Tag: Doors

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Doors & windows

Front door colour ideas

Your front door is more than just a point of entry. It also serves as the friendly focal point of your house and establishes the tone for what’s inside. Whether you’re just about to install a door or thinking of repainting your old one, getting the right front door paint colours can set the tone for your home and enhance its kerb appeal. Let’s look at some of the colours for front doors that will enhance the beauty of your home.

12 best front door colours

Monochromatic grey

A grey front door colour | Source: iStock

A monochromatic grey colour front door is sleek and modern, adding a stylish touch to any façade. Whether your home has a contemporary design with clean lines or a traditional style with timeless charm, it seamlessly blends in. Its neutral tone makes it easy to mix with various exterior hues and materials, resulting in a harmonious effect.

Daring black

A bold black door complements monochrome exteriors and minimalist design components, ideal for homes with modern, industrial, or Gothic architecture. It creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, making a moody ambience to your home’s exterior. Combining it with sleek hardware and geometric embellishments creates a contemporary yet striking appearance that will leave an impression.

Crisp white

A white front door and porch | Source: iStock

Achieve timeless elegance with a crisp white door that brightens up any entryway! Fresh and classic, a clean white front door looks well against coloured homes or any other neutral background. Your white door may be kept elegantly minimalistic or adorned with decorations without having to worry about the clashing colours.

Bold brick red

Ideal for homes with rustic architecture, a bold brick red front door complements warm-toned exteriors such as brick, stone, or wood siding. It adds a touch of richness and personality, making your home stand out. Pair it with earthy accents and lush landscaping for a cohesive and inviting look.

Eye-catching and bright yellow

A bright yellow front door that catches attention | Source: iStock

Nothing says “Hello” more than a bright yellow front door! This eye-catching colour is perfect for adding a pop of personality to your home’s facade. It pairs well with neutral or contrasting colours if you prefer to customise the look to suit your style. Whether your home is nestled in the suburbs or boasts a coastal setting, a bright yellow door creates a warm and inviting welcome for guests.

Classic navy blue

Timeless and elegant, a navy blue door lends a sense of calm and authority to your home’s facade. Its rich tone lends depth and sophistication to various architectural styles, including colonial, Georgian and Cape Cod. Pair it with brass or silver hardware for a polished finish that elevates your home’s exterior.

Earthy olive green

An olive green colour against white walls to blend well with nature | Source: iStock

Connect with nature by selecting an earthy olive green front door to complement the lush surroundings! This colour fits perfectly with natural stone accent homes or homes surrounded by lush landscaping. Combine it with warm wood accents and native plants to create a unified appearance that highlights the beauty of nature.

Rustic brown

If you want to celebrate nature but still want to stay on the classic side, you can never go wrong with the colour of natural wood embodied in brown. This is also the perfect colour for wooden door to enhance its grain and texture. Try pairing it with a brass lantern and brushed metal hardware to create a rustic and classic design for your front porch.

Vibrant turquoise

An aquatic turquoise front door | Source: iStock

Embrace seaside vibes with a brilliant turquoise door that reminds you of sandy beaches and sparkling oceans! A colourful turquoise door complements light-coloured exteriors and natural materials such as stucco or cedar siding, making it ideal for beach cottages or Mediterranean-style homes. Pairing it with nautical accessories and seashore décor can create a coastal-inspired appearance that embodies waterfront living.

Royal purple

Make a regal statement with a royal purple door that adds majesty to the exterior of your property. A royal purple door is ideal for homes with eclectic or Art Deco architecture and looks well with neutral or monochromatic exteriors. To create a modern yet elegant style that will draw attention and admiration, feel free to pair it with metallic elements and geometric designs.

Soft blush pink

A pink front door to boost your mood | Source: iStock

Create a charming, romantic entryway with a soft, blush pink door that exudes grace and femininity. It adds a sense of warmth and nostalgia, evoking images of springtime blooms and country gardens. A soft blush pink door complements pastel-coloured exteriors and vintage accents, perfect for homes with cottage, Victorian, or shabby chic-inspired architecture. Pair it with floral décor and antique furnishings for a romantic yet timeless look that captures the essence of vintage charm.

Sunset orange

Experience the warmth and beauty of a summer sunset through an orange door that oozes energy! This bold shade door complements earthy or warm-toned exteriors and natural materials such as adobe or stone, resulting in a cosy and welcoming entryway. Combine it with desert-inspired landscaping and rustic accents to create a Southwestern getaway that highlights the beauty of the desert surroundings.

Things to consider when choosing a front door paint colour

Light reflectance

Consider how the chosen colour will react to natural light throughout the day. Lighter colours reflect more light, making them suitable for houses in hot climates since they can help keep the entrance and surrounding spaces cooler.

Darker colours, on the other hand, absorb more light and can produce a cosy, inviting ambience, making them ideal for homes in cooler climates or those looking for a more private feel. Understanding how light interacts with your selected colour will help you create the ideal ambience for your home’s entrance.

Surroundings

Think about the scenery surrounding your property. Natural colour schemes that include shades of green, blue, brown, and other earth tones will look great on your home because they have the added benefit of making it blend in with the surrounding nature. Choosing a shade that matches these aspects can help create a unified look for your property.

Facade colour scheme

Bold red front door colour | Source: iStock

Make sure the door colour complements the overall colour scheme of your home’s exterior. Consider the dominant colours of your home’s facade, trim, and accessories, and select a door colour that complements or contrasts with these hues in an appealing way. Getting a colour consultant can help you maintain a consistent colour palette to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home and create a sense of visual harmony.

Personal preference

Your front door allows you to show your personality, so choose a colour that reflects your unique taste and complements your home’s decor. Consider your likes, preferences, and the overall aesthetic you desire for your home’s exterior. You can also read about colour psychology to understand the meanings and feelings people attach to particular colours.

Whether you favour bright and vibrant hues or subtle and quiet tones, choosing a door colour that speaks to you will help you create a place that is distinctly yours.

Maintenance

Your front door is exposed to the elements and may require regular upkeep to maintain its appearance. Darker colours may show scratches and imperfections more easily, whilst lighter colours may require more frequent cleaning to prevent dirt and grime buildup.

Also, the type of paint finish chosen can impact the door’s durability and ease of maintenance. Matte finishes may require more frequent touch-ups, and gloss finishes may be easier to clean but can show more imperfections. Keeping maintenance in mind can assist ensure that your selected door colour remains vibrant and appealing for years to come.

Add a splash of colour to your front door

Choosing the perfect front door colour is just the beginning of creating an inviting entrance that reflects your home’s personality. From bold and eye-catching hues to timeless and elegant shades, there are endless possibilities to explore as you begin your front door painting endeavour.

If you don’t have the time to DIY your front door painting, and to ensure that you flawlessly achieve your vision for your front door, do not hesitate to hire professional painters! They can guide you through a front door colour selection aligned with your needs and preferences whilst ensuring a cohesive look for your home. Trust the experts to ensure your front door receives the attention it deserves, leaving you with a front door that welcomes guests with style and charm!

FAQs on front door colours

What front door colour is lucky?

A red front door is generally thought to attract positive energy and good fortune. Other colours, such as black, blue, or green, may also be considered lucky, each with its own symbolic significance in Feng Shui. Ultimately, choosing the “lucky” Feng Shui front door colour depends on individual preferences and the specific energy you wish to cultivate in your home.

What colour for a front door goes with grey windows?

A contrasting colour like bold red can create a striking statement against the grey backdrop. Alternatively, a soft blue front door complements grey tones, fostering a calm atmosphere. For timeless elegance, a neutral black door seamlessly blends with grey windows. For added depth and texture, another option is warm wood tones. The choice depends on personal style and desired aesthetic.

Is Monument Colorbond colour neutral for a front door?

Yes. It leans towards a warm dark grey, with some seeing a hint of brown in certain lighting settings. This is usually only noticeable compared to dark greys with more prominent blue or green undertones. Monument appears as a versatile and neutral hue in most situations, making it a great choice for front doors since it matches a wide range of external colour schemes and architectural types.

Categories
Doors & windows

Transform your doors with these door painting hacks

Whether you’re gearing up for a full-blown home renovation or simply looking to spruce up your living space, painting a door can work wonders for your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, it can be quite time-consuming, especially if it’s your first time giving your doors a new look.  

But don’t worry, there are several ways to simplify your door painting task! Read on to learn some smart painting tips and hacks that can help minimise errors in your DIY project. 

8 door painting hacks and tips for your DIY project 

1.  Leave the door on the hinges

Metal chrome hinged hinges on a white interior door / Source: iStock

When painting your door, there’s the risk of getting paint on your door’s trim, on the walls, ceilings, or floors. You don’t want this mishap, especially if you’re painting your front door.

TikTok DIY expert DIY With Emma offers a smart hack that suggests using a plastic folder to keep paint from going where it shouldn’t. Hold the folder along your door’s top and bottom edges while painting across them. With this painting doors and trims hack, you can leave the door on its hinges and paint the door without messing up the edges that fit into the frame. 

2. Get your prep work ahead of time

Before you start your project, do some prep work in advance. Cover the hinges and remove door knobs to protect them from paint.

Once you’re done with the hinges, smooth out any lumps on the door’s surface by sanding them. Additionally, have some shims ready to ensure the door stays securely in place. Shims are handy little pieces that help fill gaps or spaces. Doing these preparations ensures a hassle-free process and favourable results when painting doors.

3. Sand and prime for a smoother paint finish

Start off with clean doors before painting to avoid dust and hair messing up your paint job and guarantee a smoother paint finish. Lightly sand the door with 220-grit sandpaper between paint layers to remove dust or drips. 

Moreover, select the right type of primer and paint for the task. Satin or semi-gloss paints are great at concealing uneven areas. Meanwhile, a high-gloss paint finish gives the most shine but requires tedious preparation and takes longer to dry. 

4. Use paint rollers and brushes for a specific purpose

Painter painting a door with brush / Source: iStock

When it comes to painting different types of doors, it’s essential to know when and how to use paint rollers and brushes. Use a roller that holds lots of paint for efficiency and if you want to achieve a smooth surface. Opt for an angle brush for those tricky edges to get precise coverage. 

Remember, start with minimal paint on the roller, focus on the edges first, and then smoothly paint the rest of the door. 

5. Avoid rolling in one direction only

Work in sections of about five to six square feet to avoid leaving marks on your ceiling while painting your door. Move quickly from one section to the next so the paint along the edge doesn’t dry before you can roll the adjoining area. 

Don’t forget to roll each section at a right angle to your initial roller direction. It might seem like extra effort, but it will help you get that flawless finish you want on your door.

6. Double-check your chosen paint sheen 

Label the paint cans to avoid mixing them up, especially if using different sheens of the same colour. The same goes for painting a two-toned front door or other doors that require different paint sheens. Such attention to detail will ensure your painting project turns out beautifully without the unnecessary hassle.

Consider the sheen if you’re wondering what type of paint for internal doors is best. Avoid high-sheen paints if you’re working on textured or rough surfaces, as they’ll highlight imperfections. If you opt for a semi-gloss or gloss sheen, ensure your surface is smooth and well-prepared. 

7. Prevent paint drips with a drop cloth or rosin paper 

Paint roller and white paint over plastic drop cloth / Source: iStock

Paint drips are common when painting vertically, especially when painting glass panels on doors, since it’s more difficult for the paint to adhere to the surface. 

To quickly solve this problem, lay down a drop cloth or some rosin paper. It’s like giving your painting project a landing pad for any paint drops. This trick will save you from unwanted mess and make the painting task more efficient.

8. Consider weather conditions when painting

When painting an exterior door or any other door, consider your local climate since extreme temperatures can affect the final paint finish. 

If you live in a cold area, bring latex or acrylic paint and caulk indoors before it gets too chilly, as cold weather can cause cloudy or blotchy paint results. Avoid painting when it’s freezing outside, as the paint won’t dry properly and can easily peel off. 

On one side, extreme heat and humidity can also modify the paint finish, and the paint tends to dry rapidly, leading to uneven coverage, bubbling, or peeling. As much as possible, try to plan your painting when the weather is moderate and avoid direct sunlight if you can. This way, you’ll achieve a more accurate and lasting finish.

Additional door painting tips

To help you avoid mistakes on your next paint job, here are some more helpful door painting tips:

  • Choose your paint colour carefully: If possible, request a small sample from the store to test on your wall in various lighting conditions before buying a can or gallon and trying it out on your door. This way, you can ensure it’s the right shade for your space, saving you from extra trips to the paint store.
  • Use a smaller painting tool for panelled doors: Painting a panelled door can be tricky because of its interior details and various surfaces that can highlight imperfections. As a workaround, use a small foam or synthetic brush to carefully paint the edges, switches, sockets, or other intricate areas.
  • Keep your paint cans covered: Putting the paint can lid back on immediately can prevent messy accidents and keep the paint clean. It also prevents dried residue and mix-ups with similar-coloured lids.
  • Ensure your work area is well-lit: Avoid painting interior surfaces in dim light, as it can result in imperfections that become visible when the room is well-lit. To ensure a smooth finish, ensure all your lights are on when painting, especially indoors.

Have fun painting your doors

Giving your doors a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home. With the simple hacks and tips above, you can confidently do the task and achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come. But if you do need expert help, you can always call a professional painter to help you out! 

FAQs on painting doors

What is the easiest way to paint a door?

Whether you’re painting a new door or concealing strong paint colour, you can follow these steps as a guide:

  • Start by applying a primer. Don’t forget to prime any specific spots that need filling. 
  • Grab a good-quality paintbrush or roller to apply even coats. 
  • Get a plastic folder to insert along the edges to avoid painting the door frame so you don’t have to detach the door. 
  • Let the paint dry before applying another coat for a durable finish. 

How do you paint a door smoothly and perfectly?

For a flawless door painting job, you should first clean, prep, and prime the surface. Then, choose the appropriate paint for your door and use paint rollers and brushes to avoid visible lines. 

If you’re keeping the door on its hinges, paint the trim first to prevent accidental smudges on the fresh coat. Lastly, apply at least two coats of paint for an even and smooth coverage, and let the door dry overnight before installing it or adding hardware. 

What is the easiest way to paint interior doors?

The simplest way to paint your interior door is by keeping it right in its frame and hanging on its hinges. Another benefit of not detaching the door before painting is that you can paint both sides simultaneously, making the job even easier. 

Is it easier to paint a door with a brush or roller?

Whether to use a brush or a roller to paint your door depends on your painting experience. If you’re a pro, using a brush can make it easier. On one hand, foam rollers can help you easily get that smoother, drip-free finish.

Can I paint the door hinges?

Yes, as long as you use a specialised paint and prepare the hinges before painting them. Otherwise, you might damage the hinges, or the paint might just peel off over time. 

Categories
Design & decor

How to paint doors

Many homeowners in Australia want to know how to paint doors properly. If you want to paint your old door and give it a long-lasting finish, there are several simple steps you have to take. It takes the right tools and supplies, proper door preparation and good painting techniques to get quality results. Selecting the right type and colour paint also impacts the way doors look after being repainted. The following tips for painting doors or repainting doors can create doors that make a lasting impression on people entering any room or home.

Materials and tools

  • Ladder or stepstool: Use the ladder or stepstool to reach the top hinge holding the door in place. 
  • Drill/screwdriver: Use the drill or screwdriver to remove the screws holding the door in place, put lag screws into the top and bottom of the door and remove the hinges, doorknobs and other door hardware.
  • Sawhorse: Lay the door flat with the lag screws on each end on the sawhorse.
  • Tarps or sheets of plastic: Use the tarps or sheets of plastic to cover the floor under the area where you will be cleaning, sanding and painting the door.
  • Grease cutter cleanser and some rags: Apply liquid or spray cleanser to the door to remove oil, grease, dirt and stains using the rags. 
  • Sander/sandpaper/chemical stripper: Remove paint buildup on a wooden door with a sharp carbide or stainless steel scraper and smoothen with the sander. Using the best sander for doors is important. On metal doors use sandpaper. Use chemical stripper on doors made of fibreglass to remove flaking paint.
  • Filler: Fill door dents, cracks and holes with spackling compound, two-part filler or epoxy wood filler.
  • Door primer paint: Paint the entire door with door primer paint that’s grey or white primer whether you are painting internal doors or external doors.
  • Paint trays: Pour a little paint at a time into the paint trays. 
  • Paint, high-density foam mini rollers and paintbrushes: Using a paintbrush, edge in around panels and windows. Use mini rollers to paint the entire door. 
  • Painter’s tape: Cover weather stripping with painter’s tape so the door won’t stick when you re-hang an exterior door. 
A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference to your home’s look / Source: Ozland Painting Group

What type of paint to use on doors

Oil-based paints are ideal to use when painting interior doors. Water-based paints are better for exterior doors and damp areas.

How to prep interior doors for painting

The following are some simple steps for preparing interior doors for painting.

  1. Clear the area and lay down a drop sheet: Remove furnishings from the area where the door will be cleaned and painted and cover it with protective tarps, plastic strips or drop sheets. 
  2. Remove door: Take the door off its hinges and remove the doorknobs, handles, locks, kick plates and other hardware.
  3. Wash the door: Apply spray or liquid cleanser to the door and use rags to clean and wash off the door.
  4. Sand the surface: An electric sander or sandpaper can be used to remove loose paint and smoothen out imperfections in the door’s surface.

How to fill cracks before painting

The first step in filling cracks is to clean the wall thoroughly to remove any debris. Then, use a putty knife to apply a filler such as spackle or joint compound over the crack, making sure to press the filler deep into the crack to ensure maximum coverage. Once the filler is dry, use sandpaper to smooth it down to a flat surface, being careful not to sand too much and cause further damage. Finally, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove any excess dust before priming and painting. By properly filling cracks, you can achieve a smooth and flawless finish for your next painting project.

Popular filler brands you can consider are Buidler’s Bog, Elmers, and Minwax.

How to paint a door

Here some simple steps and helpful tips for painting doors. 

  1. Apply a primer if necessary: When painting bare wood or putting a light colour over a much darker one, you should apply a primer. When using self-priming paint or painting over surfaces painted in a similar colour, primer isn’t required. 
  2. Apply an undercoat: When applying an undercoat, use a paintbrush to do the edges of the door. Then use a paint roller for doors in a ‘W’ pattern to cover the door with undercoat evenly. 
  3. Paint edges: Use a paintbrush to paint the door’s edges to seal it and keep moisture out. Apply the same number of coats as on the main surface.
  4. Paint the main surface: When painting the door’s main surface, use a paint roller for doors. Apply the paint using a ‘W’ pattern technique for a neater, more even coverage. Painting doors with a roller is the most efficient way to get the job done.
  5. Leave to dry and apply a second coat if necessary: Leave the painted door to dry for a few hours. If you see imperfections or incomplete or uneven coverage, apply another coat of paint.
  6. Reattach door when completely dry: When repainting doors, to prevent them from sticking, let them dry completely before reattaching them. That takes 6 to 24 hours depending on the paint, temperature and moisture in the air.

Contact local painters

How to paint door frames

When painting door frames, first put down a plastic drop cloth and use 7.6-10.2 cm painter’s tape to line the wall area around the door frame. Clean the frame with grease-cutting cleanser, sand it lightly, fill in any small chips and gouges using wood putty. When painting door frames, the right door paint is important. Use semi-gloss, latex interior paint or exterior trim paint, if the frame opens outside.

Use angled tip handheld brushes for efficiency, precision and to get into tight spaces. Hold the metal band below the bristles for better control over paint placement. Start painting from the frame’s upper inside corner using long, sweeping strokes. When you get to the interior surface’s bottom, repeat the process on the opposite side. Work your way outside the frame and paint the jambs on both sides. To avoid leaving seams, overlap your strokes. Let it dry for 2-6 hours and apply a second coat. 

How to paint a door without removing it

The best way to paint a door without removing it is first to wedge the door and cover the hinges, doorknob and lock with painter’s tape. Clean the door to remove grease, especially near the doorknobs and handles. Use a paintbrush on the top, edge and bottom of the door. Use a foam roller when painting doors with a roller. When you are done painting, carefully remove the painter’s tape. 

Before and after a new paint job / Source: BODEK Painting & Plastering

How to hire a painter

Hiring the right painter is essential. There are three main factors to look out for to ensure you hire the right professional for your job. 

Licencing and qualifications 

Make sure the painter you hire has the proper licencing and qualifications.

Years of experience

It would help if you chose a painter with years of experience painting and who knows lots about door paint and the best way to paint a door. 

Positive reviews and references

Do some research before you hire a painter to do door painting. Choose one that consistently gets good reviews and can provide a list of references for door painting they have done. 

Find out how much a painter will cost to hire in our guide.

Categories
Security

Should you choose security screens, bars or grilles?

Protecting your home and your loved ones is a top priority. The threat of potential intruders is disconcerting for anyone potentially if you’ve suffered a break-in or know people in the area who have. If you’re searching for ways to keep your home safe, installing security screens, bars or grilles for your doors can be an easy and effective method for keeping predators out (and your hard-earned home amenities in).

Why security screens for doors?

Doors are an often-overlooked security hazard. A lock isn’t necessarily enough to deter a determined individual. Breaking a pane of glass or slashing through a screen may be all it takes to reach through, turn a lock, and gain access. An experienced lock picker won’t be deterred by even solid oak doors. Security screens act as a dedicated deterrent. They’re specially designed to make would-be intruders consider looking for an easier target. A burglar wants to spend as little time exposed at a home’s entrance, so a security screen can be enough to make wrongdoers look elsewhere.

Close up of a security screen / Source: Shutterstock

A security screen also adds convenience for keeping children and pets safe inside. Leave your doors open during the day to save on energy costs, enjoy a pleasant view, or improve indoor ventilation. With the security screen closed, you’ll know your home is safe. Feel secure in your own house even with the doors open when you use a high-quality, professionally installed security screen.

What is this type of screen?

A security screen is a mesh screen made of steel, rather than the material commonly found in flyscreens. These screens are made from a higher quality stainless steel or from marine grade steel. They have holes punched into the steel to give it a mesh appearance. Some screens are made from aluminium rather than steel, but steel is the better option overall due to its added security.

Additionally, these screens have extra strength thanks to their specialised framing. This framing is durable and hard to break. A special system is used to ensure that the mesh remains secured inside the frame.

Choosing security bars or grilles

An alternative to security screens is security bars or grilles. These are fitted to the doors and windows in your house and improve your overall home security. Security bars and grills deter potential thieves and intruders both visually and pragmatically since they dissuade most from breaking in just by their appearance. However, one disadvantage is that they can block your view. Security bars and grilles can be custom made or bought in a ready to use form. The type you get mostly depends on what kind of design you want and the type of windows and doors that need security.

Security bars come in a range of colour options / Source: Shutterstock

They are conveniently available in an extensive variety of designs, enabling you to make the most stylish choice for your abode. Security bars and grilles also come in a wonderful selection of great colours. When making your choice, it is advisable to opt for steel or aluminium bars and grilles and preferably ones that can withstand harsh elements. You should also opt for ones that are able to open, in case you need to escape from your home in an emergency.

The advantages of getting steel mesh screens 

First up, these screens are very strong and will make it totally unnecessary to have security bars or grilles on your doors or windows. Bars and grilles can sometimes ruin the look of feature windows and doors. With mesh screens, however, this really isn’t of any concern. The look of any home can be maintained when these are installed.

With these screens, you can also keep your doors and windows open in order to get air into the home, without any sort of security concerns. In addition, insects and other pests will be kept at bay, just like they would with regular flyscreens and other screens that are designed to repel insects.

In addition to this, these screens are safe for the family. When installed, they can be opened easily from within the home, making it easy for anyone to escape the house in the event of an emergency, like a fire.

Excellent warranties generally accompany these screens as well. In most cases, these warranties are good for about 10 years, which can ease your mind if something goes wrong with your screens.

Picking the right screen

Steel mesh security screens are available in models designed for sliding doors or hinged doors. Their versatility allows you to protect all the doors in your home using similar high-quality products designed for each particular entry. Find frames and trims in a wide range of colour options to complement the style of your house or apartment.

Most security screens for doors can be reinforced by mid-rails to add extra security on larger screen doors for maximum security with minimal visual impact. Look for a hinged screen that comes fitted with triple point locks or a sliding door screen with an extra-strong lock to further improve the security of your home.