Door - painting instructions and color tips for the exterior door

How do I paint a wooden exterior door?

Painting the front door is a quick, easy, and affordable way to refresh your home's facade. Best of all, it's a great opportunity to express your own style or make a statement!

However, it is important to know how to paint a wooden exterior door before you start.

The painting instructions for a successful result are ultimately very simple with Frenchic paints: 

1. Wash and clean the surface to be painted carefully and let the surface dry. 
   
2. Sand thoroughly and wipe off sanding dust. 
   
3. Paint at least twice, on a dry and clean surface, with carefully mixed paint. 
   
4. Let dry according to the instructions.

In this post, we give you more tips on what you need for painting an exterior door, as well as good instructions for surface preparation and painting the door to achieve the best result.

Choosing the right paint for the exterior door

If your door is exposed to weather conditions and is not under an eave or canopy, you need a suitable durable and weather-resistant paint. For ease and speed of application, Frenchic series 'Self Priming' paint is the perfect choice.

Al Fresco series paints contain UV protection and anti-mold agents, as Al Fresco paints are a weather-resistant outdoor furniture paint series.

Many paints require a primer, which means buying extra products and more time for the project. Paints that include primer - like the entire Frenchic range - reduce this hassle and cost.

What about the door color?

Let's not forget the important color. Think carefully about the impression you want to create. Here are some factors to consider:

•    Does the color need to match other yard buildings, such as a garage, etc.?
•    Are you in an area where traditional colors are important?
•    Do you want your door to stand out or blend in?
•    Do you want to choose two colors: one for the outside and another for the inside of the door?
•    For an interior door in the hallway, vestibule, or other interior door, you can choose a shade from any Frenchic series. For an exterior door, only from the weather-resistant Al Fresco series.

Assess the condition of your exterior door before painting

You have chosen the color (and hopefully also the type of paint)!

But wait a moment - it is important to assess your door's condition before opening the paint can.

First, check that the door is in good condition for painting. Signs of wear can cause problems later.

Also consider the kind of wear your door experiences daily: For example, is there a pet in the family that jumps against the door, scratching its surface? In that case, it is advisable to add a finishing coat after painting to protect the paint surface.

Rust must be treated, and algae, mold, or moss must be removed. These can usually be removed with outdoor cleaning solutions. Rinse the cleaning solution off the surface to be painted with clean water. 

Always use protective gear such as a mask, safety glasses, and rubber gloves when cleaning mold and using toxic paint or rust removers.

What do I need to paint a wooden door?

To get started, you need at least:

✅Al Fresco paint series

✅Sugar Soap detergent, water container, cloth or sponge.

✅Finishing coat

✅Protective paper or cloth under the door

✅Sandpaper or other sanding tool

✅ Brushes and/or rollers or spray gun

✅ Masking tape if you have glass panels and want to tape handles and hinges

Choosing the right painting day

Choosing the right date and even time is also important because it affects how well the paint spreads and cures.

Do not paint outdoors if any of the following situations occur within the next 48 hours:

    ✅ The air temperature is forecasted to drop below +10 degrees.
    ✅ Rain is forecasted.
    ✅ There is likely moisture in the air.

    ✅ A particularly hot heatwave is expected

Generally, it is best to paint outdoors during warmer months. Nevertheless, applying paint in direct sunlight can also make spreading the paint difficult, as it accelerates the drying process too much.

This can lead to uneven coverage and paint overloading, so check the weather forecast before you take out your brush.

Read more about Exterior Painting here.

Instructions for painting the door briefly, these instructions are worth saving:

✅ Reserve suitable painting weather and a free afternoon for painting the exterior door; cloudy dry weather and a place sheltered from rain is best.

✅ Painting in too hot conditions or direct sunlight causes the paint to dry too quickly, preventing a beautiful smooth finish: paint in the shade.

✅ The outdoor air temperature must stay above +10 degrees Celsius during the first 48 hours day and night when painting with Frenchic series paints.

✅ Durable Al Fresco series paint includes UV protection and mold resistance, it is weatherproof and certified. Al Fresco contains all necessary protective features also for painting garden furniture!

✅ Clean the surface to be painted, rinse off detergent residues, and lightly sand the surface. Wipe off sanding dust.

✅ Paint at least twice, allowing each coat to dry for 2 hours. Read the instructions on the paint can.

✅ All Frenchic paints and coatings are 100% water-based, so cleaning tools is easy with clean water.

✅ With a small 250ml can, you can paint one side of the door at least twice.

✅ Be more careful with the painted surface than usual during the first days and remember that the paint reaches its final hardness after three weeks.

✅ If the door's wooden surface has previously been treated with oil, paint durability cannot be guaranteed on an oily surface. Read more here.

✅ Additional information and work instructions for the Al Fresco series can be found under each color. Click open the INFO tab.

How to paint a wooden front door?

Surface preparation

Skipped preparations? Prepare to fail.

Preparing the door surface is as important as the painting itself. Proper preparation makes it easier to achieve a smooth and long-lasting surface.

Here are some key steps worth following:

✅Scrub the door and sides well with Sugar Soap cleaner and a sponge/cloth to remove dirt and grease marks.

✅Rinse thoroughly and let dry (remember that wood drying can take quite a while, especially if the weather is humid or cool).

✅If you use Frenchic's Self Priming Al Fresco paints, you can next sand the door with sandpaper. A light sanding helps all paint types adhere better to every spot.

✅Wipe away all remaining dust residues, and congratulations, you're almost ready!

Preparing the door for painting

Before you start painting, make sure to follow these key preparation steps for the best results:

✅Make sure to keep protective paper or cloth under the door and paint cans. Splashes can happen unnoticed, and door paint is easy to track around before you realize it!

✅Use tape to cover all parts on or around the door where you don't want paint. Any glass panels should also be covered with cardboard or papered.

✅Protect, remove, or replace the door's silicone seals. No paint will stick to the seals, so now might be a good time to replace them with new ones.

✅Make sure you have all the necessary tools, including a ladder if needed.

✅If you do not use Self Priming paint, you need to prime the door. This may add extra working time to the process. Apply primer to the entire door - don't forget the sides.

If you have chosen our self-priming Al Fresco paint, you don't need to worry about this step.

Painting the front door

Now it's time to start painting!

Large, flat surfaces can be challenging to paint evenly. Whether you use brushes, rollers, or spray, it's good to practice the technique beforehand so you can work confidently on your exterior door.

When you are ready to start, here are the next steps:

✅Apply paint following the direction of the wood grain.

✅Apply a second coat after the recommended time - it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the paint can.

✅Check coverage and drying time between coats, as they can vary between paints.

✅Evaluate the shade only after two dry coats.

✅Once you are satisfied with your work, remove the painter's tape. It is important to do this before the paint is dry.

Paint curing is a gradual process that can take up to three weeks before the paint is fully cured. Handle the painted surface carefully during this time.

Is your door made of a material other than wood?

You might want to watch our video guide on painting UPVC doors, as the painting process is the same.

Most UPVC fixtures/surfaces can be painted. However, if possible, it's worth checking with the door manufacturer for any restrictions.

Remember to also check structural integrity. If there are signs of cracked or severely damaged panels or joints, painting can sometimes worsen the problem.

Are you ready to paint your wooden exterior door with a stunning Frenchic shade?

If you're eager to start painting your own exterior door, Frenchic can help you with its range of Self Priming paints that minimize preparation while providing a beautiful, even coverage.

Read here what Self Priming paint is and what its benefits are.

Browse our weather-resistant and UV-protected Al Fresco color range to find the perfect shade for your home's entrance - then use our instructions for painting a wooden exterior door to achieve the best result!