How to re-paint the front door?

[CKL]

Hi everyone, 

 

I wish to re-paint the front door of our house as this looks a bit aging with scratches. Also the wood sitting on the doorstep is fading a lot and I’m thinking to paint as well but not sure if:

1. Should I use paint stripper to remove completely away the existing paint on the door?  
2. I guess would need to sand the surface of the door and which types I should use and how many rounds I should do the sanding?

3. Type of paint use. Is there a special type of paint for the door, door frame and the doorstep?

Thanks guys!

Chris

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @CKL 

I suggest having a quick look at this guide - How to Paint a Front Door. It will give you a general idea of the process and what you need to do to give your door a new coat of paint. Can you use a chemical stripper? Yes, you can use chemical stripper, but it will not remove all the paint residue on the surface. You will still need to sand the surface in order to remove all the residual paint left behind. 

However, if you do wish to use a chemical stripper, I suggest looking at Poly 1L Polystrippa Paint Stripper - 1L. Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a paint rated mask when using the chemical stripper.

In regards to sanding the surface, I suggest investing in a detail sander such as the Ozito 200W Detail Sander. It comes with a set of sanding paper starting from 60grit to 120grit. These should be enough to sand your door thoroughly. My only other suggestion is to finish the door in 240grit for a smooth finish.

I recommend using Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L to prime the surface and Dulux 4L Aquanamel Semi Gloss White Enamel Paint for the top coat. This can be used on your door frame, door and doorstep as well. Please note that you do have the option of using Cabot's 500ml Brown Timbercolour Deck And Exterior Paint for the doorstep. My best advice is to make sure to give each coat enough time to cure before painting the next coat on.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[CKL]

Thanks Eric for your advice. 

I've watched the Video and seems like I can just use the sander to smooth the surface without using the paint stripper.  

The other major concern for me is to take down the whole door for the job to be carried out as I wish to get this done all by myself and not sure if I can take down the door PLUS put the heavy door back on and align nicely with the hinges. 

Wondering is it a bad idea for NOT taking down the door to do this painting job? 

[EricL]

Hello @CKL 

You do have the option of not taking down the doors. It will be a bit difficult due to its position, but it is possible to sand the surface. My best advice is to use a rubber door wedge to keep the door immobile while you sand its surface. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[CKL]

Thanks Eric! I will give it a try this weekend!

Quick question about the paint type - I notice that there are interior and exterior.  

The one below has the color choice we like but not sure if this type of paint will be suitable for front door:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-enamel-paint-aquanamel-semi-gloss-ultra-deep-4l_p1400054

[MitchellMc]

Hi @CKL,

Yes, Aquanamel is an interior and exterior paint, so it's perfectly suitable for your front door. Also, just so you know, colours typically are not specific to that type of paint. With a few exceptions, colours can generally be mixed up into any paint you want.

Mitchell