Nothing freshens the front of a house as cheaply as a newly painted door. It is a job most people can manage over a dry weekend, and a smart door lifts the whole appearance of the place from the street.
Pick your day
You need a dry, mild, still day so the paint flows and dries properly, and so you can leave the door open while it goes off. Start early enough that the final coat is touch-dry before nightfall, when the damp comes down.
Preparation is everything
A glossy finish shows every flaw underneath, so the prep matters more than the painting.
- Wash the door, then sand it down to a key for the new paint.
- Fill any dents and sand smooth once dry.
- Wipe off all dust and prime any bare wood.
Paint in the right order
On a panelled door, work from the inside out: the mouldings and panels first, then the horizontal rails, and finally the vertical stiles. Following the panels in this order keeps the brush marks consistent and avoids overlaps drying at different rates.
For a smooth finish
Lay the paint on, then lightly brush it out in long strokes following the grain, and resist going back over it as it starts to set. Two thin coats give a tougher, glossier result than one thick one. Leave the door wedged open until it is properly dry.