Is your front door looking a little drab? Or maybe you’re just looking for an easy way to give your home a quick makeover? No problem! Spray painting your front door is a super simple way to update its look in no time. And best of all, it’s inexpensive! Here are the steps you need to follow to properly spray paint a front door and get the job done right.
Last summer we completed a large list of outside projects: a new walkway, a new front yard, painting the house, painting the concrete front porch, and adding flower boxes. Now it was time to paint a front door.
The outside of my house was in desperate need of painting and the original metal door had faded from the direct sun shining on it all day long. This is embarrassing to know we let the outside get this bad before taking on our outside curb appeal project.
The door was still in great shape, and I did not want to spend the extra money on a new door. So, I opted to do a front door makeover with paint.
Spray Painting Door Trim
The hardest part was taping and sealing off the trim around the door. I needed to start with spray painting the metal trim before I removed the door. This would keep the spray paint fumes and spray dust outside since the door was still on.
It was very difficult to get a good tape line on the black, so we opted to paint the strip of blue (to the left of the white trim) by hand. The strip of blue became black with the hand-painting using exterior black paint. The white metal section was the spray-painted section.
Spray Painting Front Door
I opted to remove the door to paint it. I thought it would be easier to paint it off the hinges due to the overspray. My decision to use spray paint was because it is oil-based paint and I figured that would hold up longer to the cold winters and daily sun exposure on the front door.
I may have chosen a different type of paint if I had a storm door on the front of our house.
I started on a beautiful day and removed my front door early so it had plenty of drying time between coats. First was taping off the glass windows followed by lightly sanding.
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I used a metal primer after thoroughly cleaning the front door. I highly recommend the handy spray nozzle that fits on spray paint cans. This allows you to get better coverage since it is hard on your finger when spray painting. You have more control by using this attachment.
I did 2 light coats of the metal primer and lightly sanded between each coat to remove any dust particles that formed while drying.
Next, I applied an even coat of colonial red and allowed it to dry a few hours before applying the next coat. Â I applied 2 coats with a few slight touch-ups in sections. Â The door sat in the shade drying all day before we attached it back on the hinges at about 10:00 pm.
I wanted to make sure the paint was good and dry so it would not leave a line from being closed overnight. Since we do not have a locking screen door, it was a good idea to put my front door back on before going to bed. If I did have a locking screen door, I would have left the door to dry overnight as well.
Here is a close-up of the trim work next to the door. I love my red door and am so glad that I choose red. What color is your front door?
Questions about spray painting a front door
- Can I spray paint without taking my door down? Yes, you do not have to take the door off the hinges to paint. However, you will need to tape off your interior some how. The door opens inward and you will actually be spraying in side your home. This is why I choose to take the door off.
- Can I spray paint my wood door? Yes, you will need to properly prep the door by sanding it down and using a primer that is good for wood doors.
- How many cans of spray paint will I need? I used 1 can for priming and 2 cans for the red color. This was only for the 1 side of the door.
- Why did you prime since you used a prime and paint in one? I wanted to use a metal primer since my door gets direct sunlight all day long. The more protection the better.
- How long did your spray paint last? It still looked great after 3 years. It needed to be painted in year 4, however we moved and the new owners did not paint it until year 5 or 6.
So there you have it! The steps I took to spray painting my front door. I hope you found this post helpful and that you will give spray painting a try. If you’re feeling adventurous, I also encourage you to experiment with different colors and finishes – the possibilities are endless. And if you need any help along the way, be sure to check out my other posts on how to paint furniture like a pro. Happy spraying!
Also, check out my insider furniture painting tips and tricks if you are wanting to tackle some furniture pieces next.
I always encourage others not to be afraid of messing up those DIY projects that you want to tackle in your home. If you need more courage, check out a few of these other DIY projects we tackled.
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Jenny VanFossen says
Hi DeDe,
I’m curious– now that some time has passed, how has the paint held up? It was beautiful when you first did it; has it held up to the elements? I have a metal entry door I’m getting ready to paint and I’d really rather spray it than roll/brush it bc I can get the finish smoother. And I’ve used the Rustoleum 2X Colonial Red paint (with the primer already in it) on Adirondack chairs I built about 5 years ago, but they were kept on a covered porch, so the material and the exposures were different than this project will be. I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether, if doing it again with some hindsight, you would do it the same way now? Thanks!
Jenny V.
Designed Decor says
Hi Jenny,
It held up great. We live in N.E. Ohio with tons of cloud cover in the winter but other hard elements. The door was in the direct sun all summer long with no shade coverage. It needed to be repainted after 4 years. I could have done it after 3 but like all things, put it off longer. I would certainly do it again the same way. We have sold the house so that is on the next homeowner. I have seen the house since selling and the door still has not been painted and it will be 6 years. Yes, it is faded and needs to be done.
Kayla Bromfield says
HElko DeDe,
You did a phenomenal job on your front door. I am embarking on this project today. I have a few questions before I begin. How many cans of paint did you use to get even coverage on the door? Thanks in advance.
Kayla
Designed Decor says
I used a can of primer and I believe 2 cans of the red. You can also purchase the primer and paint in one can and if you do that get 3 cans. I did nice light coats. Good luck on your door.
Ann P says
Love your color you chose. So I am curious…what is on the inside of the door, same color?? Or is it painted a different color?
Designed Decor says
Ann, I left the inside of the door the same blue that it was originally. Of course the inside has not faded and The colonial red would not really go with the interior.
Designed Decor says
My hubby would not let me paint it! Finally, I said I am doing it!
Karen Marie Kedzuch says
DeDe,
You did an awesome job. It turned out perfectly. Red can be a tough color to cover evenly. It feels very welcoming/
Great Job!
Karen Marie
Dragonfly & Lily Pads
Designed Decor says
Karen, thanks so much! I truly love the color and it makes the front of my house pretty and inviting!
Sarah says
I just love the red/black/white combination — so bold!
Designed Decor says
Sarah, Red, Black and White are my favorite color combinations!
Heather @ new house, new home, new life says
It’s gorgeous! And because you spray painted it, you got a great glossy finish, I love it.
Designed Decor says
Heather, yes, the gloss looks great on the door! I know this color is a keeper!
A Pinterest Addict says
I just painted our front doors blue, but I almost went with a red close to what you used. It looks fabulous – I love a good pop of color on a front door. Makes it seem so inviting and fun.
Designed Decor says
Since my door was blue it its former life I choose one that was totally different. Mr. DD was very concerned about my color choice. In the long run, he did not care since I was doing it all! LOL
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
DeDe…I love the front door red. It’s gorgeous!!!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Denyse!
involvingcolor says
DeDe, your door looks amazing! I love how the spray paint finish turned out. Do you know what Rustoleum red this is? I’d love to feature this on my paint color blog, Involving Color. Let me know if you’re interested!
Designed Decor says
Jena, I will send you an email! I will have to look up the color too!
involvingcolor says
Sounds great, thanks!
Cheryl Ann says
After you looked it up, can you now tell us all which of the reds you chose, please?
Designed Decor says
Cheryl Ann, yes the color is “Colonial Red” by Rust-Oleum in the 2x Ultra Cover! Thanks for asking! I will update the post too!
artsychicksrule says
Love the red! And the fact that you painted it with spray paint! That’s so awesome. 🙂
Designed Decor says
Thanks Nancy! Every morning when I walk the dog and see my door, I am so happy I chose that color!
crystal sheckles-gibson says
I love this. I have been wanting to paint my front door burgundy to match the metal roof and shutters.
Designed Decor says
Crystal, go for it! You will say to yourself, I should of done this sooner!
Crystal says
I love your front door! Mine is the same color!!! Love it 🙂
Designed Decor says
Crystal, we have great taste!