Project overview
How to paint a wooden exterior door - Video Guide
Want a more in depth look in to how to paint a wooden exterior door, check out this video guide!
Is it better to paint an exterior door with a brush or roller?
Both brushes and rollers can be used to paint an exterior door. Some painters like to use both brushes and rollers!
We recommend using a brush, as it's great for detailed work and can easily get into corners and hard-to-reach spots. Brushes also tend to be better for applying thin coats of paint, which can help prevent drips and runs. On the other hand, a roller is faster and more efficient for painting large, flat surfaces, and can help ensure a more even coat of paint.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the specific door and your personal preferences.
Prepare the wood
- Remove any metal fixtures and fittings including the numbers, door handle and post box if you're painting your front door.
- Clean the door using a diluted all-purpose general cleaner to remove any grime and dirt.
- For bare wood, use 120 grit sandpaper to sand in the direction of the woodgrain and smooth out the surface. This helps the paint stick to the surface.
- For previously painted doors in good condition, lightly sand them with 240-grit sandpaper.
- For wooden doors with flaking, cracked or peeling paint, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand away the paint down to the bare wood. We recommend using an electric sander to make a quick job of it but you could use a flat scraper.
- Once the dust has settled, wipe down your door with white spirit.
- If you spot any holes or cracks, fill them in and cover knots with a knot blocker to stop them from showing through your new paint.
Tip: If you’re using our 10-Year Weatherproof Wood Paint, you don’t need to use a primer so you can skip this step.
- If using another product, apply your primer to the door and leave it to dry. Make sure you cover it thoroughly so your paint sticks consistently.
Apply the paint
- Give your paint a really good stir so the colour pigments are thoroughly mixed.
- Apply the paint with a synthetic brush in the direction of the grain.
- Leave it to dry for four hours.
- Apply a second coat of paint.
- If your front door is bare wood, you’ll still be able to see the grain after two coats so will need a third one for solid colour. The last coat will be weatherproof in only one hour!
For best results, we recommend using our 10-Year Weatherproof Wood Paint. Not only does it add colour, but it also protects from harsh weather, without the need for primer, keep your wood in tip-top shape for 10 years!