Revamping Our Front Door: From Drab to Fab in Just a Few Simple Steps!

Our old drab door in need of sprucing up

There's something undeniably charming about a welcoming front door, isn't there? It sets the tone for your entire home. However, when we first moved into our house, this charm was nowhere to be found. Instead, the first thing that drove me crazy was our front door. It looked old, creaked like it belonged in a haunted house, and was painted a dreadful brown on the inside, while the outside was stuck in a color scheme of black and white.

Fortunately, within the first month of living there, our contractor discovered a fantastic new front door for us. I was eager to transform our entrance and breathe new life into something that had seriously dampened our curb appeal. Here’s how I did it!

Materials Needed

Before diving into the easy steps, let’s start with what you need to gather:

• 120 Grit Sandpaper (Medium grit)

• Soap, water, and a rag for cleaning

• Paint - I went for the bold Sherwin Williams Black Magic for the door

• A good-quality N95 filter mask (trust me, you’ll want this!)

• Painters tape for clean lines

  
  

Having these materials ready can streamline the process and make the project more enjoyable.

Exterior Steps

The biggest transformation began with the exterior of the front door. Here's how I did it:

1. Gentle Sanding of the Door Frame: I began by lightly sanding the door frame with 120 grit sandpaper. This not only helped provide a smooth surface for painting but also promoted better adhesion of the new paint.

   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Cleaning Up: After sanding, I used a shop vacuum to clean up any leftover debris and dust from the door frame. A clean surface is vital for a polished finish!

   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Taping Off Windows: To protect the glass and ensure sharp lines, I carefully applied painter's tape around the windows. This step is essential for a flawless look.

   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Painting the Door Frame: With everything prepped, I dove in and painted the door frame from top to bottom. It’s much easier to see your progress when you start at the top!

   
   
   
   

   Keep in mind that the exterior quality paint can be very odorous, so wearing an N95 filter mask kept me from feeling nauseous during this step.

   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Timing is Everything: I waited for a clear forecast without rain for at least two days, allowing the paint to dry fully without interruption. The last thing you want is to ruin your hard work with an unexpected downpour!

   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Painting the Door: As September days were still hot, I took advantage of the weather by painting the new door prior to taking the old one out. This saved me time and ensured that the door was ready to go once the frame was finished.

   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Final Touch-Ups: Once the frame was dry, we hung the door and I completed the final touches.

   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Weather Stripping: The door needed new weather stripping, so I painted the exterior-facing side black and had my husband secure it in place with screws, ensuring everything fit snugly.

   
   
   
   
   
   

9. Finishing Touches: To add a personal touch, I purchased a black 3M hook and hung a beautiful wreath. This simple addition speaks volumes about making an entryway inviting!

   
   
   
   
   
   

Fresh and welcoming black front door adorned with a seasonal wreath.

Interior Steps

The transformation didn’t stop at the exterior; I had to ensure the interior looked just as fabulous. Here’s my game plan:

1. Sanding Inside: I started by sanding the door frame by hand, focusing on smoothing out the surface. I didn’t remove the paint but just made it more even.

   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Cleaning Again: After sanding, I vacuumed up the debris once more, ensuring a clean environment for painting.

   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Taping Up Windows: Just like with the exterior, I took the time to tape up the windows again. Sharp lines can elevate the professional look of your DIY job significantly.

   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Painting with BM Simply White: I chose a matte finish for the interior and painted the door frame using BM Simply White. The bright finish brightened everything up and created a crisp contrast against the dark door.

   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Revitalizing the Windows: One of the final annoying details were the awful sprayed-on “frosting” on our windows. I gave them a modernized look by wiping them down with nail polish remover and delicately using a butter knife to chip away the remnants, revealing clear, beautiful glass!

   
   
   
   
   
   

Sleek and smooth white-painted door frame transformed by a fresh coat of paint.

Conclusion

Revamping our front door from drab to fab truly revitalized our home’s entrance, providing not just aesthetic appeal but a newfound confidence in our space. It's remarkable how a simple splash of paint, some elbow grease, and a touch of personal style can transform a dull, creaky door into a stunning feature of your home. Whether you're just moving in or looking to refresh what's already there, this project is perfect for a weekend DIY.

Hopefully, this gives you the tools and motivation to tackle your own front door makeover! Who knew something so simple could make such a significant impact? Happy DIYing!