What paint should be used on a Front Door?

Hi all, I have a wooden door which is due to be installed in my porch soon. Does anyone have any advice for what type of paint I should be using on the outside to protect it from the weather over the long term. Is it something that would need treating or repainting annually, etc?

Asked by Luke on 4th Mar 2019
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi, it’s best to use external gloss paint which will endure the winter weather. Something like a weather shield paint or deluxe is your best option."
Answered on 24th Jan 2020 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"If you want a front door that looks like number 10 downing street (high gloss) then the best advice would be to use a oil based undercoat like sikkens followed by sikkens Xd gloss.
If you would prefer a satin finish then Benjamin Moore aura or Tikkurila, jotun, and Scandinavian water based paints are superior.
Two English paints to reduce maintenance cycles."
Answered on 30th Jul 2019 - Member since Feb 2018 - report
"Generally it is not the paint that deteriorates, it is the bad preparation allowing raised bumps or crevices, cracks or holes which allows debris to accumulate. Upon absorption of water, in conjunction with temperature changes creates the perfect environment for damage to occur.
If you can when painting with high quality oil based paints, take the door off if possible, keep away from breezes so the whole painted face of the door dries at the same pace.
Paint very thin coats, not thick coats. This builds up the integral strength of the paint
When painting beach chalets at bulverhythe, st leonards on sea, after undercoating i applied coastal protection paint, expensive but very effective.
If you are unable to take the door off, try applying a thin coat of Vaseline around the frame/ draught strips so they dont adhere to the newly fresh painted door. That in reality takes a couple of days too really dry."
Answered on 19th Jul 2019 - Member since Jul 2019 - report
"Hi, For your front door, you will need paint which can withstand the weather, so typically I would recommend an Exterior Gloss paint, for example Dulux Weathershield Gloss. For the best protection, you can apply 2 undercoats, before applying a minimum of 1 coating of Gloss afterwards. Alternatively, find a trade paint variation exterior paint, it ought to be more hard-wearing over time, but will likely cost more to purchase."
Answered on 4th Mar 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"The same goes for exterior trim. Semigloss paint gives you a smoother surface than lower-sheen finishes and has a degree of shine, providing a visual contrast. Semigloss finishes are usually easy to clean, so they'll continue to look good for years."
Answered on 3rd Apr 2019 - Member since Oct 2018 - report
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Decorator in Manchester
"Oil based paint for exterior work."
Answered on 5th Apr 2019 - Member since Mar 2018 - report
"I would recommend using an exterior grade solvent-based gloss paint. Solvent-based gloss paint is hard-wearing. But preparation is key to any good paint job!

A couple of coats of acrylic primer/sealer, if it’s bare wood, followed by two coats of solvent-based undercoat and finally two topcoats. Make sure to give the door a light sanding down between the coats and a good dusting off before the next coat goes on."
Answered on 31st Aug 2019 - Member since Oct 2018 - report
"You would need to apply a wood primer then an oil-based undercoat then a top coat.

Always use oil-based paints and I highly recommend dulux trade weather shield paints for the best coverage and finish."
Answered on 10th Apr 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"As long as the preparation is done properly then the paint should just be a external gloss. Make sure you primer it first"
Answered on 20th Apr 2021 - Member since Mar 2021 - report
"Quick-dry water-borne system

Polyurethane enamel RD-Aquatop PU

Water-borne, fast-drying polyurethane enamel, forming an easy-to-wash coating with high resistance to abrasion and UV rays.

"
Answered on 10th Jun 2019 - Member since May 2019 - report
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