Exterior Painting Ottawa, Ontario: How to Paint a Front Door?

At Millers Painting, we know that first impressions count and that to give a beautiful first impression, nothing beats a touch of color on your front door.
So when the time comes to paint a front door – or any other exterior door, for that matter – we are here to help you make your home look great.
In this article, we will be sharing some DIY tips on how to paint your front door;

Remove Hardware and Ornaments

Just like when painting kitchen cabinets, remove any non-permanent pieces from your front door.
This will give you a uniform work surface and protect these parts from damage caused by drips and runners during painting work.

Clean It All Up

It is essential to clean the front door thoroughly before starting your project.
Scrub it in and remove any accumulated dirt. Make sure the door is completely dry before continuing.

Due to the heavy use of the front door, the paint may peel or flake.
Use a paint scraper to loosen flaking paint.

Sanding is also an essential part of your project, but before proceeding, determine the type of paint that is currently on your door.

For this, soak a piece of cotton wool in denatured alcohol, then swab on the paint.
If it is removed, it is a water-based paint. If it does not come off, it is an oil-based paint.

If your door is painted with a water-based paint, sand it well with fine-grained sandpaper.
For oil-based paint, medium grit sandpaper (100 to 150 grit) will do.

Apply the Painter’s Tape

Painter’s tape is an essential accessory for painting a front door.
Use it to hide all parts installed on the door (such as the door lock and door handle) to prevent drips, stains, and rough edges.

Get To Know Your Painting Tools

To paint a front door to perfection, you need the best tools, such as high-quality paintbrushes and rollers.
As a rule, a flat brush is ideal for applying a base coat, but the doors have all kinds of nooks and crannies. Instead, use an angular brush to reach those nooks that a flat brush cannot reach.

Apply the Primer

A good primer can help you hide the old paint on your front door while providing a surface that will allow the new paint to adhere well.
Make sure the primer does not build-up, as this can cause irregularities on your door when finished.
After the primer is applied, allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours.

It’s time to paint! (We recommend applying two coats)

You can apply the paint using brushes or rollers. Use an angular brush to apply the paint to the small indentations.
If you are using a roller for larger areas, be sure to brush over any uneven spots with a brush to smooth the finish.

Once painted, allow the door to dry for at least 24 hours, then apply a second coat. Afterward, let it dry once more for at least 24 hours before re-installing any hardware that you removed.

Need Help With That?

If you need help repainting your front door or home exterior in Ottawa, Ontario, our team at Millers Painting Company can help.

We offer free paint consultancy alongside high-quality residential and commercial painting services in Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Westboro areas of Ottawa, Ontario.

To get started with us, book a FREE estimate or call us on 613-979-5435.

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