Your front door is the first part of your home visitors will see when they arrive at your home. Your door is the focal point of your home. It should catch the eye of anyone driving by. A freshly painted front door can add to the curb appeal of your home. Here are a few helpful ways to pick what color to paint your front door:

• Contrast

Pick a color that contrasts with the rest of your house. You’ll want a color that draws the eye in but still complements the surrounding colors.

• Neighborhood Inspiration

Take a walk or a quick drive around your neighborhood and look at the front doors of the different homes you see. Get a feel for what colors you like, what styles you prefer, and what you might want to avoid.

• Paint Chips

Walk outside your home and take a photograph. Print it out in full color, and cut out a hole where your front door should be. Use paint chips as front doors to visualize how it would look. You can take your photograph to a paint store or call up your local Textbook Painting manager to bring a color wheel by.

Once you’ve determined the color you’ll want to paint your new front door, follow these tips and it’ll come out looking great!

1. Prep: Prep the door by either removing the hardware (doorknobs, locks, doorknocker, etc.) so that no paint gets on them. Wash the door as you would any other surface you would paint. Make sure you remove all dirt, grime, and loose paint that is on the door. Sand down the door until it is completely smooth so the paint will adhere best and apply flat.
2. Paint: If you use a paint with a built-in primer, such as Sherwin Williams Duration, you’ll may only need one coat if you pick a similiar color to what you already have. But if you plan on using a standard house paint, apply a primer coat on the door before painting it your new color. Use a brush for all the detailed areas and a roller for the panels. Be careful not to use too much paint as it will gather in corners. Allow the door to completely dry before removing any painter’s tape.