A Fresh Coat Of Curb Appeal

Open the door to more fresh ideas at PERSPECTIVES INC.

Let’s address your address. By that we mean taking a good, long look at how your house appears from the street. If you believe the exterior is in need of a refresh, there’s an easy and inexpensive DIY project that really packs a punch: giving your front door a facelift!

No matter the color, your front door is more than a transition from the outdoors in. That’s why choosing a bright shade of “hello” elevates the appearance of your home and makes a bold statement amidst everyday surroundings. Paint your front door and get ready for the neighborhood to take notice.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Painter’s tape • Sponge • Fine grit sandpaper • Paintable filler • Good quality paint brushes • High-density foam rollers • 1 quart adhesion primer • 1 quart satin or semi-gloss exterior paint see “Choosing a Sheen”

Choose moderate and dry weather for painting. You’ll have to keep your door open for a few hours, so pick a day when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. Avoid windy days because of all the dust and debris swirling in the air. You should also have a temporary replacement to protect your house while you are completing this project. A heavy tarp, an existing storm door or even a large piece of plywood will deter insects, birds and other unwanted visitors.

STEP 1:

Remove the door and all of the hardware (wedge a screwdriver in the joints between the hinges and the hinge pin, then tap lightly with a hammer until the hinge pins come loose). Rest the door on a pair of sawhorses outside. Remove any remaining hardware, such as the door handle.

STEP 2:

Wipe the door clean, then scrape off any blistered or peeling paint. Use sandpaper until the surface feels smooth. If there are cracks in the door, repair them by working small amounts of paintable filler in with a putty knife. Let it dry and then sand until smooth. Before priming, wipe away the extra dust with a damp cloth.

STEP 3:

Use painter’s tape to protect and cover anything you want to keep clean and free of paint, such as glass accents or windows.

STEP 4:

Priming prevents the door from absorbing moisture, smooths out the texture and keeps the paint from seeping in to the wood so don’t skip this step. Apply a coat of primer with a foam roller or a wide paintbrush. Be sure to cover the front and all the side edges.

STEP 5:

Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint in this order: 1) Bevels, 2) Panels, 3) Center stile, 4) Rails, 5) Outer stiles. One common question is how to paint edges. When a door is painted two colors on either side, the two side edges get a different color. The hinged edge gets the exterior color when the door swings in. If the door swings out, the side with the knob gets the exterior color.

STEP 6:

Apply a second coat of paint for a smooth finish and truer color. Once the door is completely dry (it will no longer be tacky to the touch), the hardware can be reattached and the door reinstalled.

DOORSTEP PALETTES MADE TO POP

• Red – Feng Shui’s bold symbol of happiness, strength and positive energy.

• Black – The ultimate contrast color is as dramatic as it is elegant.

• Turquoise – Romantic Tiffany-inspired color against an otherwise all-white exterior.

• Lime Green – Greens, even lime green, pick up natural colors from the surrounding landscape.

• Yellow – An irresistibly sunny entryway hints at a home’s warm energy

CHOOSING A SHEEN

The sheen describes the glossiness of your paint’s finish. For doors, choose a satin, semi-gloss or high gloss paint. Satins are more lustrous and have a greater warmth and depth than flat paints. Semi-gloss are slightly glossy, sleek and radiant, offer good stain resistance and are easy to clean. High-gloss paint is the shiniest because it has the highest light-reflective characteristics.

PERSPECTIVES INC. CARRIES Modern Masters, Never-Fade Front Door Paint. The Never-Fade technology ensures that your front door will be as vibrant as the first day it was painted. Two-coat application, quick-dry formula and satin finish allows you to paint and close your door the same day.Colors are carefully selected utilizing the latest in color trends and home design from around the world. Visit PERSPECTIVES INC. and select the right color to express yourself!