Protect Your Exterior Door: Scratch-Resistant Paint Options

Painting an exterior door is a great way to refresh the look of your home, but it's important to choose the right type of paint to ensure it can withstand the elements and resist scratches. The paint you choose should be flexible and mould-resistant, with the ability to withstand moisture, resist fading due to UV exposure, and provide durability against scrapes and dings. Latex-based exterior paint is a popular option as it fills in larger imperfections and resists cracking and chipping. Oil-based exterior paint is also an option, offering rich colours and high gloss, as well as significant resistance to chipping. To further enhance the durability of your paint job, consider using a paint additive such as Hard Coat, which provides a tougher and more durable finish when added to latex paints.

Use exterior paint

If you want to paint an exterior door to cover up scratches, you should use exterior paint. This type of paint is specially formulated to withstand moisture from rain or snow, resist mould and mildew, and also provide protection against fading due to exposure to UV rays. Latex-based exterior paint is the most flexible type and is quite popular. It fills in larger imperfections on a door's surface and resists cracking and chipping. Paint with a semi-gloss finish is extremely popular because it's easy to clean and can contrast nicely with other colours on the home's facade.

If you are painting a wooden door, you will need to sand the door to help the new paint stick well. Start with medium-grit sandpaper if the door has visible blemishes, rough patches, or drips from previous paint jobs. Follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface. You should also wipe the door with a clean cloth to remove any sawdust created during the sanding process.

If you are painting a metal security door, you will need to remove all of the old paint by applying a paint remover. Place the door on a plastic tarp, apply the paint remover with a paintbrush, and then scrape the door with a paint scraper once the paint starts to peel. Wipe down the door with a rag and allow it to dry completely.

Once the door is prepared, you can start painting. Use a paintbrush to apply paint to any beveled areas or edges and then use a low-nap or foam roller on all of the flat areas. If you are painting the door in place, start at the top and work your way down to catch any drips that may run down. Allow the first coat to dry completely, and then follow up with a second coat for flawless coverage.

Opt for a shinier finish

If you want to paint an exterior door, opting for a shinier finish can help protect the door against scratches and marks. While a matte or eggshell finish is an option, a satin or semi-gloss finish will offer better durability against scrapes and marks. This is because a shinier finish will also make the door stand out more as an architectural feature.

The most common types of exterior door paint are acrylic resin or latex-based with a semi-gloss finish. Latex-based exterior paint is the most flexible type and is very popular. It fills in larger imperfections on a door's surface and resists cracking and chipping. Paint with a semi-gloss finish is also popular because it is easy to clean and can contrast nicely with other colours on the home's facade.

Oil-based exterior paint is less common but features a high-gloss finish that will make the design pop. It is also resistant to chipping and dries quickly.

If you want to further protect your door against scratches, you could consider adding a paint additive such as Hard Coat by Latex Agent. This product provides a tougher, more durable finish when added to latex paints.

Prepare the surface

Preparing the surface of an exterior door before painting is crucial to achieving a smooth, professional finish that resists scratches. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Clean the Door

Start by giving the door a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. You can create a degreasing solution by mixing one gallon of water, one cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Saturate a rag with this solution, wipe down the entire door, and then dry it thoroughly. This step ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the surface.

Remove Hardware or Cover with Painter's Tape

If possible, remove all hardware from the door, including the doorknob, deadbolt, door handle, lock, kick plate, and any other removable metal parts. Store these pieces in a safe place, such as a zip-top bag, so they don't get lost. If you prefer to leave the hardware in place, carefully cover it with painter's tape to protect it from paint splatters.

Scrape and Sand the Door

If there are any chipped or peeling areas of paint on the door, use a paint scraper or putty knife to scrape them off. Once the door is free of loose paint, it's time to sand. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (120-grit) to smooth out any visible blemishes, rough patches, or drips from previous paint jobs. Then, switch to fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or 320-grit) to create an even smoother surface. Remember to sand the edges of the door as well, as they will also need a fresh coat of paint. Always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when sanding to protect yourself from dust and debris.

Wipe Away Dust and Debris

After sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or debris from the door's surface. You can also use a vacuum to remove excess dust and follow up with a tack cloth to ensure the surface is clean and ready for priming and painting.

Prime the Door (Optional)

While priming is not always necessary, it can help create a smoother base for the paint to adhere to. Choose a primer that is compatible with your paint type (oil-based or latex). Use a paintbrush to apply primer to any trim, insets, or small areas, and a low-nap or foam roller for the larger, flat areas. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the painting stage.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the surface of your exterior door for a fresh coat of paint that resists scratches and stands the test of time.

Remove door hardware

To ensure that your exterior door paint job is scratch-resistant, it is important to properly prepare the surface. This includes removing all hardware, such as the doorknob, deadbolt, and nameplate. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you remove your door hardware:

Step 1: Assess Your Door Hardware

Before you begin, it is important to identify the type of door hardware you have. There are four common types of door knobs: entrance or keyed entry knobs, dummy door knobs, privacy door knobs, and passage door knobs. Knowing the type of knob you have will help you understand the removal process.

Step 2: Locate the Screws

Door knobs typically have screws that hold them in place. These screws may be concealed for a more streamlined look. Carefully inspect the door knob for small openings, pinholes, or slots where the screws may be located.

Step 3: Unscrew the Door Knob

Once you have located the screws, use a screwdriver to unscrew them. If the screws are standard hex-head screws, use a Philips-head screwdriver and turn counterclockwise to unscrew them. If the knob has a pinhole or small slot, use a flat-head screwdriver, a paperclip, or a small pin to push it inward and loosen the latch.

Step 4: Remove the Door Knob

After unscrewing or loosening the latch, gently tug on the door knob until it pops out of place or disengages from the base, also known as the rose. If the rose does not come off with the knob, you may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry it away from the door.

Step 5: Address the Latch and Cover Plate

If your door has a latch, you may need to remove it by unscrewing the screws on the side of the door and prying off the latch plate. Additionally, some door knobs have a cover plate that needs to be removed. To do this, insert a flat-head screwdriver into a small notch or opening along the edge of the plate and gently pry it away from the door.

Step 6: Store the Hardware

Once you have removed all the hardware, set it aside in a safe place. If you plan on reinstalling the hardware, make sure to keep the screws together so they don't get lost.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove your door hardware and prepare your exterior door for a fresh coat of paint that will resist scratches and stand the test of time.

Prime the door

Painting an exterior door is a great way to quickly refresh your home's exterior. To ensure that the paint is scratch-resistant, priming the door is an essential step. Here's a detailed guide on how to prime your exterior door effectively:

Prepare the Door Surface:

Before priming, it's crucial to prepare the door surface properly. Start by removing any old paint or debris. Use a wire brush and a scraper to remove chipping or peeling paint. For doors with extensive paint chipping, consider using a paint scraper or putty knife to scrape off the paint. After removing the old paint, give the door a light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. If the door has any cracks, repair them by filling the cracks with caulk and smoothing it out with a putty knife. Let the caulk dry completely before proceeding.

Clean the Door:

Before priming, it's essential to ensure the door is clean and free of dust. Use a damp cloth or a mixture of water, white vinegar, and dish soap to wipe down the door thoroughly. Remove all hardware, such as doorknobs, locks, and hinges, or cover them with painter's tape if they cannot be removed.

Choose the Right Primer:

Select a primer that is compatible with the type of paint you will be using (oil-based or latex). Ensure that the primer is specifically designed for exterior use and will provide protection against the elements. Consider the primer's drying time and coverage to determine how much primer you will need. For a single exterior door, you will typically need a quart of primer.

Apply the Primer:

Use a wide paintbrush to apply a coat of primer to the door. Start by covering the front and all side edges of the door. You can also use a roller for larger, flat areas. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time and ventilation. Once the primer is dry on the front, flip the door over and prime the back. If there are any drips or uneven areas, lightly sand them to smooth out the surface.

Allow the Primer to Dry Completely:

Before proceeding to the next step, it's crucial to let the primer dry completely. Follow the instructions on the primer's packaging, as drying times may vary depending on the product and environmental conditions. Ensure that the door is completely dry to the touch before moving on to painting.

By following these steps, you will effectively prime your exterior door, creating a smooth base for your paint and helping to ensure that your final coat of paint is scratch-resistant and long-lasting.

Frequently asked questions