How to Paint a Front Door

Remove hardware and mask the frame

Unscrew handles, locks and any visible fittings where possible, or cover them with tape. Mask the surrounding door frame and any glass panels.

Tip: Put the screws in a small bag so nothing goes missing.

Sand and clean the surface

Lightly sand the door to roughen the surface and remove any flaking old paint, then wipe away the dust with a dry cloth.

Apply the undercoat

Brush on a coat of synthetic undercoat, working with the grain on wood. Let it dry fully. This seals the surface and helps the enamel topcoat go on evenly.

Apply the enamel topcoat

Apply two thin coats of enamel rather than one thick one. Let each coat dry, and lightly sand between coats for the smoothest finish.

Tip: Thin coats are less likely to drip or leave brush marks than one heavy coat.

Refit the hardware

Wait until the final coat has fully cured (check the product page for the cure time, not just the touch-dry time). Then remove the masking tape and refit the handles and locks.