How to paint your front door: 5 tips for a flawless finish

[@glamslamr]

Extremely helpful, very detailed instructions! Thank you!!!!

[@nickygounden9492]

i agree , very helpful and easy instructions

[@drivingwhileadhd3568]

I used your video to paint my door and seriously it came out great. A lot of the other videos say to use a roller, but I think using the different size brushes as you recommended works just as good , maybe just a little slower but I didn’t want to go fast anyway

[@TheUnprofessional]

I am so happy to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@mikehopkins4040]

Still trying to figure how you used a video to paint your door . I used a paint brush. 😜

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thank you for this very informative and thorough "how to" paint a 6 panel door correctly to get good results with a brush. The order of 1,2,3,4 is very helpful. No other You Tube channel stressed this. A very important point to prevent issues with paint runs, an important point. Saved me from committing some big errors. Job well done. Carry on.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks for your kind words! Glad you found it useful 😊.

[@carenbackus8229]

Agreed! Job very well done:)

[@debra2415db]

I've learned something I never knew about painting doors. I don't know which color to paint on the edges. Thank for the great info.

[@TheUnprofessional]

I’m so glad it was useful. Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethdekalb]

This video and the tips were very helpful. I wish I had seen the suggestion earlier about the order in which to paint the sections of the door. I think following that order would produce a better-looking paint job. Thank you!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank YOU! I’m so glad you found it helpful.

[@HungLe-kt3gj]

Thank you so much this video .

[@gaylewilhelm8565]

This is something I should have seen 3 doors ago. Love it...

[@toddscholes4172]

I meant "a", not "I" good video.

[@andrewfrosch7653]

You are so funny!! I love this video. It helped a lot!!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Who me??!! LOL! Thanks 😊

[@merrissaburleigh3783]

Perfect timing! We are planning on painting our front door and these tips have been very helpful!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Hey! I was just thinking about you the other day! What a coincidence 😊.

[@DannyW-qg3ep]

Great video, worked perfect. Thank you

[@TheUnprofessional]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@luizbocchi4780]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank You!

[@ayoo264]

Great video. Love the color. What color and brand of paint did you use?

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks for watching! I used Benjamin Moore paint. The inside color is Paloma gray and the outside is Coat of Arms.

[@cityoflove85]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@lovelylady0200]

Love the outside color

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank you!

[@rjchavers9267]

Liked and sub'd. This video was a good speed for me and I have a lot of little projects like this that I have been working on. Thanks for posting!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@deljones56]

Exactly my situation. Very helpful! Very glad I found this video!

[@TheUnprofessional]

I’m so happy it as helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@carenbackus8229]

1: 33 Hi! LOVED your video, very thorough and inspirational!. I installed 2 new (expensive) fiberglass energy star certified doors in Jan, came Pre-primed from factory in off white. Looked great, so I never painted them , since NO ONE told me I needed to. Well, now I can not find anything that works to CLEAN the doors (yes’ I have tried all) Interviewing painters currently and all say they need to “prime” door first. Imho it is because they always do that, so I am just not sure. noticed you did not prime yours first- did you have any problems with this? I do not want thick layers of paint , but if they do not “prime” they will not guarantee their work. Can not find manufacturer instructions or name sadly. The fact is, I can not clean anything out of the current primer which makes me think any paint will stick well! Would appreciate your thoughts. Quotes are so high I am no thinking of doing myself !

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks! If your door came primed, you shouldn’t need any additional primer like you said. Just give it a good cleaning and go for it! I haven’t had any chipping at all after two years.

[@samisingh3085]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank you ☺️

[@nanetteatienza4297]

Exactly what I was looking for. How do you paint a previously painted door? It was painted with a shiny coating of bright red. Looking forward to your advise. Thank you.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Glad you found it useful! My advice is to sand off the shine and apply primer.

[@RasTuft]

If you switch 2 & 3 you can paint down the middle in one go, then one final stroke down to finish. Then paint your horizontals (in the same way). This will allow you to make longer steadier strokes and produce a better finish ;-)

[@demolitionbarbiedoll]

Oh RasTuft I'm mesmerized at the passion how you speak of about "longer steadier strokes" 😊

[@dimitrisl9085]

​@@demolitionbarbiedoll😆

[@garythompson9452]

Great video, thanks for putting it up. Short and to the point, just what a Bodger like me needs.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@ProfessionalPainterDecorator]

ooooh, all was going so well till I saw your order of painting the door. Once you do the mouldings and the panels, you should then do the top mullion (3 which you call it) . then your section 2, which is called the top rail, working your way down (each section has it own name). It's all to do with wet edges and keeping the paint edge going and not drying off on you too quickly. But nice approach, better than I've seen others doing it.. starting at the bottom. Keep the good work up.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Advice from the professional to the unprofessional. Love it! Thanks for watching.

[@ProfessionalPainterDecorator]

@@TheUnprofessional I always say.... Work smarter not harder ;)

[@ProfessionalPainterDecorator]

@@TheUnprofessional If you're interested I do have video on my YT channel where i explain the different parts of a panel door... only watch if you've nothing else to do lol

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

Good job. Is it better to paint the whole door with a brush or use small roller for flat longer parts? Need to paint mine but don't have small roller.

[@TheUnprofessional]

I think it’s better to use a brush for the whole door. Because the surface is small compared to a wall, switching between a roller and a brush for the detail is more noticeable. Good luck!

[@allisonmuenkel2661]

Hi! Thanks for the video. Do you think I need to use the small grit sandpaper on a brand new white door? Also, can you tell me the name of the blue on the exterior? We are pairing our door blue and I love it! Thanks for the help! You did fantastic!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Hi! If your door is primed and new, all you need to do is wipe it down. The color is Cost of Arms by Benjamin Moore. I used semi gloss exterior. Thanks for watching and good luck!!

[@traceylennon1204]

Nice wood furniture!!

[@bradnovack1072]

The Legend of Curly Bang!

[@suecustard5725]

Does it matter what type of paint you use on your door ? Latex or Oil based? Also, I love the blue color on the outside of your door ! What is the name of the color?

[@TheUnprofessional]

thanks! I almost always opt for latex even though oil based is a little more durable. Latex dries faster and has less fumes and nice coverage in my opinion. The color is coat of arms by Benjamin Moore.

[@suecustard5725]

@@TheUnprofessional THANK YOU !

[@nalanimulcahy8451]

Can you tell me what the music is at 1:50 please, shazam has given me two very wrong answers. Excellent instructions for my new front door too, thank you. I didn't know about painting the edges different colours, but it makes so much sense now you've explained it! 🥰

[@TheUnprofessional]

I’m not sure the name of the music track. It comes from a subscription service I use for my videos. Thanks for watching!

[@janinew.3209]

Watching this video makes me feel like I can really paint my front door, I just got a new front door and already called my painter, but I think I'm going to do it myself.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Yay! You’ve got this!

[@nickygounden9492]

awesome i love it.... thank you Laura

[@derekjp6043]

I liked the video! I subbed. Anything to boost your algorithm! Keep up the great content and editing!!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank you! You are very kind.

[@candidlykatrinawellborn2142]

Thank yoooou for the tips , can’t wait ! Should I sand mine if it’s wooden and already painted

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank you! If the current paint is shiny or peeling, yes, sand. Otherwise I don’t think you need to. Good luck!!!

[@candidlykatrinawellborn2142]

@@TheUnprofessional ahhh thank you sooo much ! Can’t believe you got back to me so sooo soon ! Thank you a ton for the inspiration and motivation to do this !!! Lol on a side note …it seems to have been painted once already , and is peeling only in one spot …. Could I get away with just sanding that area lol ? Sanding drives momma nuts

[@TheUnprofessional]

I totally hear you! LOL! Yes I think you can just sand one spot. But prime that spot if it leaves bare wood.

[@barbiec4312]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@madisonn0605]

Great video!! How long did you have to leave the door open for the side to dry? I’m scared to close the door and mess up the paint

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks!! On the first coat I left it open for 3 hours because I was worried about the same thing. On the second coat, my husband closed the door by accident after an hour and it was totally fine LOL.

[@Jmitch95]

Using. 4 inch brush for the flat part of your door makes it go so much faster

[@TheUnprofessional]

It definitely does 👍

[@C.m6237]

what brand of paint do you recommend for front doors? Also what paint did you use for this project?

[@TheUnprofessional]

I had good luck with Benjamin Moore. I used their Aura exterior in semi-gloss for the outside (color is coat of arms) and the interior is the regal interior semi-gloss in la Paloma gray.

[@lsarnold2]

Water or oil based paint?

[@TheUnprofessional]

I used water based (latex) paint. Thanks for watching!

[@gregjohnston3504]

If a metal door, latex is not a good choice. A paint for metal is needed.

[@lisaurz9002]

What kind of paint would you use on a metal front door inside and outside?

[@TheUnprofessional]

This is a great article on painting metal doors. The kind of paint depends on your sun exposure. I recommend giving it a quick read. www.thespruce.com/how-to-paint-a-metal-front-door-5191823

[@The1cward]

Do you need to add any sealant after you are finished?

[@TheUnprofessional]

Nope, just be sure to use exterior paint.

[@JohnnyLREACTS]

Small roller or brush for the door (larger areas, not the detail).

[@charlesschwartz307]

Great video. Thank you. I have a question though on where one color ends and the next starts: my bedroom is dark , and it has a closet that is white. Around the door, from the bedroom side, the trim is the same color as the room, dark. The trim is satin. So, where would you suggest I break from the dark color to the white, and what color should the door’s edges be? I’d be grateful for any thoughts you have on this. Thank,you!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks for watching! I have a follow up questions to make sure I’m understanding correctly. Are you asking about the trim color or the door color? And is your trim the same color as your door?

[@RB-gt8bf]

thank you for such a great video. This is a first time project for me. I am painting the exterior of the front door. What type of paint would you recommend. The door is steel door. Thanks

[@TheUnprofessional]

I recommend priming your steel door first, then use a good quality exterior paint. I like Benjamin Moore, but any good quality paint made specifically for exterior projects will work. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@RB-gt8bf]

thank you so much for your response! Could we use a direct to metal paint?

[@TheUnprofessional]

@@RB-gt8bf Yes, I believe that would be fine. I’ve only painted a metal door that had previously been painted, so I don’t have experience with direct to metal paint.

[@lorrainedixon]

Hi what colour grey did you use i like that light grey colour

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks! The interior is Benjamin Moore regal interior semi-gloss in la Paloma gray.

[@dm3design]

Very helpful 👌

[@TheUnprofessional]

I’m so glad to hear!

[@Jan-2020]

What color and brand of paint did you use for the outside? Thank you.

[@TheUnprofessional]

It’s Coat of Arms by Benjamin Moore.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I’m an amateur diy-er. That’s exactly how I do it! I call it painting by number. The paint order is important so there’s fewer streaks as well as no streaks going in the wrong direction. As I’m painting section #1 like in your video I fix any wrong direction brush strokes to get a better finish. I paint as quickly as possible as it gives the paint time to settle and lay flat before curing like with painting fingernails. I’m still trying to decide if I prefer to pop to door off it’s hinges and paint flat or while it’s still installed.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Paint by numbers! Yes exactly, I love this reference 😆.

[@songsheep]

Can I know which grey did you use? It looks really nice!

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thank you! The color is La paloma gray by Benjamin Moore.

[@songsheep]

@@TheUnprofessional Thank you so much for getting back to me!

[@songsheep]

@@TheUnprofessional I painted the same color on my door today. It looks really nice. Can I know which brush did you use? Thank you.

[@TheUnprofessional]

I used two. A 1 1/2 inch angled brush for the detail and a 3 inch straight brush for the rest. I used Purdy, which make good brushes in my opinion.

[@brendabroons64]

What about your paint? what kind of pain is the best?

[@TheUnprofessional]

I had good luck with Benjamin Moore. I used their Aura exterior in semi-gloss for the outside (color is coat of arms) and the interior is the regal interior semi-gloss in la Paloma gray.

[@theguzmanfamily5299]

Can you link the color you used for the color ??

[@TheUnprofessional]

This is the outside color: www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/763/coat-of-arms This is the inside color: www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/1551/la-paloma-gray

[@eyeonart6865]

What kind of paint?

[@gianinamartinez-niquen2633]

What type of paint do I use?

[@TheUnprofessional]

I used Benjamin Moore Aura exterior in semi-gloss for the outside (the color is coat of arms) and the interior is the regal interior semi-gloss in Paloma gray.

[@hartleyhubbard3827]

lol... "...is me doing something for the very 1st time..." that's funny! I feel like most things that I do as a semi-pro handyman, is for the first time. Not because I have dementia, but because every job is different in handyman work. Greg [garden grove, CA usa]

[@TheUnprofessional]

Well good, I’m glad it’s not just me 😆.

[@lizapottinger6652]

Unrelated to the video, but what color are your walls and trim?

[@TheUnprofessional]

The wall color is classic gray by Benjamin Moore and the trim is behr ultra pure white (the base color). Thanks for watching!

[@signedup2462]

You don't get brush marks?

[@TheUnprofessional]

Not after two coats. I could see some brush strokes on the first coat, but after the second coat dried they were gone.

[@jenniferfitzgerald1796]

Brush in the crevices and a smooth foam roller for the flat pieces. Way faster and no brush marks.

[@andersontibbetts950]

Please I like to know the name of this color.

[@TheUnprofessional]

The interior is paloma gray and the exterior is coat of arms. Both are by Benjamin Moore. Good luck with your project!

[@bosatsu76]

Also. When your door has raised embossing like a wood grain or something, thin the paint so as to really drive it into the grooves without filling them... Better to paint twice and get those details to show clearly.

[@TheUnprofessional]

Great tip! Thanks 😊

[@malice41414]

I really love the blue color of the front door. What is the paint brand and paint color please. :D

[@TheUnprofessional]

Thanks! It’s Benjamin Moore paint and the color is coat of arms.

[@tarekarobinson3054]

Where did you get your door knob

[@TheUnprofessional]

I got it on build.com. This is the link: www.build.com/schlage-f60-add-ply-add/s1720065

[@bbyjcky1]

What color is that!? The gray…

[@TheUnprofessional]

Paloma Gray by Benjamin Moore. Thanks for watching!

[@lleva1223]

Is it oil or water paint?

[@TheUnprofessional]

Both sides are water-based.

[@annettewarren4197]

did you use an oil based or water based paint

[@TheUnprofessional]

I used water-based, Benjamin Moore paint. Both outside and inside.

[@peggyclinton9148]

Is this a metal door??

[@TheUnprofessional]

No, it’s fiberglass.

[@kathycorona2880]

What about a door that has been painted and is peeling?

[@TheUnprofessional]

Scrape the loose paint as much as possible and then sand. If you have ridges where the paint has peeled, that will show on the new coat unless you sand it smooth. It’s more work but definitely doable!

[@lindafrerichs240]

Hi Jay

[@lindafrerichs240]

I lived there in 2011-2013

[@supernatural2130]

Cover your hardware with painters tape instead of removing hardware. Depending on your style of hardware.

[@toddscholes4172]

In general I good video but with the order, 2 &3 should be switched around.

[@jenniferdowns9]

I'd have to say size matters

[@TheUnprofessional]

😂😂😂

[@hectorheath9742]

I'm no professional but in all the years I've painted I haven't had to scrape excess off the bristles. Just put less on in the first place..much cleaner. And there's always the need to clean the surface after rubbing down.

[@laurastone6578]

You NEED a 4” mini foam roller instead of the 4” brush! Also, grey is out for 2023. 😬

[@HYPERspace2012]

I need you to come over and paint my dirty dirty door 😉

[@jimhendrix878]

You made me laugh. I enjoyed listening to you and your tips I don't know if it's because you're hot that it was bearable. But it was bearable and funny thanks

[@mikehopkins4040]

Nice to see a woman getting her hands dirty instead of depending on men Some good tips .

[@TheUnprofessional]

Nothing but dirty hands over here! 😂 Thanks for watching!!

[@Mulalalagal_xoxo]

you are ten times pretty

[@garypopa6384]

Remove the door and place the door on a set of saw horses

[@TheUnprofessional]

Or just don’t bother and paint it attached. It’s all a matter of preference I guess 😊. The way I did it was easy and turned out great. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmystallcup4931]

Great tips from a beautiful woman. I had trouble focusing on the instruction when I see that woman. So lovely

[@cervezarob]

Take the door off. So much easier.

[@180mph9]

The sound quality of this video is a 5 out of 10.

[@chandracox6814]

Stop trying so hard to be funny and likeable. It's not working.