How to Refinish Your Front Door on a Budget

It is so cool how much a little paint and determination can transform the entire look of your home. I’m going to show you, step-by-step, how I redid my front door from start to finish.

  • Before
  • After

Supplies Needed

Step One: I was originally going to use liquid sandpaper to get everything prepped, but realized I had the wrong product, so I just went ahead and sanded the door down with 150 grit give the primer something to adhere to.

**Be sure to check out my front door highlights on Instagram to see my favorite sandpaper hack.

Step Two: Remove old or peeling caulk and re caulk with paintable Caulk. 

YOU KNOW THOSE PEOPLE WHO REDO THEIR FRONT DOOR IN ONE DAY? THAT’S NOT ME. 

Step Three: Now that everything is sanded and caulked, it’s time to prime and paint! Make sure to run a tact cloth over the door to get any dust. The cleaner your door the smoother the finish. I did 1 coat of Kilz primer using a trim brush and a mohair roller for a smooth finish. Once the primer is dry do a light sanding with 220 grit, and wipe down with a tact cloth. Then you are ready for your paint! I used Sherwin Williams Emerald Paint in Tricorn black. I ended up doing 3 coats of paint on the front door and I LOVE it. In between coats make sure to lightly sand with 220 grit sand paper and wipe down with a tact cloth. The glass like finish is achieved with all of the prep work!

Step Four: Install the hardware! We decided to go with a smart lock from Kwikset Halo & San Clemente Handle both in matte black

I also modified the sunburst at the top of my door and I’m so glad I did, it made the door just a little more modern! Check out my IG highlights on my front door to see the entire process!