As an estate agent, we’re in the business of creating great first impressions. As proud homeowners, you’re likely the same. One of the first things that anyone will notice about your house is the front door. A smart, well-painted front door can give the right impression and even increase your property’s value, both for sales and lettings. From the most vibrant hues to subdued tones, your front door sets the tone for your home’s exterior. However, painting your front door might seem a daunting task. Fear not, because we have some top tips to help you get the perfect finish.
Current Trends for Beautiful Door Colours
Gone are the days when homeowners stuck to safe shades of white, brown, or black for their front doors. Today, bolder colours are in vogue. According to the latest trends, homeowners are leaning towards hues that reflect their personalities or complement their home’s architectural style.
Popular shades include Pantone’s Colour of the Year, a magnificent Magenta and Farrow & Ball’s latest offerings, we love the brilliantly bold Bamboozle! Expect to see front doors in striking blues, deep greens, sunny yellows, and even a resurgence of traditional reds.
Darker shades like charcoal, deep navy blue, or a rich forest green provide an element of sophistication and elegance, while pastel shades like blush pink, mint green, or baby blue can give a homey, welcoming feel.
Preparing Your Door for a Fresh Coat
Before you pick up that paintbrush, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure you achieve the best possible finish. Begin by removing any loose or flaking paint. Use a medium-grade sandpaper to smooth the surface and provide a key for the new paint.
It’s essential to clean the door thoroughly before painting. A gentle scrub with warm, soapy water should remove any dirt or grime. Allow the door to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Choosing the Right Day to Paint
As tempting as it might be to use a hot, sunny day to get your painting job done, it’s not the best choice. When the weather is too warm, paint can dry too quickly, leaving unsightly brush marks.
The ideal painting conditions are dry, overcast, but not too cold. If possible, try to choose a day when the temperature is between 10°C and 30°C and there’s no rain forecast.
Painting Your Front Door
When painting your door, always start with a primer. It helps the paint adhere better and leads to a smoother finish. After the primer is dry, you can start painting. Use a small brush for any panels or intricate details, and a wider brush or roller for the larger surfaces.
Always paint in the same direction as the grain of the wood to achieve the best finish. Be patient; it’s better to apply several thin coats rather than one thick one. Always allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Security Considerations
While it’s great to get the job done quickly, you don’t want to compromise your home’s security. It’s not ideal to leave your front door open or unlocked overnight, so plan your painting project so it can be completed and dry before nightfall.
If your door needs to be left ajar while the paint dries, make sure there is someone at home or consider using additional security measures such as a security chain or alarm system.
Maintaining Your Beautiful Front Door
To keep your front door looking its best, give it a quick clean every few weeks. Use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. For wooden doors, a yearly re-coat can help protect the wood and keep the colour looking fresh.
A beautifully painted front door can create a lasting impression, boost your home’s kerb appeal, and even its value. With the right tools, a little patience, and these top tips, you can achieve a professional finish and turn your front door into a style statement. So, why not seize the day, pick up that paintbrush, and give your front door the makeover it deserves? After all, a good-looking front door is the perfect welcome home, and it just might be the deciding factor for potential tenants or buyers.
