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"Changing the color of your front door can change the whole look of your home," said Kim Scappaticci, design director at Wallauer's Design Center. "Think about using a bright, rich color, similar to adding a scarf to a black and white outfit. The scarf becomes the statement that makes the outfit stand out."
The first step to any paint job is assessing a door's current state. If the wood appears in good shape and will be painted a similar color, the door can often stay attached to the frame. However, if existing paint is peeling or flaking, taking the door off its hinges and performing the repairs on a saw horse will quicken the process.
To begin, carefully remove peeling paint with a putty knife and sand until smooth. Once peeling paint has been removed, sanding dust should be cleaned with a vacuum, cloth and water. It's important that the door is completely free of debris, or primer and paint will set unevenly.
With the wood prepped, apply a coat of primer across the entire door, allowing it to fully dry. Next, it's time to select a paint.
"Whatever color you choose, selecting a paint that stands up to the elements is most important," said Scappaticci. "Wallauer’s carries Benjamin Moore’s 'Aura GRAND ENTRANCE,' which is specially formulated for front doors. It’s as durable as it is beautiful, and goes on smoothly to retain its color and gloss."
Begin by applying paint along the door's edges and joints with a small brush. Using the same brush, paint the door’s sides and crevices, paying special attention to the corners of panels, where pooling can lead to dripping. Once the edges have been completed, use a foam roller to paint the rest of the door, starting at the top and working down.
For a deep, lasting color, apply at least two to three coats, letting each dry fully before applying the next. After the final coat, allow the paint to dry completely before reattaching hardware and rehanging the door.
For more ways to spruce up your house, visit Wallauer's website.
