Paint your front door
A fresh coat of paint is the perfect way to get your front door looking its best before guests start knocking. Here are some simple steps to help you refresh your front door and expert advice on how to achieve four dramatically different looks.
See how it's done
Discover how easy it can be to paint your front door like a professional and how the right paint colour can help you to achieve four dramatically different looks.
Front door colour inspiration
Explore a range of colourful front doors to help guide your selection.

Wall
Lexicon®
Bring a smart, modern look to your home with this crisp white. Lexicon® is a ‘space opener’ and its fresh feel lets you bring textures and cooler coloured furnishings into play.

Wall
Time Capsule
Neutral mid-based brown Time Capsule is ideal for subtle, contemporary schemes in any room in your home. It is a great shade for walls when paired with the warm beige apricot tone of Maiko and warm and light Natural White™.

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
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.

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.
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
Italian Clay
The terracotta orange of Italian Clay works well as an accent with warm neutrals. Radiating warmth and energy, it can work beautifully in bedrooms and living spaces.
Wall
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.
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.
Trim
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
Lime White
This colour features in the Dulux Traditional Colours range. It is perfect for enhancing the character of homes and adhering to heritage regulations.
Door
High Blue
The bright, clean midtone of High Blue is sensational when paired with a cool white. It creates a stunning effect on front doors and can be used as a feature colour inside.
Door
Metallic Effect Moving Image
Design Metallic Effect Moving Image is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any room. It is ideal for creating the look of glimmering metal on interior feature walls, doors, trim areas and furniture.
How to get the perfect look
Prepare

Choose a colour
Chose a colour from the Dulux colour range – and don’t be afraid to go bold. Choose a sheen level that suits your home, semi gloss is perfect to pair with low sheen walls.

Test the current paint
Using a sharp knife, cut an “X”. Place tape over the X and remove quickly. If any paint comes off, all unstable paint must be removed.

Protect
Place a drop sheet on the exterior of the door and paper on the interior.

Clean
Clean the area using Selleys Original Sugar Soap, ensuring you remove any dirt and dust.

Sand
Sand it smooth using medium-grit sandpaper, cleaning away the dust.

Mask
Mask the door handle, window and hinges to protect them from paint.
Prime

Undercoat
Apply 1Step® Prep. Start in the smaller sections of the door, working your way out to the longest vertical panels.

Dry
Wait an hour for 1Step® Prep to dry before painting with your chosen colour.
Paint

Stir paint
Stir the paint with an up-and-down scoping motion.

Start with pannels
Start by filling in the front panels using a paintbrush, then the vertical sections between the panels.

Paint other sections
Paint the horizontal sections at the top, middle and bottom. And finally, the outside vertical panels.

Dry
Allow two hours to dry, and then lightly sand.

Second coat
Apply the second coat, following the same process as the first coat.

Finish
Carefully remove the masking tape and drop sheet and admire your new door!
Here's what you'll need to get started:
Colour & Paint
Select your preferred finish
Semi gloss is perfect to pair with low sheen walls, or you may opt for a distinctive gloss or low gloss finish. Dulux Aquanamel® is available in gloss, semi-gloss and low gloss finishes.
Tools & Accessories
Short nap roller (5-10mm)
Roller tray
Flat paddle stirrer
Paint pot
Paper
Medium grit sandpaper
Damp cloth
Our friendly Help and Advice team can help you order exactly what you need. Call 13 25 25 and speak to one of our team members or submit an enquiry via our online form.
Available 7 days a week, start a chat with our team to discuss everything you need to gain colour confidence.
Fill out our enquiry form and our expert Help & Advice team will get back to you about your request.