How To Paint Your Wood or UPVC Front Door with Frenchic Paint

How To Paint Your Wood or UPVC Front Door with Frenchic Paint

Whether you have a wooden door or a UPVC door, it’s very easy to update your front door and give it a refresh with paint. I have painted a few front doors recently, so am sharing a few tips below.

You will need to check that the forecast is going to be good for a couple of days (with no forecast of rain).  It should take you 3 or so hours to complete.

I will talk through what you’ll need, how to prepare the surface and how to get the best results.

Yellow door painted with mix of Frenchic Al Fresco Daffs and Frenchic Al Fresco Dazzle Me

Yellow UPVC Door (above)  painted with mix of Frenchic Al Fresco Daffs and Dazzle (80:20 mix) by @Wish_upon_afar

Door painted with Frenchic Al Fresco After Midnight

Dark blue door (above)  painted with Frenchic Al Fresco After Midnight by Chris McGee
Pink door painted with Frenchic Al Fresco Poppet
Pink door (above)  painted with Frenchic Al Fresco Poppet by Hayley Lock
Blue door painted with Frenchic Ol' Blue Eyes
Door painted with Frenchic Al Fresco Ol’ Blue Eyes by @simplelifewiththree

 

Choosing The Right Paint

The Frenchic Al Fresco range is suitable for use both inside and out and perfect to paint a front door.

 

Assess Your Front Door Before Painting

First, check the door is in a good condition for painting. Signs of wear and tear could create problems later down the line.

Rust will need treatment, whilst any algae, mould or moss should be removed. These can generally be removed with outdoor cleaning solutions. Most importantly, always wear protective gear, including a mask and rubber gloves, when cleaning mould.

 

What Do I Need To Paint A Wooden or UPVC Door?

To get started, you will need:

•  Frenchic Al Fresco Paint
•  Frenchic Sugar Soap with a cloth or sponge
•  Dust sheets 
•  Sandpaper
•  Paint brushes and /or rollers or a sprayer if you choose!
•  Masking tape (and cardboard/polythene if you have glass panels)

 

Selecting The Right Day To Paint

Choosing the right date and time to paint is also important because it impacts how well your paint will apply and cure (harden). Don’t paint outdoors if, for the next 48 hours, one of the following applies:

•  The air temperature is forecast below 10 degrees.
•  Rain is forecast.
•  Moisture is likely to be in the air.
•  Generally speaking, it’s best to do your outdoor painting within the warmer months.

 

How To Paint A Wooden or UPVC Front Door

Surface Preparation

Here are some key steps to follow:

•  Clean the door with Sugar Soap and a sponge/cloth to remove any traces of dirt and grease. Rinse off thoroughly, then allow to dry.
•  Next, use some sandpaper to hand-sand the door. This will give the paint something to grab onto.
•  Wipe off any remaining traces of dust, and then you can begin to paint.

 

Painting Preparation

Before you start painting, ensure you follow these key preparation steps to achieve the best end result:

•  Use masking tape to cover any fittings on or surrounding the door that you don’t want to get paint on.

 

Painting Your Front Door

You could paint using a brush, foam roller or a sprayer.

•  Apply the paint following the direction of the grain (if wood). as a guide.
•  After an hour of drying time, apply a second coat.
•  Carefully remove any masking tape. It’s important to do this before the paint begins to dry.
•  Curing is a progressive process, which can take up to three weeks for the paint to fully harden. Treat the door with care during this time.
 
 Green door painted with Frenchic Wise Old Sage
 
Green door (above) painted with Frenchic Al Fresco Wise Old Sage by @Claireminawhite

 

Decorating your front door with wreaths and hardware

You could look to these companies for inspiration on decorating your door:-

- The Pom Wreath Company or @thepomwreathcompany

- BrassBee.co.uk or @brass_bee 

 

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