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To paint an exterior wood door, clean and dry it, remove loose paint, smooth the surface, repair defects, prime bare or patched areas as needed, and apply compatible exterior paint in thin, even coats. Give the finish the label-specified drying time before closing the door so it does not stick to the frame.
Gather supplies and prepare the work area
Have a screwdriver or wrench, cleaning cloths and cleaner, a scraper if paint is failing, sandpaper, painter’s tape, suitable primer and exterior door paint, a brush, and a roller ready before you begin. Choose products intended for exterior exposure and compatible with the door’s existing coating and substrate. Manufacturer how-to guides from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer product-specific examples, not independent comparisons.
- Remove the door hardware when practical. If it cannot be removed, mask it; also protect any glass that could be splattered.
- Work where the door can remain open while the paint dries, and protect the floor and nearby surfaces.
Clean the door and let it dry
Wash away dirt and grease with a suitable cleaner, then rinse or wipe off residue as directed for that cleaner. Let the door dry completely before sanding or applying any coating. Paint adheres best to a clean, dry, sound surface.
Scrape, sand, and remove dust
Scrape away loose or peeling paint. Sand rough spots and the edges where sound paint meets bare areas so the transition feels smooth; dull glossy existing paint to help prepare it for repainting. Select sandpaper appropriate to the existing coating rather than assuming one grit fits every door. Benjamin Moore’s front-door guide discusses sanding in relation to the existing finish. Remove sanding dust before moving on.
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Repair defects and decide whether to prime
Fill holes and imperfections with a wood filler or putty suitable for the repair. Once it is dry, sand it smooth and remove the dust. Prime bare wood and repaired areas with a primer suited to the surface and compatible with the topcoat. A sound existing painted finish may not need primer everywhere; exposed wood, patches, stains, or a substantial color change can make priming appropriate. Check the primer and paint labels and the guidance for the selected system, such as Sherwin-Williams’ exterior preparation guidance and its exterior primer guide.
Apply exterior paint with the right tools
Use a brush for recessed panels, details, and edges, and a roller for broad flat sections. Work in thin, even coats and watch for runs or paint pooling in corners. Follow the paint maker’s instructions for coverage, number of coats, and recoat interval: the Sherwin-Williams front-door guide describes two coats, but that is not a universal requirement for every product or color.
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Use paint formulated for exterior exposure and appropriate for the door surface. The sheen is an appearance choice, but the selected paint must be compatible with the existing coating and any primer used. Manufacturer recommendations are product-specific; follow the current label rather than treating one brand’s suggested product as the only suitable option.
Choose suitable weather and allow enough drying time
Check the paint label for air and surface temperature, humidity, recoat, and cure instructions. Sherwin-Williams’ general exterior guidance advises against painting immediately after rain, when rain is forecast, in fog, or below 50°F unless the product is designed for those conditions. That guidance is not a substitute for the requirements on the particular paint you use.
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Leave the door open until the finish is dry enough for contact under its label’s instructions. Closing it too soon can make the paint stick to the frame, a problem commonly called blocking; see Sherwin-Williams’ guidance on avoiding paint blocking.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Remove masking and reinstall hardware
Remove masking carefully and reinstall hardware only when the finish is dry enough to handle according to the label. If you are painting only the exterior face, paint the hinged edge as well. Sherwin-Williams’ front-door guide specifically recommends coating that edge.
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