How to Redo the Front Door

Remove the door from the frame by gently tapping on the bottom of the peg connecting the two hinge pieces together. Remove the hinges, doorknob and any other hardware from the door and set them aside.

Place the door in a well-ventilated work area on top of a drop cloth.

Using 80-grit sandpaper, sand the door’s surface until it is rough to the touch. Sand the entire surface. This helps the primer and top coat adhere to the wood.

Wiping the door with a tack cloth removes any sawdust or paint chips.

Apply a thin coat of a water-based primer to the door’s surface using a paint roller. Use the 2-inch sash paintbrush for any grooves, as well as the door’s sides. Do not overcoat the door’s edges and sides because this makes closing the door difficult once it is reinstalled. Let the primer dry overnight.

Sand the primed door’s surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Smooth out any uneven paint spots or drips. Wipe it clean with a tack cloth.

Apply the exterior, flat-finish paint to the door’s surface using the paint roller. Get into hard-to-reach areas and paint the edges and the sides using the 2-inch sash brush. Roll the paint on smoothly and evenly. Do not worry if the primer shows through. This is covered with a second coat. Let the first coat for at least four hours and follow it with a second coat. Let the door dry overnight before reattaching hinges and hardware and reinstalling the door.