Hey Ladies, you know the right shade of lipstick just makes your whole look complete. Well the right color on your front door can do the same for your house. Did you know that that a red door is a traditional sign of a welcoming home?
So not everybody is crazy about red or has a home that red would compliment. But as spring rolls in, take a look at your front door. Maybe it needs a log overdue facelift. Faded paint, scratched finish, poor paint job from the last time you tackled it. Give your door a new, refreshed look with a coat of paint, done right. Here’s how to get started:
Let’s assume we’re re-painting a door, steel or wood. If your door is stained, that is a whole other animal that we’ll address later.
- Wash the door down with some mild detergent and warm water. You may choose to leave the door on the hinges or remove it, lay it on a clean, flat work surface.
- Use a wire brush to loosen any old peeling paint. Sand down any lumps and uneven paint with medium sandpaper. If your door has not been painted in recent years (since 1980s), it may have lead based paint on it. Please visit the Consumer Products Safety Commission site to learn the right ways to deal with lead paint.
- If working on a wooden door, use wood filler to repair any cracks and dents in door surface, let dry and sand smooth.
- Wash door down again to remove sanding dust.
- Choose an exterior paint of good quality. Darker colors will need a primer first to ensure good coverage. Ask paint store staff to tint the primer several shades lighter than top coat.
- Loosen door knobs so you can paint under the hardware.
- Be sure to paint in the appropriate weather conditions. Humidity should be low and temperature moderate. Read manufacturers directions.
- Paint the door following the grain direction of the door panels.
- Be sure to let door dry completely before closing it or re applying the door to its hinges and tightening door knobs.
Now greet your guests with style. You did it yourself the HIP Chicks way!
