Of all the projects we’ll discuss on this blog, this is one of the easiest and quickest. It’s perfect for the homeowner who wants a DIY project to do over the weekend that won’t require too much expertise, equipment or investment. 

In just a few simple steps, you can give your home’s exterior a fun update that will immediately be noticeable from the curb. 

Let’s talk about painting your front door! 

Painting any part of your home – and especially the exterior – can be nerve-racking. It’s how people in your neighborhood will come to know you, it’s how you’ll give directions to friends visiting for the first time, and it’s one of the first things everyone will notice about your property. 

A good first step, as always, is to think about color and tone.

Is your home’s exterior design more traditional? If so, it’s probably best to stick with a classic color palette of blacks, whites and grey. If you’re on the more modern end of things in terms of architecture, a pop of an inviting color like teal or green or something that catches your eye like a bold red might be more up your alley. 

If you can’t choose between a color or two, you can always see how they look together. A complimentary – or even contradictory – color palette can add serious personality to your entryway. Whatever your aesthetic is, we assure you that there is a way to bring it to life throughout your home. So why not start at the front door? 

Now, let’s touch on preparation for your painting project. 

You’ll want to start by washing the door with a mild detergent and some warm water. Make sure you strip it of any old hardware that could get in the way before you start painting, and prepare the area around your painting surface – that means covering up windows and throwing down a drop cloth for any stains or spills. 

Now, it’s time to use sandpaper to sand down any areas with little splinters or rough spots so that we can be sure our paint will adhere to the surface. Once that’s done, clean off any residual dust from the sanding process with a damp rag. Then, you’re ready for primer and paint. 

One of our main tips for the actual painting process is to invest in good quality brushes. Good brushes give you even coats – which are important, and will give you a better-looking finished product in the long-term. If your door is specially large (or you’re painting multiple) you could even invest in a roller for more efficient painting. 

With just a few brushstrokes and minimal planning or prep, you can give your home a facelift and intrigue neighbors and even potential buyers. Once the compliments start rolling in, you’ll be glad you spent the weekend painting – we promise. 

If you need any more detailed instructions or general painting know-how, feel free to give us a call.