How to: Paint your front door

Make your preparations: Start by preparing the door for painting. Remove any hardware such as doorknobs, knockers, or hinges. If the door has existing paint or varnish, use sandpaper to remove the old finish. Clean the door thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface for painting.

Mask up! To avoid getting paint on other surfaces, use painter's tape to mask off the areas around the door, such as the door frame, windows, and any hardware that couldn't be removed. Lay down drop cloths or old sheets to protect the ground from paint drips or spills.

Apply your primer (if necessary): If you're painting a bare door, or dramatically changing the colour, we recommended apply a coat of primer before painting. We recommend Aalto Ultra Premium 3 in 1 Undercoat.

Choose your paint colour and finish: Select a your colour, and paint finish. For front doors we recommend Aalto Ultra Premium Waterbased Enamel, which provides a tough and durable finish. Available in gloss, semi gloss and satin finishes.

Painting time: Using a paintbrush or a mini-roller, start applying the paint to the door. Begin with the recessed or detailed areas, such as panels or grooves, using a brush to ensure even coverage. Then, move on to the larger flat surfaces, using a brush or mini-roller depending on your preference. Apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry for at least 2 hours before applying the next.

Pay attention to detail: While painting, be mindful of any paint drips or runs. If you notice any, use a brush or a clean cloth to smooth them out before they dry. This will help ensure a smooth and professional finish.

Once you’ve applied the final coat of paint, carefully remove the painter's tape. When the paint is dry, reattach any hardware that was removed earlier. Inspect the door for any touch-ups or areas that may need extra attention.