DIY project: Update your Front Door with Paint

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Painting your front door is an easy and affordable way to instantly upgrade your curb appeal.

We’ve lived in our home for 6 years now and I’ve painted our front door twice. I think this one is going to stay awhile.

Step 1: Choose a color and paint brand.

This is the hard part for so many. I can tell you that it was for me as well. My number one tip for choosing your door color is to make it one that will look good in any season. I didn’t want to go super neutral with my choice, so I chose Naval by Sherwin Williams. Sherwin Williams categorizes Naval as a neutral, but I like to think I went a little bold.

I wanted a satin finish so I did not use Chalk Paint for this project. I used Sherwin Williams All Surface Enamel paint in Satin. Pro tip: You only need a quart and luckily my online order warranted a call from Sherwin Williams so I didn’t waste money on the gallon I had originally ordered.

Step 2: Gather your supplies.

In addition to paint, you’ll need: a good paint brush (I used a two-inch Purdy Flat Brush) and/or small foam roller, a drop cloth, painter’s tape if you aren’t changing out your doorknob, and maybe like an hour and a half. (Most of that is drying time.)

Step 3: Clean your door, stir your paint well, and tape off any windows/fixtures.

Also, make sure you take a before photo!

My first paint job on this door was rather lack luster. I mixed up my own shade of Chalk Paint® (which I am ALL ABOUT for so many projects – including front doors if you do it right) but I failed on two levels: (1) I never sealed the paint, causing it to mark up with every touch and (2) I didn’t mix quite enough paint so you can see at the bottom it is a different color. Eek.

I will also mention (and my mom has told me MANY times) that I know this door needs replaced completely. It’s bubbled and old. But that is not nearly as affordable as a quart of paint. We are talking $20 (don’t forget your SW coupon!) vs $400-$1200.

Step 4: Apply your first coat of paint.

You can use the brush or roller for this. I used both. I used the brush for the nooks on the panels of the door and the roller for the flat parts.

This should be its own step, but alas, it is not: Don’t freak out if this is how your first coat looks.

Go ahead and just trust the process. 😉

Step 5: Apply your second coat of paint.

After you wait the recommended time for the paint to dry (or if you are like me and get paint all over the can and can no longer read how long it takes to dry – you can just go by touch), it’s time for your second coat of paint.

And if you are like me – you will be shocked at the coverage of your second coat compared to your first!

Step 6: Step back and admire your work.

I completed this project in the Fall so I was so happy to see how it looked with our Fall decor surrounding it. *insert heart eye emoji* (Why aren’t there emojis in Word Press?)

So as you can see, the door is still not hiding its age, but what a difference a little paint can make. I encourage you to get out (in?) there and update your front door from drab to FAB.