Your front door is more than an entryway—it’s your home’s handshake, its first impression, and in many ways, a reflection of you. Whether you lean bold and dramatic or subtle and serene, a front door paint makeover is one of the quickest, most impactful ways to refresh your home’s curb appeal. Best of all, it’s a project you can knock off in a weekend. But before you crack open that can of paint, there are a few details worth knowing—from prep and taping to colour selection and finish decisions.

Prepping Your Front Door for Success

Great results start with great preparation. Begin by giving your door a thorough clean to remove dust, dirt, and any oily residue. If your door has seen a few seasons, sanding is your friend—lightly sand to remove flaking paint or rough spots, especially around edges and corners. Wipe again with a soft cloth to remove residue. If you notice rust or mildew, treat those areas first.

Once the surface is smooth and clean, you’re ready to tape off. Use painter’s tape to protect hinges, weather stripping, the threshold, and any areas where the door meets glass or decorative moulding. Don’t forget to remove or tape off the hardware unless you plan to swap it out for a fresh new handle or knocker.  Taking off the hardware first is your best bet for professional results.

To Paint Both Sides of Your Front Door…or Not?

One of the most common questions we hear is: Should I paint both sides of my front door the same colour?

Short answer: not necessarily. If the inside of your door opens into a neutral hallway or has a different décor palette than your exterior, feel free to treat the inside as its own project. Many homeowners choose to keep the interior side white or a softer, complementary shade that matches the trim inside. It’s completely acceptable—and often practical—to only paint the exterior side of the door if you're focused on curb appeal.

Colour: 0788 Green Glow

Here’s a trick that’s often overlooked: Which colour should go on the edges of the door?

Generally, the rule of thumb is this—paint the edge of the door the same colour as the side it opens towards. So, if your door opens inward (as most do), the edge that’s visible when it’s ajar from the inside should match the interior colour. The same goes if your door opens outward—match the exterior colour on the exposed edge.

It’s a subtle touch, but it helps create a seamless, polished look, especially when the door swings open.

Do I Paint the Frame and Glass Lite Trim?

When it comes to glass lite frames (those decorative or functional window panels built into the doorway), you have a choice. Most homeowners stick to painting just the main body of the door and leave the glass lite frames the same colour as the factory finish, especially if they’re vinyl. That said, if the frame is wood or metal and you're feeling confident, go ahead and paint it to match or complement the door colour—it can help unify the look.

Colour: 0823 Sun Drops

As for the door frame (the surrounding trim or casing), that’s up to you. Some prefer to paint the frame the same colour as the door for a bold, unified entrance. Others keep the frame white or neutral to match exterior trim. Just make sure whatever choice you make feels intentional and cohesive with the rest of your home’s façade.

Let Colour Be Your Calling Card - Choosing Colours for Your Front Door

Now, onto the fun part: choosing your colour. Gone are the days when your only options were burgundy, navy, or forest green. While those are still timeless choices, today’s front doors can be any colour under the sun.

Thinking of a sunflower yellow to brighten a grey bungalow? Go for it. Want a matte black door for a modern edge? Stunning. Dreaming of sage green, peacock blue, or a rich terracotta red? All welcome.

Your front door should be your personality in a paint can. Bold, calm, artistic, playful—there’s no one “right” colour. Trends come and go, but the best colour is the one that makes you smile every time you come home. If you’re feeling uncertain, try taping up some paint chips or painting a few sample swatches. Check them at different times of day to see how the light changes things.

Need a starting point? Here are a few ideas:

Cheerful & Warm: Goldenrod, burnt orange, peachy coral

Classic with a Twist: Deep navy, moody plum, charcoal

Nature-Inspired: Sage green, driftwood taupe, misty blue

Bold & Modern: Fire engine red, canary yellow, jet black

Final Tips Before You Start Painting Your Front Door

• Ensure your paint is formulated for exteriors—ideally, one that resists UV fading and weather wear. Our team at any of our stores can help select the product best suited for your project.
• Choose a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and easy cleaning.
• Don’t paint in extreme heat or direct sun—it’ll cause uneven drying and lap marks.
• Remove the door and lay it flat if possible—it’s easier, especially if you’re painting all sides.
• Plan for drying time between coats and try not to close the door until it's fully cured (usually 24 hours).

Colour: 1166 Noble Honor

A painted front door is like a firm handshake—confident, memorable, and uniquely you. So go ahead, take the plunge. Whether you’re calming the curb with soft neutrals or waking it up with a pop of colour, this small change packs a big punch. Happy painting!

Make sure to visit your nearest Cloverdale Paint store today so you can get started on painting one of the easiest and most effective ways to upgrade the look of your home: your front door.