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To paint an exterior wood door, remove or mask its hardware, clean and dry the surface, scrape and sand failing paint, repair defects, and prime bare or repaired areas as needed. Then apply compatible exterior door paint with a brush for details and a roller for flat sections. Follow the paint label for weather, recoating, and drying before closing the door.
Gather supplies and prepare the work area
Before starting, check the paint label for temperature and weather limits, drying guidance, and compatible primer recommendations. Gather:
- Screwdriver or wrench for removable hardware
- Cleaning cloths and a suitable cleaner
- Scraper and sandpaper or a sanding sponge, as needed
- Wood filler or putty for holes and imperfections
- Painter’s tape for glass or hardware that stays in place
- Primer and exterior paint suited to the door and existing coating
- A brush for details and edges, plus a roller for broad flat sections
Remove hardware where practical. Mask anything that cannot be removed, including glass, and protect nearby surfaces from drips.
Clean, scrape, and sand the door
Wash and dry
Clean off dirt and grease, then remove cleaner residue as appropriate for the product used. Let the door dry completely before sanding or painting; paint adheres best to a clean, dry, sound surface.
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- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
Remove loose paint and smooth the finish
Scrape away paint that is loose or peeling. Sand rough edges where old paint meets exposed areas, and dull glossy existing paint to help prepare the surface for a new coat. The appropriate sandpaper depends on the existing coating, so do not assume one grit suits every door. Remove sanding dust before proceeding.
Repair defects and decide whether to prime
Fill holes and other imperfections with a suitable wood filler or putty, then sand the repairs smooth once ready according to the filler’s directions.
Rank #2
- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
Prime bare wood and patched areas with a primer compatible with both the surface and the chosen topcoat. A sound, previously painted finish may not need primer everywhere; bare spots, repairs, stains, or a substantial color change can make priming appropriate. Follow the primer and paint labels rather than treating any one manufacturer’s product recommendation as universal.
Apply exterior door paint
Choose paint made for exterior exposure and appropriate for the door substrate. Use a brush to work paint into recessed panels, details, and edges; use a roller to cover larger flat sections. Apply thin, even coats and avoid letting paint pool in corners or details.
Rank #3
- Add instant curb appeal to your home in just 4 hours
- For use on exterior or interior doors
- Ideal for painted steel, aluminum and wood, the standard materials of most front and interior doors
- Simple, 3-step application and quick-dry formula allows you to paint and close your door in the same day
- Pairs well with Antique Brass, Satin Nickel, and Polished Brass door hardware
Apply the number of coats and wait between coats as directed on the paint label. The Sherwin-Williams front-door guide describes using two coats, but coverage and recoat timing depend on the particular product and color.
Choose suitable weather and allow the finish to dry
Check the selected coating’s label for air and surface temperature, humidity, and recoat limits. Sherwin-Williams’ general exterior-preparation guidance advises against painting immediately after rain, when rain is forecast, in fog, or below 50°F unless the product is designed for those conditions. These are manufacturer guidelines; the current label for your chosen product governs.
Rank #4
- Ready to use, pre-mixed door and trim paint offers a fresh new look on interior or exterior metal, wood and fiberglass
- Water-based paint formula emits less odor and withstands fading for a long lasting finish
- Dries to the touch in 45 minutes, up to 3X faster than traditional oil-based paints
- Durable, chip resistant coating provides ultimate protection with modern curb appeal
- Beautiful satin door paint is available in 6 pre-mix color options for the perfect look
Leave the door open until the finish is dry enough to avoid contact. Closing it too early can cause paint blocking, where painted surfaces stick together. Use the product’s drying guidance, and avoid forcing the door shut while the coating is still vulnerable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Remove masking and reinstall hardware
Remove masking carefully, then reinstall hardware once the finish is dry enough under the paint label’s instructions. If you are painting only the exterior face, Sherwin-Williams advises painting the hinged edge as well: “If you’re only painting the exterior side of your front door, also paint the hinged edge of the door.”
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Best Value
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to touch in 30 minutes for quick project completion
- Semi-gloss finish minimizes surface imperfections, goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide
- Prior to application sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry and apply paint
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