Did you know that 76% of buyers think first impressions are everything when they visit a property? As soon as your guests walk up to your home, they form an opinion, and it’s only natural to want it to be positive.
When it comes to forming the first impression, your front door is what sets the mood. If you want to boost your home’s curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint for your door might be the quickest bang-for-your-buck project you can do. Plus – it’s surprisingly easy as long as you have the right tools and knowledge.
Below, you will find a step-by-step guide and our best tips for painting an exterior door in Maryland. Grab your paintbrush and get started!
When is the best time to paint your door?
Generally speaking, your best option is to tackle this project on a nice spring or fall day (an ideal temperature would be between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit) when the weather isn’t too hot or cold. Before you get started, check the weather forecast and ensure no high winds, rain, or snow will disrupt the process.
If you want to be very careful, you can take a look at the manufacturer’s guidelines for your paint. Usually, they include detailed instructions regarding temperature limitations. As long as you stick to these, you should be fine.
In case unexpected rain or snow surprises you, don’t forget to cover your painted door with painter’s plastic to protect it from damage.
Choosing the paint
One of the most important steps in painting an exterior door is choosing high-quality paint. This is no place to skimp. Remember – your door will be exposed to many different outdoor elements. If you want it to survive fluctuating moisture and temperatures, you need a durable exterior paint. Otherwise, it will quickly begin to chip and crack.
So what kind of paint should you choose? Most experts advise using paint with a shinier finish (satin or semi-gloss), as it has better protection and washability.
Prepping the surface
Normally, painting your door shouldn’t take up more than one or two days. But before you start, you have to ensure you’ve done all the prep work.
This means:
Removing the door from the frame to avoid drips and runs and laying it flat on a sawhorse. While technically it’s possible to refresh the look of your door without removing it from its hinges, we still recommend you do.
Covering or removing all the hardware (like the hinges, deadbolt, nameplate, and handle). If you want to spare the hassle of taking off these parts, you can use painter’s tape to cover them.
Washing and drying the door. To achieve a beautiful result, it’s critical to have the door’s surface clean, dry, and dull. All you need for this is a bucket of soapy water, a clean cloth, and a scrubber sponge for tougher areas. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before starting the painting process to ensure there are no errors, including bubbles.
Scraping away old paint with a stainless steel scraper or putty knife. Use 120-grit sandpaper to do light sanding, and make sure to clean off all the dust and debris without adding moisture.
Prime the door
Although most high-quality paints allow for application over a previously painted door, it’s still best to apply a coat of primer first, especially if you have a dark color underneath. Remember to check whether your primer is compatible with your chosen paint, and read the label’s instructions on how long you should wait before continuing the works.
Do the painting!
Finally, the fun part! Start by giving your front door two or three fresh coats of paint, and try not to lay it on too thick. If you’ve decided to let the door stay in its place, the easiest way will be to begin at the top and work your way down. As for the tools, a 4-inch mini roller and a paintbrush should serve you well.
Once the paint is dry, all that’s left to do is clean up and replace the hardware. Easy, right?
Don’t forget to check the rules
If you’re wondering how to paint an exterior door in Maryland, you have to first check the local rules. Some buildings and neighborhoods have strict regulations about what colors you can use, and in some cases, you might be required to get a permit, especially if your home is in a historic district.
Recap: How to paint an exterior door in Maryland
Painting your exterior door is one of the easiest but most impactful projects you can do to spruce up your home. Even if you don’t decide to change up the color, it will give you a fresh look.
If you’re inspired to upgrade your home even more, our professionals at American Home Contractors would love to help you. Whether you need assistance with roofing, door replacements, or new windows, we’re here to assist. Get in touch with our team here.
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 11/17/2024