Front door paint - this old house

 

Front door - finished

It must have been over a couple of decades since we bought the house. Saw paint cracked on the edge of the panels (below). I didn't think about caulking it not only because finding a matching color caulk is difficult but also the oveall color is fading away.

We were thinking about changing the color. Apparently changing color is not one person's call. After a few days, the final decision is staying with the same tone - forest green, just lighter and brighter. As such, I didn't try to match the original color at all. Just choose one from color samples I picked up at Home Depot (below).

Color samples from Home Depot

Although the left one got stronger vote, I ended up with the one on the right called Secluded Woods. Don't ask me why.

Step 1: Order online

On Home Depot app you can pick the brand, color, finish and order online. Surprisingly, the delivery is free! One pint is definitely enough. But I thought I should get the sample and try out first just in case. So I ordered the 8 oz.

It is semi-gloss, suitable for the exterior door.

The paint arrives in a few days.

Step 2: Prep

Scrap and clean. I should have sanded some edges and surface since I have the multi-tool. I forgot.

Tape the door handle and lockset.

Step 3: Testing

Clearly see the difference between the new and old paint.

Step 4: Paint

In less than an hour, I can do one layer. Wait a day before the second layer. I could have use the roller to get a better result. But worry about not enough paint, I used a brush. And a form brush for corners and edges.

8 oz is barely enough for two layers. I have to admit, there are areas skipped.

The fianl picure is the one on the top of this page.

To conclude, it is much easier than originally thought. The labor is cheap because it is a DIY. The tough part is to get people to agree on the color. By the way, don't forget the side panels. They look much better when all match up.