How to Paint an Exterior Wood Door

Remove the door handle, mail box slot, door-knocker and any other hardware from the door. If they are used and covered with old paint, clean them with hot water to remove the paint, or consider purchasing replacements.

Clean the door with warm water, mild detergent and a sponge, if it is painted or primed. If it's brand new bare wood, you don't need to clean it. Sand new wood with 120-grit sanding paper or a sanding sponge to remove splinters and rough grain.

Fill gouges and holes with carpenter's wood putty. Wood putty holds up better than spackling paste and dries faster.

Sand it smooth. Using a power palm sander is the fastest way to smooth down a door. Caulk open joints or gaps between the boards with silicone caulking that can be painted. Prime bare wood with acrylic water-based primer, and allow it to dry for two to four hours. Sand the primer lightly once it's dry for the smoothest possible finish.

Apply a coat of 100 percent acrylic exterior paint to the front of the door and the edge where the hinges are, since this is the edge you'll see when it's opened. The inside edge opens into the house -- this edge should be the same color as the interior side of the door. Use a 2- or 3-inch high-quality brush. If you choose to use a roller on parts of the door, use a very short-napped roller, and brush before you roll.

Paint the door, and use at least two coats of paint. When the final coat is dry, replace the door handle and other hardware.