Semi-gloss acrylic latex exterior paint is ideal for front doors. Many homeowners like it for its durability, color compatibility and easy clean-up. It's great for steel, wood and fiberglass doors. Semi-gloss latex enamel exterior paint and primer in one eliminates the need for a primer coat before the finish coat.
Latex-based exterior paint is the most flexible type and is quite popular. It fills in larger imperfections on a door's surface and resists cracking and chipping. Paint with a semi-gloss finish is extremely popular because it's easy to clean and can contrast nicely with other colors on the home's facade.
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.
While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim, because they stand out and highlight these architectural features. They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint, meaning they could last longer.
Like you'll find with most painting projects, the preparation you put in before you get started will be a deciding factor in how successful the final results will be. Priming your front door is the best way to ensure a long-lasting finish as it will form a barrier that protects your door.
“Painting a front door is best done with a brush. This is because most front doors have wood and/or glass panels and a roller would not be able to paint in the panels the same way that a brush would to give full coverage.”
Semigloss is the best paint finish for interior doors and trim. The reason being, semi-gloss can take up quite an abuse and stand up to nicks and scrapes better than any other sheen, flat or eggshell finish. The large surfaces gather dust just like your furniture.
Most paints come in flat (sometimes called matte), satin, semi gloss and high-gloss. For my door I choose semi gloss. I usually prefer flat because I like how it doesn't reflect light. But for a front door semi gloss or high-gloss is a better option because it can be cleaned more easily.
Exposure to the great outdoors leaves your front door dirty, so take a few minutes to wipe it down before painting. Sand the entire door to help the new paint stick well, remembering to sand the edges since you want to give them a fresh coat of paint as well.
What Color Should I Paint My Door Edges? Lock edges are painted the same shade as the opening side of the door, if the door is painted in a different colour. Make sure that you paint both the left side of the door hinge edge and the adjacent, visible door face in shades that resemble the other side.
What is the best roller for painting front doors? You guessed it – the best thing to use to paint a front door is a mini foam roller. The high density foam will give your door the perfect smooth finish!
Can you paint a metal door? Yes. With the correct tools and products, this is a job you can do at home. You'll need to remove the door from its frame, remove or tape off any hardware, and then sand, prime, and paint the door.
1. Paint the edges first. The edges of your door should be painted first so they have the longest time to dry. If you are only painting the outside of your door, you only want to paint the edge that will be visible when the door is open.
Semi-Gloss Paint Finish
A semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. The glossier sheen makes semi-gloss paint more durable than satin, so it's easier to clean. Semi-gloss paint can also endure harsh weather conditions and withstand excess moisture.
Satin: Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but it can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas that get a lot of traffic.
Doors can be awkward to remove from their frames, so it's often easier to paint them in place. That way, you can paint both sides without having to wait for one side to dry. You also don't have to worry about nicking the fresh paint when you re-hang the door.
Note: Don't paint the top or bottom of a door (the narrow parts that aren't visible when the door is closed). Leave them unpainted so the door can expand and contract with changes in humidity.
While it's often recommended to remove your front door in order to paint it, it is possible to paint it without taking it off its hinges. Paint a front door and you'll easily add instant curb appeal to your home. The front door is your welcome sign.
You should paint the inside of your front door white or at least keep it neutral. Even for anyone with a brighter-colored front door, painting its interior-facing side white or a neutral hue will keep your indoor colors from clashing.
Protect freshly painted doors from sticking
But even when latex paint is dry to the touch, it can still stick to the doorstop or weather stripping and then peel off when you open the door. To be safe, wait at least two days before closing an interior door.
Roller marks, which painters sometimes call "holidays," are a routine hazard when painting with a roller, and there are many ways to avoid them. When you notice holidays after the paint has dried, you can usually make them disappear by applying another coat after sanding lightly—if necessary—to remove drips and humps.
If you're looking for a quick and easy application process, you can opt to use a roller to get the job done. However, if you want to achieve a high-quality final product, you'll want to use a brush instead. It will take more time to finish, but you'll be able to guarantee complete and smooth coverage of your trim.