How to Paint An Exterior Door

I've had a hard time finding a colour I like for my exterior doors. Our siding is a greyish sage green colour that doesn't go with much. Originally, I painted the doors burgundy, but that wasn't really my style. I tried black, too stark. I settled on beige for a couple years, and lived with it.

This year the doors were *finally* in need of a new coat of paint so I jumped at the chance to try a new colour, and oh.my.word I like it. A lot.

Anyways, in my extensive painting and repainting of every paintable surface in my home I've learned this: With paint, you get what you pay for. Quality paints go farther, smooth better, and dry harder.  Buy a good quality exterior paint and primer combo.  I used Valspar Duramax in"Sun Spark". Did I mention I lovelovelovelovelove it?

Start by sanding your door with a fine sanding block. You just want to rough up the surface a bit so that the new paint adheres well to the door. Dust it with a damp cloth and allow to dry thoroughly.

Tape off any parts of the door you do not wish to get paint on.

Using a good quality paint brush, apply two thin coats of paint to the door, starting in crevices and decorative pieces and then do the flat areas. Allow to dry about one hour between coats.

 

Apply one more coat of paint, this time with small roller to avoid visible brush marks. I prefer foam rollers for this, but I was out of those and used a microfibre one I had on hand instead.  

Once dry to the touch, peel off the tape and step back to enjoy your happy new door!

 

Or go paint two more of them.....

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