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The front door is a focal point. It makes a lasting impression when we enter a home, leave in the morning, or return after a long day at work. It also makes a first impression on any visiting guests.
We’re sharing D.I.Y. advice on how to upcycle your door, transforming it with a coat of paint.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
The first thing to do is to remove the door from its hinges. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew each hinge and carefully remove your door. Place the screws and hinges to one side.
Tip: Painting your door is a good opportunity to consider a completely new look. For example, have you considered adding new door hardware too?
Once your door has been removed, place it on a sturdy surface and give it a good sand. Using a detail sander makes the job easy, because you’ll be able to get into each crevice on the door. You can also use a sanding block if your door design is simple.
Wipe away the dust using a cloth when you’re done.
Once you’ve sanded your door and given it a good wipe, you’ll want to apply an undercoat to ensure a smooth application and beautiful finish for your new paint.
An undercoat with a stain blocker in it will stop the timber stain or previous paint from seeping through and affecting the final paint colour. The one we’ve used is a 3-in-1 that includes stain blocker, primer, and undercoat.
Apply two coats and leave to dry between each coat.
Now it’s time to add some colour.
Once your undercoats have dried, open that fresh new paint colour you’ve chosen for your door. Give it a good mix and apply evenly. Paint the edges first and use your paint roller as much as possible to avoid brush marks. Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely before applying a second coat to ensure the colour is opaque.
We’ve opted for a semi-gloss in the colour 'Woohringa' by Dulux.
Allow the painted surface to dry completely to avoid fingerprints and smudges.
Once your door is completely dry, hang your upcycled door by re-attaching the hinges and screws.
And there you have it! A beautifully painted front door that has the wow factor you need to provide a warm welcome.
Head in-store to get everything you need to prep and paint your door.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
