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SELECTING THE RIGHT PAINT FOR A PAINT QUALITY (PQ) TIMBER DOOR



If you’re looking to add a touch of colour or vibrancy to your timber front door, painting it can be a great option. Done correctly, painting your door can not only help it stand out in your street, but it can also help protect it from the elements. But painting your timber door needs to be approached with care and you’ll need to consider the composition of the paint as much as you do the colour and finish.

Choose a paint that’s specifically made for exterior doors

Make sure you choose a paint that’s custom-made for exterior doors, which means it will be more durable, so that it’ll do the job required to protect your front door from the elements. Interior paints aren’t built to withstand the wear and tear caused by the weather, so make sure you select something that’s outdoor specific.

Select the right paint base

There are lots of different types of timber, so it’s important to choose the right paint base for yours. Some timbers can be susceptible to bleeding for example cedar, it’s important to choose an oil-based or alkyd resin based exterior paint which will stay put. 

Oil-based paints are less susceptible to the tannins from the wood seeping through into the paint, which can leave discoloured patches. 

Unpainted timber doors will also need to be primed before they’re painted, so choose an oil-based primer or a paint with a primer built in to keep your door protected.

Choose your finish

Exterior paints range from matte to high-gloss, so you’ll need to decide which suits your home the best. 

Most people go for semi-gloss or satin paint on their front doors because it hides imperfections a bit better than a gloss sheen, but is more durable than matte finish. Semi-gloss and satin paints also wipe clean easily and provide just enough lustre to make your timber door stand out in all the right ways. 

Download Front Door Colour Guide [Free Colour Chart]

Choosing the right material for your front door can be tricky. Talk to a door design expert before you make any big decisions and let them guide you to find the door that’s right for your home.