Door - painting instructions and color tips

How do I paint a wooden door?

Painting your front door is a quick, easy and affordable way to freshen up your home's exterior. 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 front door before you start.

In this post, we'll give you tips on what you need, as well as good instructions on preparing the surface and painting the door to achieve the best results.

Choosing the right paint for your door

If your door is exposed to the elements and is not under an eaves or fascia, you need a suitable, durable and weatherproof paint. Due to the ease and speed of application, the Frenchic 'Self Priming' paint is the perfect choice .

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

Many paints require a primer, which means buying additional products and adding time to the project. Primer-based paints - like the entire Frenchic range - reduce this hassle and cost.

What about the color of the door?

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

• Does the color have 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 color for the inside of the door?

• For the interior of a hallway, vestibule or other connecting door, you can choose a shade from any of the Frenchic series. For the exterior door, only the weatherproof Al Fresco series.

Assess the condition of your front door before painting

You've chosen a color (and hopefully a paint type)!

But wait a minute - it's important to assess the condition of your door before you open that can of paint.

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

Also consider the type of wear and tear your door will experience in everyday life: For example, is there a pet in the family that jumps up against the door, scratching the door surface? In that case, it is worth adding a finishing coating to protect the paint surface after painting.

Rust needs to be treated and algae, mold or moss needs to be removed. These can usually be removed with outdoor cleaning solutions.

The most important thing is to always wear protective gear, such as a mask, goggles, 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 series goal

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

✅Finishing coating

✅Under the door of protective paper or fabric

✅ Sandpaper or other abrasive material

✅Brushes and/or rollers or sprayer

✅Cutting tape if you have glass panels and want to tape the 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 conditions exist within the next 48 hours:

✅The air temperature is forecast to drop below +10 degrees.
✅According to the forecast, it will rain.
✅There is probably moisture in the air.

✅A particularly hot period is expected

In general, it is best to paint outdoors during the warmer months. However, applying paint in direct sunlight can also make it more difficult to apply the paint, as it speeds up the drying process too much.

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

Read more about Outdoor Painting here.

Instructions for painting a door in brief, worth saving:

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

✅ Painting in too hot or direct sunlight will cause the paint to dry too quickly, and the paint will not have time to smooth out beautifully: so paint in the shade.

✅ The air temperature outdoors must remain at +10 degrees for the first 48 hours during the day and night when painting with Frechic series paints.

✅ The durable Al Fresco series paint includes UV protection and mold prevention, is weatherproof and certified. Al Fresco contains all the necessary protective properties for painting garden furniture too!

✅ Wash the surface to be painted, rinse off any detergent residue and lightly roughen the surface. Wipe away any sanding dust.

✅ Paint at least twice, let each coat dry for 2 hours. Read the instructions on the side of the paint can.

✅ All Frenchic paints and coatings are 100% water-based, so you can easily wash your equipment with clean water.

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

✅ Be more careful with the paint surface than usual for the first few days and remember that the paint will reach its final hardness after three weeks.

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

✅ For more information and instructions on the Al Fresco series, click on the INFORMATION tab for each shade.

How to paint a wooden front door?

Surface preparation

Did you skip your preparations? Prepare to fail.

Preparing the door surface is just as important as the painting process itself. Proper preparation will help you achieve a smooth and long-lasting surface.

Here are some key steps to follow:

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

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

✅If you are using Frenchic'n Self Priming Al Fresco paints, you can then sand the door with sandpaper. A light roughening process helps all types of paint adhere better to each area.

✅Wipe away any remaining dust residue, and congratulations, you're almost done!

Preparing the door for painting

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

✅ Make sure to keep a protective paper or cloth under the door and paint cans. Any spills will go unnoticed and it's easy to trample the door paint around before you know it!

✅Use tape to cover any parts on or around the door that you don't want to get paint on. It's also a good idea to cover any glass panels with cardboard or paper.

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

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

✅If you are not using Self Priming paint, you will need to prime the door. This can add extra 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, a roller, or a sprayer, it's a good idea to practice your technique beforehand so you can work confidently on your front door.

When you're ready to get started, here are the steps:

✅Apply the paint following the direction of the wood color.

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

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

✅Evaluate the shade only after two dry coats.

✅When you are satisfied with your work, remove the masking 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 for the paint to fully cure. Handle the painted surface with care during this time.

✅Is your door made of some other material than wood?

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

Most UPVC furniture/surfaces can be painted, however, if possible, it is worth checking with the door manufacturer to see if there are any restrictions.

Be sure to check the structural integrity as well. If there are signs of cracked or badly damaged panels or joints, painting can sometimes make the problem worse.

Are you ready to paint your wooden front door in a stunning Frenchic shade?

If you're eager to get started painting your own front door, Frenchic can help you with their range of Self Priming paints that minimise preparation while providing beautiful, even coverage.

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

Browse our range of weatherproof and UV-protected Al Fresco shades to find the perfect colour for your home's entrance - then use our guide to painting a wooden front door for the best results!