Making a Statement

Your front door is the first impression that many have when looking at your home. When standing on your front porch, what do visitors think when they ring your doorbell? At my house it’s, “why doesn’t she paint her door, she works at a paint company?”

7 Step Painting Process

1. You will first need to purchase the materials necessary for your project. Painter’s tape, a sponge, sandpaper, 1 quart of primer, and 1 quart of your paint of choice. Get a recommendation from our staff on the correct brush/roller cover selection. Don’t go cheap on your brush!
2. Remove all of the hardware from the door, such as knobs or metal appliances, and completely cover any glass with painters tape.
3. Clean the door with a wet sponge. Make sure to remove any dirt and buildup that may have accumulated on your door. Make sure your door is completely dry.
4. If you see peeling or flaking paint, use a paint scraper to chip off that paint. Sand down the surface of the door until it feels even over the entire door. Wipe the door down after you’re finished sanding.
5. Apply your primer* to your door. If you paint your door without taking it off the hinges, start in the morning so it has time to dry. Check the weather, as high humidity will slow your drying time.
6. Apply the paint color you have chosen by starting in the middle of your flat door and working your way out. Let dry, and repeat for a perfect finish. On a raised panel door paint the recessed areas of the panel, then roll or paint the panels. Paint one panel at a time.  Next paint the center stile and rail between the panels followed by the top rail section. Finish up by painting the two outside stiles and bottom rail. Let dry, and repeat for a perfect finish.
7. Reapply hardware and remove painters tape, and voila! A beautiful, repainted door that will enhance curb appeal and create a wonderful first impression for visitors.

Whether you go bright and bold or take a more conservative approach, your front door is important. The first impression can leave a lasting impression, so take your time and get it right. And be sure to ask the experts at your local Hirshfield’s location in Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. Your style. Our expertise.

*Remember not all doors are created equal. Get out your magnet to figure out what the type of metal your door is-steel or aluminum? It makes a difference on the type of primer you use and Hirshfield’s has a couple options for you. Stop by your local H’s store and our sales staff will offer up a recommendation after hearing the scope of your project. And the same goes with wood doors and what type of shape they are in.

Since Frank and Elizabeth Hirshfield opened their first store in 1894, it has been our mission to do the best job possible meeting customer needs and solving customer problems. Hirshfield’s. People and products you can trust.