluctuations, rain, hail, snow, and dirt, and only paints labeled “exterior” (formulated only for exterior use) or “interior/exterior” will prove up to the
task. These thicker paint formulas contain more resins, pigments, and resiliency additives than interior paints, which makes them resistant to staining, chipping, fading, and peeling. (By contrast, interior paints can only tolerate light wear-and-tear.)
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Both dedicated exterior paint (used on top of a separate primer, discussed in detail below) and exterior primer-and-paint-in-one products make great front door paint. Today’s primer-and-paint combination formulas often cost half as much as separate primer and paint and can provide equally good coverage in some scenarios.
Using one will also cut down the hours spent on the project, saving you from applying the standard two coats of primer and allowing adequate dry time in between. The choice of separate paint and primer versus a primer-and-paint product should come down to the condition of your door.
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A primer-and-paint product may be sufficient if:
- You’re painting a new bare front door for the first time.
- You’re repainting a previously painted door in the same color.
- You’re switching from a lighter to a darker paint color.
A separate paint and primer are needed to improve paint adhesion if:
- You’re painting over a stained wood door.
- You’re switching from a darker to a lighter paint color.
- The existing paint coat is peeling or flaking.
- You want to cover an old oil-based paint coat with water-based paint.
Always use a coordinating exterior primer if one isn’t built into your paint.
If a separate paint and primer are needed, be sure that the primer is labeled for exterior or interior/exterior use. Applying primer may seem like a pesky step—perhaps not as satisfying as seeing that pretty new color transform your door—but it’s essential. It helps hide stains and covers the old shade, allowing you to use less paint for full coverage and vibrancy. Primer also gives the surface the proper texture and porousness, so the final results will hold up.
Either a water-based primer (Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer, $22.98 for one gallon at Home Depot) or an oil-based interior/exterior primer (e.g., KILZ Interior/Exterior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker, $22.98 for one gallon at Home Depot) should suffice. But if you’re painting over an existing oil-based paint coat with water-based paint coat, you must use bonding primer (e.g., KILZ Adhesion Bonding Primer, $42.98 for one gallon at Home Depot), a special primer formulated to stick to glossy surfaces like that of an oil-based paint coat.
The color of the primer should also be close to that of the paint, such as, for example, a light gray primer for a lilac door. You can also ensure a perfect color match by buying a white primer and having it custom-tinted at the store to match your chosen door paint color.
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Let door material dictate your choice of paint base, oil or water.
Exterior paints come in water- and oil-based varieties. Water-based (a.k.a. latex) paints have excellent color retention, which makes them well suited to front doors exposed to the elements. Water-based paints are also a more eco-friendly choice, as they produce fewer fumes. Not only do they dry faster than oil-based paints, they can be successfully applied on top of oil-based paint.
Oil-based paints are a more durable choice, largely because they contain pigment and resin in a solvent thinner; when the thinner evaporates, the resin forms a hard coating that resists stains. But oil-based paint emits more fumes and takes longer to dry than latex paint.
If your front door is made of wood, start the selection process by investigating the best paint for wood surfaces. Then narrow your choices, based on the ideal type of paint for your door, be it wood or some other material.
- For a door made of pine, white fir, or any other wood species that doesn’t bleed (i.e, gives off tinted compounds called tannins), go with a water-based exterior paint (such as BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint and Primer, $42.98 for one gallon at Home Depot). Water-based paint emits less fumes, dries faster, and results in less color fading.
- For cedar, cypress, or other wood that bleeds, choose an oil-based exterior paint (e.g., Rustoleum Protective Enamel, $17.96 for two quarts at Home Depot). Oil-based paint is less susceptible to unattractive tannin bleed-through. Tannins can seep into water-based paint, leaving yellowish-brown splotches in the final result.
- For metal doors—such as a steel storm door—work with oil-based paint to stave off the formation of rust.
- For fiberglass doors, apply a water-based paint, as its thinner and less sticky composition goes onto the slick surface of fiberglass more easily than thicker, stickier oil-based paints.
Go for a semi-gloss finish, which is as durable as it is attractive.
Exterior paints are sold in flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheens, in order of the lowest to the highest luster. Semi-gloss is ideal for front doors, as it’s more wear- and stain-resistant than flatter sheens. It’s also more reflective, which means it easily wipes clean, highlights carvings or other architectural flourishes on the door, and provides an attractive pop of shine in the entryway. Semi-gloss will also mask imperfections better than a high gloss sheen, which can draw attention to divots, errant brush strokes, and other minor flaws.
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RELATED: Welcome Home: 11 Fresh Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Door
Prioritize fade resistance.
Without a storm door, awning, or a shade tree to protect your front door from direct sunlight exposure, the onslaught of UV rays can eventually fade its paint color. Front doors with east or west exposures are even more prone to fading. Fortunately, today’s exterior paints are often formulated with fade-resistant properties.
Look for exterior paints labeled “fade-resistant” or “UV-resistant,” which will include colorfast pigments and a higher volume of binders than ordinary paints. This allows them to retain a crisp color despite prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. While no paint is fade proof, modern exterior paints may only fade 1 to 3 percent per year, while older products would fade average 7 percent a year in direct sun.
Select low-LRV paint colors, which tend to be more muted, to preserve the color and the door itself.
While buying a fade-resistant paint will help color stay true, it’s also crucial to consider the light reflectance value (LRV) of the color.
This value, rated on a scale of 0 to 100, indicates how much light reflects from the paint color when dry. The higher the LRV, the more light the color reflects, and the less likely the paint finish is to fade with sun exposure.
The LRV will be listed on the paint manufacturer’s website or on the paint chip, a card showing the range of colors available for a particular paint brand. Look for an LRV of at least 55 to ensure that your painted door reflects a fair amount of sunlight to retain color. In general, lighter, more muted shades, such as beige or mint green, have a higher LRV, whereas darker, richer colors, such as cherry red or navy blue, have a lower LRV.
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Black paint, which often has an LRV of 0, depending on the brand, reflects virtually no light, meaning it will absorb most of the light that hits it and fade quickly. In fact, certain door manufacturers will void your warranty if you paint the door black because high heat absorption can warp the door.
However, if your warranty will allow it and your front door is shaded, you might still find the color’s positive impact on home resale value worth the risk. The Paint Color Analysis survey performed by real estate database Zillow found that homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sold for $6,271 more than expected in homes around the country.
Pick rot-resistant paint if you see a lot of rain or snow.
Traditional exterior paints are certainly more rot-resistant than interior paints, but they can still form a fair amount of mildew or mold with enough exposure to water and humidity. So look for a paint specifically labeled “mildew-resistant” or “mold-resistant,” especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or snow. These paints are formulated with antimicrobial chemicals that prevent mildew and mold from setting in for a period of years indicated on the paint container.
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Must-Know Tips for Choosing Front Door Colors
Now that you’ve got a handle on the paint properties that will best serve your front door, it’s time for the fun part: picking the perfect color that meshes with the rest of your home’s exterior.
While black and dark gray still rate high when it comes to resale value, you still have freedom of choice!
- Start with samples. Paint chip cards can only tell you so much. Invest in a few sample cans of paint, brush a few swatches on your door, and see how they look at different times of day.
- Choose a complementary color. Pick a shade that complements the trim, shutters, and siding of your home. For example, a light taupe front door would pair well with white trim and brown siding.
- Architectural style and materials matter. To suit the bold style of modern architecture, consider bright orange, lemon yellow, or turquoise for your front door. Muted hues suit more traditional homes, but for stately presence, consider slate blue, pure white, or classic red. A red brick home looks great with a sage green or pale gray front door.
- Explore the language of color. Your front door welcomes visitors and family alike, so keep in mind the message the color sends.
Red, orange, and yellow are friendly hues, blue is peaceful, white makes a statement of simplicity, and purple resounds with adventurous spirit. - Make it easy. If you want the front door paint project to go quickly, choose a similar shade or one that’s darker than the current hue. To put a lighter shade over a darker one, you’ll need to give it two full coats of primer, and allow time for the second coat of primer to dry and set before painting.
- Factor in feng shui. The Asian design principle of feng shui recommends choosing a color based on the direction the front door faces. Red (fire element) for a south-facing door, blue (water element) for a north-facing door, white (metal element) for a west-facing door (metal element), and green (wood element) for an east-facing door
- Express yourself. Painting the front door isn’t a huge project, so get creative. If you pick a hue only to soon decide it doesn’t suit you, or provide the resale value you want, you can always repaint it.
- Perk up the inside. The inside and outside surface of your front door needn’t be the same color. If you pick a sedate shade to face the outside world, but your home decor and personality in general are more cheerful, apply a fun, vibrant hue to the inside surface.
RELATED: 11 Problems You Can Solve with Paint
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Tips for Painting the Front Door
Consider this professional guidance when tackling your front door paint project for great-looking, long-lasting results.
- Purchase enough paint. A standard front door measuring 80” x 36” requires about one quart of exterior paint for full coverage. Keep in mind that you can always order paint online for delivery.
- Time it right. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for outdoor paint jobs. Opt for dry, sunny, calm conditions with temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for oil-based paint and 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for latex paint.
Start early in the day so the door will be dry enough by evening to reattach security hardware. - Remove the door. Use a screwdriver or drill to take out the screws that secure the door to the hinges, leaving the hinges in place on the door frame. Remove the door and place it atop two sawhorses in a convenient area, such as the driveway. Lay drop cloths around the work space
- Prep for paint. Sand off any chips (or the entire door surface if called for). Get rid of dust and dirt with a sponge and mild detergent, then let dry fully. Remove or tape off all hardware.
- Apply in sections. Paint details like trim and edges first, then do larger surfaces. A 6-inch roller is ideal for the panels, a paintbrush for details.
- Go with the grain. If you’ve got a wood door, apply paint in the direction of the grain.
- Let it set. Allow the door to dry fully before reattaching locks and knobs.
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How to Pick the Best Front Door Paint
Front door paint is one of the quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to add instant curb appeal. And good news: A successful front door makeover can be done in one weekend, tops.
Hannamariah/Shutterstock
Front door paint is one of the quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to add instant curb appeal. And good news: A successful front door makeover can be done in one weekend, tops. Start here:
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Choose the Best Color for the Front Door
How you choose the best paint color depends on personal taste and your home’s character. If you typically shy away from bright colors, remember, a door is a smaller commitment, why not experiment with a shade that wows? Classic, neutral hues like black, brown and gray will withstand the test of time, but using an unexpected front door paint can liven up a more traditional façade.
To narrow down your selections, tape paint chips or color swatches to your existing door.
Observe the swatches throughout the day, since colors can change as the light brightens or dims. Take the color selection part seriously, as front door paint can earn you more money in a future home sale.
Choose the Best Paint for the Front Door
Since your door is likely exposed to outside elements, using the proper exterior paint type will prevent peeling and fading.
The first question is whether to go with a latex paint or an oil-based paint (and corresponding stain-blocking primer). Latex paints provide weather-resistant coverage and rust protection if your door is metal. Using oil-based paints can result in an overall tougher protective coat.
For finish, always choose semigloss over flat or eggshell. Semigloss is preferred for front door paint because it highlights architectural features and stands up to nicks and scrapes.
Tips When Painting the Front Door
A cloudy to partly sunny, dry day with little to no wind is best for exterior painting.
If the sun beats down on your door while you’re painting it, the paint will dry too fast.
If possible, remove the hardware before painting the door, and consider adding a touch of modern style by swapping in new door knobs, handles or knockers. However, it is possible to paint a door without removing it from its hinges.
Prep the door by going over the existing surface with fine-grit sandpaper to ready the surface and remove imperfections (fresh paint adheres better to a sanded door). Remove the dust with a shop vacuum or a tack cloth.
Depending on your door, a foam roller or paintbrush will handle the bulk of the job. A roller tends to evenly coat the surface more efficiently, while a paintbrush will give you a nice “hand-painted” feel. Pro tip: a stiff angle brush is perfect for the trim or to minimize slip-ups in areas with small margins for error. Plan on at least two hours of dry time and a second coat of paint to ensure full coverage. For quick touch-ups, keep a Mason jar of front door paint in the hall closet.
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Originally Published: June 26, 2019
Shawnna Stiver
Shawnna is a veteran lifestyle, marketing and news content writer, currently contributing to ecommerce companies in the parenting and babies space. She has had the pleasure of writing traditional, digital and social content for the following industries: beauty, consumer goods, entrepreneurship, financial services, health/wellness, home improvement/DIY, lifestyle, non-profit, parenting and self improvement. For a dose of positivity and to see innovative ways companies are doing good in the world, check out her website: www.kindco.org
What paint to paint interior doors and how to do it?
28.06.2022
Contents:
- How to choose door paint?
- What are the criteria for choosing paint?
- Choosing a Color
- Some Tricks
If you're renovating your home, and not just changing the door frame, then you are wondering: what paint should you choose in order to update the color of windows and doors? Very important question.
Indeed, in addition to a pleasant color, the material should be odorless. How to choose a high-quality and suitable product among all the presented options? nine0003
Paints for painting interior doors are divided into several types:
- Acrylic lacquers;
- Alkyd enamels;
- Acrylic enamels;
- Nitro-paints, nitro-enamels and nitro-varnishes;
Special attention should be paid to eco paint if you have children. Such a product will not harm a fragile body, but the price of such a product will be much higher than that of the options presented earlier.
How to choose door paint? nine0033
Doors of old designs are made durable and high quality. Valuable tree species were used in the manufacture. That layer of paint that has accumulated on the surface over the years spoils the view. But there are plenty of ways to update the color of a door without ruining the structure of the item.
All doors are made of wood or modern materials that imitate a natural resource.
Paint can have a different composition, so not everyone knows which product is suitable for which surface.
Before starting work, you need to understand what stages it consists of. nine0003
1. First you need to choose a dye. If the repair is carried out where you live at the moment, then it is better to choose odorless materials. This point is important to think about right away.
2. Then prepare the surface for applying a new coat of paint by removing the old one. Color will fall well only on a clean door.
3. Apply primer next. This will improve the adhesion of the surfaces, which is very important if you want to enjoy your work for a long time. nine0003
4. And the last step is painting. First read the instructions and properly apply the product on the door.
What are the criteria for choosing paint?
Coating materials are:
- Transparent . The peculiarity of the product is that it repeats the structure of the tree.
- Opaque . The composition of the dye includes organic solvents.
- Odorless . Naturally, such material smells, but the smell disappears very quickly. nine0008
Acrylic paints come in a huge variety of colors and when choosing something for yourself, do not forget about this product.
We come to the conclusion that alkyd enamel is best suited for painting interior wooden doors in a room without tenants. It is very budget-friendly and has a rich color spectrum. It can paint almost any surface. But there is one drawback - the smell. This problem can be solved by removing the door from the hinges or by protecting yourself with protective equipment.
However, there is another painting option, which is considered very good - acrylic enamel. It has a unique composition and is suitable for all surfaces. You will also choose from a huge variety of colors, but you won't smell it. In addition, there is another difference from the previous version - fragility.
A layer of such paint will have to be covered with acrylic varnish. This will protect the surface from mechanical damage and add shine. nine0003
Nitrolacquer and nitropaint are highly durable and toxic. Often it is used for painting natural wood doors. But do not forget about its harmful qualities, if you like this method of painting, use protective equipment when working with the material. This will help protect you from its negative impact.
Renovating a door gives it a second chance and after a while it looks like new. If you take this matter seriously, you can easily fit it into any interior, completing the complete picture of the interior. nine0003
Choosing a color
A definite plus of repainting the door is that you will have many different colors in front of you. On an interior door, for example in a nursery, you can create a magical picture by painting it with scenes from your favorite cartoons and fairy tales.
The door will also be protected by a durable coating after the surface has been painted.
But in case of scratches and other mechanical damage, it will be possible to simply paint over the problem area. Of course, only if no varnish was applied after the paint layer. Then you have to remove all the material and apply again. nine0003
A pet, as practice shows, does not try to sharpen its claws on a painted door, which is undoubtedly a plus for any owner.
Painted surfaces require little maintenance. You do not need various detergents and polishes. Water and a sponge are enough to remove dirt. In extreme cases, a mild soapy solution will help.
Of course, everyone will choose a color for personal reasons, but there are still some tips on this matter.
If the bedroom set is white, then the door of the same color, decorated with golden panels, will look most pleasant. nine0003
The beauty and comfort of a wooden house will be emphasized by a natural wood door covered with oil impregnation.
A door of the same color matches furniture of different colors.
If you are a connoisseur of the past and you have old and antique furniture, then the door can be artificially aged.
Water-based paints are the safest for people and pets, so you need to pay attention to such a product.
Tikkurila, MASTER LUX AQUA have characteristics such as moisture resistance and elasticity. But Wood Dye deserves more attention. It is designed for wooden doors and is available in 11 colors, but they can be combined if desired. nine0003
Sometimes after renovation it becomes clear that the room is too dark. This can be corrected by using paint to match the color of light-colored curtains or furniture upholstery.
Also in the opposite direction: if the room is empty and monotonous, then a dark door block will help dilute boring walls.
Some tricks
These tips will make your job much easier:
- The door must be removed. It is easier to paint a horizontal surface than a vertical one. At least, because the paint does not flow down.
nine0008 - Before updating the color of the surface, make sure that it is not damaged. Remove accessories, and what is not removed, seal with tape.
- The panel door leaf should be painted from the end from left to right - this will help to avoid accumulation of paint at the bottom, if the door could not be removed from the hinges. If you paint with a roller, then it needs to be wrung out. Several thin layers are better than one uneven and thick one.
- Sagging may occur when working on a vertical surface. It is rubbed with a sponge and rolled out with a roller. nine0008
- Hardware not painted.
- The part adjacent to the edge of the door leaf is painted in three coats. Before use, the brushes are soaked in water and combed.
- Drying area should be free from dust, insects and direct sunlight.
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paint overview, work tips
One way or another, everyone needs a cosmetic renovation of the apartment.
Usually start with wallpapering. And then there is a need to replace the internal interior doors. But this is not at all necessary. Old ones are often made of much better quality, from good wood, and it is only necessary to make some effort to transform them. Any person armed with knowledge of modern paints and varnishes and familiar with painting technology can give an old interior door a new life, fit it into an updated interior. nine0003
- Types of paints for painting interior doors
- Lacquers
- Alkyd enamels
- Acrylic enamels
- Nitro paints
- General tips for painting interior doors
The easiest way to do this is with brushes, rollers and a can of paint.
Types of paints for painting interior doors
Paints for interior doors are of the following types:
- acrylic lacquers nine0007 alkyd enamels
- acrylic enamels
- nitro paints
Varnishes
If you remove the layers of old paint, which are probably on the old door, with thinner and emery, you can see an interesting and beautiful wood pattern.
In this case, for painting it is better to choose a varnish for interior work. Clear or tinted, it will highlight the natural patterns of wood and give the door a fresh look. Before varnishing, you can use various tinted impregnations based on natural oils, which can help change the color, make the wood more resistant to environmental influences, and the varnish film will further consolidate the effect. nine0003
The lacquer is almost odorless, dries quickly and is quite safe. The varnish is conveniently applied and does not spread over the surface, however, modern high-quality varnishes are not cheap.
Alkyd enamels
The most common paint for interior doors is alkyd enamel. These paints are cheap, have a rich color palette and, once dry, provide a very durable finish. The main disadvantage of using alkyd enamel is a strong smell of fumes , which does not weather for more than a day. The evaporation of enamel solvents can lead to allergies and even poisoning, therefore, to use this paint, it is necessary either to ensure the absence of tenants in the apartment, or to work outdoors.
Acrylic enamels
If these conditions are not met, acrylic enamel can be used to paint interior doors. These paints are practically odorless, but the resulting coating is not very resistant. Acrylic enamels create a matte finish, so most often acrylic varnish is applied over the enamel, thanks to which the surface acquires a gloss and added durability of coating. The wide color palette of these paints allows them to be used to find various design solutions.
Nitro paints
When painting interior wooden doors, nitro paint or nitro lacquer are considered the best materials in terms of coating durability. However, protective equipment, such as a respirator, is necessary to use them, as the paint is highly toxic and can cause an allergic reaction. For its use, the absence of people or work in the fresh air is necessary. In addition, road nitro paint . But the quality of the cover justifies the price.
General tips for painting interior doors
For do-it-yourself cosmetic repairs of interior doors, in addition to the selected paint, you need:
To prepare the door for painting, it is necessary to remove a layer of old paint. The easiest and most effective way to do this is with a building hair dryer, but if it is not available, you can get by with a spatula and sandpaper. Some paints, such as vinyl and nitrocellulose, can be easily removed with chemical solvents. Modern products of this type are in the form of gels, powders and liquids. They are applied to the surface to be cleaned and kept for some time, which is indicated on the packaging of the solvent. nine0003
After removing the old coating, the door must be washed and cracks and chips, if any, should be repaired with putty.
