If you’re looking for a simple yet impactful way to upgrade your home’s exterior, painting your exterior doors is a perfect place to start. At Cova Painting, we help homeowners transform their homes with expert exterior painting services, using premium products and precise techniques that deliver lasting beauty and protection.
Whether you’re refreshing a faded finish or trying out a bold new color, knowing how to properly paint exterior doors can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the prep, painting process, and the Sherwin-Williams products we recommend for exceptional results.
Why Paint Exterior Doors?
A freshly painted door adds instant charm and character to your home. Here’s why so many homeowners choose to move forward with this approach:
- Enhances curb appeal instantly
- Protects against sun, moisture, and wear
- Affordable upgrade with high visual impact
- Allows for seasonal or trendy color updates
Step 1: How to Prepare to Paint Exterior Doors
Proper prep work is critical for a clean, smooth, and durable finish. Before you paint, it’s important to start with a solid foundation.
What You’ll Need:
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape
- Screwdriver for hardware removal
- Sandpaper (120–220 grit)
- Exterior-grade wood filler (if needed)
- TSP or a degreasing cleaner
- Clean cloths
Prep Steps:
- Remove Hardware: We remove or carefully tape off handles, locks, and hinges.
- Clean Thoroughly: A solution of TSP helps remove dirt, oils, and mildew.
- Sand the Surface: Light sanding helps paint adhere and removes any old flaking paint.
- Patch & Repair: Small cracks and dents are filled with exterior filler and sanded smooth.
- Tape Surrounding Areas: To keep lines clean and protect adjacent surfaces.
Step 2: Priming Before You Paint Exterior Doors
Priming isn’t always necessary, but in many cases it improves adhesion and finish quality — especially on bare wood, metal, or glossy surfaces.
Recommended Primer:
Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer
- Ideal for hard-to-coat surfaces
- Improves topcoat adhesion
- Fast-drying and versatile
We assess the surface material and existing finish to determine if primer is needed before painting exterior doors.
Step 3: Choosing the Best Paint to Paint Exterior Doors
At Cova Painting], we exclusively use Sherwin-Williams products to paint exterior doors, because they offer exceptional durability, color retention, and smooth finishes.
Top Paint Recommendation:
Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel by Sherwin-Williams
- Designed specifically for doors and trim
- Self-leveling for a smooth, brush-free look
- Withstands heavy use and weather exposure
- Available in semi-gloss, satin, and gloss finishes
We typically recommend semi-gloss for exterior doors due to its balance of sheen, durability, and easy cleaning.
Other quality options include:
- SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex – great for full-sun exposure
- Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex – offers mold and mildew resistance
Need help choosing a color? We offer expert color consultations using Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap® tools.
Step 4: How We Paint Exterior Doors for a Professional Finish
After prepping everything, we paint exterior doors to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
Our Process:
- Mix Paint Thoroughly: We stir paint for consistency and color accuracy.
- Brush & Roll Technique: We use a brush for edges and recessed panels; a foam roller for flat surfaces.
- Feathering & Blending: This avoids lap marks and creates a uniform finish.
- Multiple Coats: Two coats are applied for complete coverage and durability.
- Drying Time: We follow manufacturer guidelines for drying between coats.
Step 5: Reassembly & Final Inspection
After the paint is dry:
- All hardware is reinstalled
- Tape is removed carefully
- The door is inspected for any touch-ups
- Homeowners are advised on curing time before regular use
Why Hire Professionals to Paint?
While DIY painting is possible, hiring experts like us ensures:
- A flawless finish without brush marks or streaks
- The right prep and product selection for your climate
- Proper dry time and application for long-term durability
- Cleanup, reinstallation, and zero hassle
Ready to Paint Your Exterior Doors?
When it comes to protecting and enhancing your home’s exterior, Cova Painting brings the experience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that make all the difference. We use premium materials, follow proven preparation techniques, and treat every project with the same care we would our own homes. Trust Cova Painting to deliver results that not only look great today but stand the test of time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
