How to paint your front door
Make a great first impression and greet your visitors with a statement front door. Learn everything you need to know about getting your front door prepped, primed and painted for the warmest of welcomes.
Follow 3 easy steps to get you started.
How To Guides
What kind of paint to use on a front door
For exterior paint jobs, it’s important to choose a durable, non-yellowing, water-based enamel paint so it can withstand the elements. This is why Dulux Aquanamel® is a great choice for front doors as it’s also fast drying and easily washes up in water, making it the perfect product for a weekend DIY project.
Next, you will need to choose a sheen level that suits your home. The higher the sheen, the higher the shine.
What colour to paint a front door
One of the most important things to consider for your front door is colour. Whilst some people blend their colour into the overall exterior scheme, others will choose a colour that adds some personality to the home.
By choosing a colour that best reflects your personality it gives people an idea of the theme inside your home and the mood you wish to create. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours as they can add a bold contrast to neutral exteriors like concrete renders or brown bricks.
If you need more outdoor colour inspiration, visit our Popular Outside Schemes guide or speak with our Live Chat team for great exterior tips.
Find more front door inspiration
Doors & Trims
Whisper White
Whisper White lets you create a welcoming atmosphere in your home. As the most perfect ivory, it is a lush, warm white that works beautifully with most colour schemes inside and out in any style of home.
Exterior
White on White™
White on White™ is a clean, minimalist white that brings a sense of energy and vitality to your home. This cool white with a slightly cool blue undertone is perfect for a bright space in a contemporary setting.
Door
Symphony Red
The rich and decadent Symphony Red can be used for interior and exterior highlights, including the front door. It pairs well with warm whites such as Antique U.S.A.® and Seed Pearl.
Door
Evening Blush
Evening Blush is beautiful, warm clay-coloured pink that pairs well with soft neutrals such as Beige Artefacts. It can be used as an accent colour such as on a feature wall or used as an all-over wall colour to add a sense of warmth and drama to any space.
Door
Silk Jewel
Blues can create a tranquil and calming atmosphere in your home. Dark blues can add sophistication and moodiness to the space whilst lighter blues can add a sense of calm. Blue is a versatile colour and can be easily schemed with many other colours for the interior or exterior.
Trim
White Duck Quarter
White Duck Quarter is a soft warm neutral with a slightly green undertone. It can be used in any interior space or as a main or trim colour on exteriors and pairs well with neutrals such as Oyster Linen and Linseed.
Exterior
Natural White™
Natural White™ is the lightest of warm whites and also one of our most popular. Loved by home renovators and interior designers alike, this versatile white will brighten any space. It is perfect for main walls inside and out and ideal for exterior features. It never fails to impress.
Exterior
Natural White™
Natural White™ is the lightest of warm whites and also one of our most popular. Loved by home renovators and interior designers alike, this versatile white will brighten any space. It is perfect for main walls inside and out and ideal for exterior features. It never fails to impress.
Door
Outrageous Red
Outrageous Red is exactly as its name suggests with this striking colour able to inject passion into any project. An Outrageous Red front door will turn heads and be the talk of the street.
Door
Blue Sail
Be open to adventure with Blue Sail, a bright and fun colour that is ideal for creating an outstanding front door.
Time to paint
Paint selection
Choose your sheen level, colour and tint of Dulux Aquanamel®.
Preparation
Lay down a drop sheet, mask off edges with painter’s tape and cover any glass with paper.
Painted surfaces
If you’re painting over existing paint, sand your surface thoroughly and wipe it down to remove any dust.
Unsound surfaces
If you’re painting onto a bare or repaired surface, or over a darker colour, a coat of primer is needed. Apply one coat of Dulux 1Step® Prep and leave to dry for two hours.
Painting your door
Apply the first coat in your chosen colour and allow it to dry for two hours before applying the second coat.
What next?
Once the job is complete, consider any other areas which could do with a spruce up and improve your home’s street appeal.
How to paint a front door
Get your front door looking its best and see how you can use colour to refresh your front door four different ways with our helpful how-to guide.
Ready to make a change?
Colour & Paints
Tools & Accessories
A high-quality synthetic brush for cutting-in
A paint pot for cutting-in
A roller and tray (if required for some styles)
Drop sheets
Painter's tape
Sanding paper
Products perfect for your project
Dulux Aquanamel® Gloss
Dulux Aquanamel® Gloss is the highest sheen, creating a classic look that's easy to keep clean.
Dulux Aquanamel® Semi Gloss
Using Aquanamel® Semi Gloss on your front door is the perfect complement to a Low Sheen exterior.
Explore more than 4,800 colours including an extensive range of exciting new colours.
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Get in touch with our local Help and Advice team, available to assist with colour, product and service questions.