Your exterior door is a chance to express your style and make a great first impression. If you want to amp up your curb appeal and make a lasting impact on guests and neighbours, why not wow them with a dramatic front door? While painting your whole house a vibrant colour may be out of the comfort zone for most homeowners, painting your front door may be just the punch of colour your home needs to stand out.
Read on, watch the video, then download this handy how-to guide for when you’re ready to start.
Step 1: Embrace Your Inner Style
With over 3,500 colours to choose from, painting your exterior door can add that pop of colour or be bold and dramatic, whatever you choose, it will be uniquely yours.
Consider natural light when you choose a colour for your front door. North-facing homes tend to attract cool light, which can be counterbalanced with warmer colours like Caliente. Conversely, the light for south-facing homes will likely be warm and intense around noon and a mid-tone, such as Blue Echo AF-505, will look great throughout the day. Always view colour selections outside to see the actual effect of exterior lighting and to help ensure your paint looks fresh throughout the day and rich in the evening.
For more inspiration you can visit this article on the Benjamin Moore website: Front Door Colour Ideas and Inspiration >>
Step 2: Select Your Paint
Benjamin Moore offers several quality exterior paints suitable for painting exterior doors.
Command is our #1 go-to choice when painting your front door and dries to the touch in only an hour. Aura Exterior Paint is our go-to for its fade resistance and durability. Both are self-leveling, meaning you end up with a smooth, factory-type finish. Both are tintable in all 3,500+ Benjamin Moore colours.
Contact your local Paint Shop to discuss which is exterior paint option bests suits your needs and budget.
Step 3: Prep Before You Paint
Preparation is a key factor in ensuring great results. Your door will need to be cleaned and any non-permanent hardware removed.
Clean with TSP, then rinse, and ensure the door is completely dry before painting. If you have peeling paint, use a paint scraper to remove any loose bits, being careful to wipe any debris away.
Step 4: Tape
Cover permanent hardware like hinges using painter’s tape to protect against drips and spatters.
Step 5: Sand & Prime
Most metal or fibreglass exterior doors come with a factory primer and will not require additional primer. A very light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface is sufficient. Make sure to wipe the dust off with a dry cloth.
If your door has been previously painted or is another material such as wood or bare metal, check with our experts at a local Paint Shop near you to get the best advice for your project.
Step 6: The Fun Part
It’s time to paint! You can apply paint with a brush or roller. Use an angled brush to paint in the tight angles, trim any windows or hardware, then roll the larger areas.
IF USING COMMAND:
Command is extremely fast drying and will be tack free within 15 minutes. The second coat can be applied after 1 hour. Allow the second coat to dry for 1 hour at which time the door can be closed if dry. Allow 24 hours before high usage. High humidity and cool temperatures will result in longer drying times.
IF USING AURA:
Once the door is dry for a minimum of 24 hours, leaving it open as long as possible, then apply your second coat of paint. Allow the second coat to dry for at least 24 hours before high usage and allow extra time for humid conditions. Our pros recommend taping weather stripping with painter’s tape before closing to help with tackiness that might remain after the 24-hour dry period.
If you have questions and want expert advice to paint your front door, stop by the Benjamin Moore Paint Shop nearest you! We’re Here to Help.
Project Essentials
Our go-to, Aura Exterior Paint
Moore Maxx Angled Brush
Handy Paint Pail
Wooster Big Green Mini Roller: These flocked foam rollers provide the ultimate smooth, spray-like finish.
Atmosphere Drop Cloth: Lays flat and has a leak-proof design to protect your floors while painting.
Frog Tape: Get sharp edges and protect hardware like hinges, knobs, and peepholes.
Tremclad Rust Paint: Don’t forget your hardware! If you like the look but not the colour, re-finish it while providing long-lasting rust coverage.
