Budget-Friendly Exterior Door Painting Ideas for Homeowners

Looking to add curb appeal without breaking the bank?

Painting an exterior door is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to change the look of your house. A new coat of color on your front door makes a big first impression on guests and buyers alike. The problem is:

Homeowners assume a good paint job costs a lot of money.

And they have a point. The typical cost of hiring a professional painter is $156 for an exterior door with an average range of $112 to $205. A two-sided paint job or a large door will set you back between $225 and $400.

Labor is the most significant portion of a professional painter’s quote at anywhere from 50% to 70% of the total cost. The more of the work you are willing to do yourself, the more money you can save. Painting an exterior door is not like a complex remodel or a major repair that requires a team of professionals and lots of equipment. A painter has to paint, and you can too.

In this article, we’ll look at practical ways to paint your door without hiring a painter. If you want to know how to cut costs while still getting a door that looks like a pro painted it, keep reading.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Typical Paint Job Costs and How They Break Down
• Deciding Between DIY or a Professional Painter
• Choosing Paint and Brushes Without Overspending
• Preparation Tricks That Save Time and Materials

Typical Paint Job Costs and How They Break Down

If you are wondering where to cut corners and where to spend a little more to save money in the long run, you need to understand what professionals charge to paint an exterior door. The average cost for a professional is about $156 for a typical exterior door with a range of $112 to $205. Painting both sides or a large door typically costs $225-$400.

Labor is by far the most significant expense of hiring a professional painter. The typical cost of labor alone is 50% to 70% of the total quoted price. Painters charge for their time to paint, and their time is expensive. The more you can do yourself, the more you will save.

Painting a door is not a significant technical or physical challenge that requires professional equipment and years of experience.

Deciding Between DIY or a Professional Painter

Something that most people do not consider about painting a door is this…

DIY is a significant part of why 43% of home owners plan to do home renovations this year. The most common reason homeowners start DIY is to save money. A straightforward DIY door painting project can save you hundreds of dollars compared to hiring a professional.

But DIY is not the best option in every situation. A standard, flat panel door on a weekend afternoon is the ideal DIY door painting project. It will take a few hours and cost between $45 and $120. Professional painters, on the other hand, charge $100 to $225 for a door.

Skip DIY if your exterior door has lots of detail, glass, or expensive hardware. A good painter knows how to paint around these features without damaging them. Hiring a professional to paint detailed or fancy doors can save you hundreds in mistakes and ruined weekends.

Choosing Paint and Brushes Without Overspending

One of the most common ways homeowners overspend when they paint a door is by buying the wrong paint.

The most common mistake is thinking that the most expensive door paint is the best choice. Or the opposite, deciding to buy the cheapest paint to save a few bucks. Door paint is available from $15 to $60 a gallon, so the middle of the road paint price is $30 to $40.

Exterior doors need to withstand the weather, the sun, and daily use. Therefore, you should not buy the cheapest door paint. Mid-range water-based latex paint is a much better investment than bargain options. It is more expensive upfront but will last longer and not crack or peel like cheaper options. Oil-based paint may cost less per gallon but will not last as long. It also does not resist temperature changes as well as water-based paint. Oil paint yellows over time, too.

The biggest hack most people miss is to not go for premium paint or ultra-cheap paint. Paint that costs $50 to $60 per gallon is top shelf. A mid-range paint at $30 to $40 will give you nearly the same quality and appearance for most doors. Save yourself the money unless you know your door will face harsh direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions.

Most exterior doors can be painted with a single gallon and just two coats of paint. Buy a quart if you are only painting one door. Quarts are a lot cheaper than a whole gallon and have enough paint to cover most doors.

Finally, do not forget to buy the primer to go under your paint. Primer is not an option, even though many homeowners forget about it. Primer is essential for making your topcoat stick to the door and last years longer.

Money-Saving Preparation Techniques

The part most people hate and often skip that will save you money in the long run is preparing your door for painting.

Preparation accounts for 1-5 hours of the total time of painting an exterior door. It is also the most critical step in whether your paint job lasts a year or five years. Preparation starts with a good cleaning of your door. Dirt and grime build up on exterior doors, so they will need a good scrub down with soap and water.

Once the door is clean and dry, you must roughen the door up with sandpaper. The sanding helps the paint adhere to the door. You do not need an electric sander for doors. A simple sheet of sandpaper that most homeowners have in their garage is more than enough.

Remove hardware from your door. This means unscrewing door handles and hinges. Removing hardware takes a couple of minutes but allows you to paint right next to the hardware. Leaving the hardware on and taping around it leaves fuzzy paint lines and globs of paint on the hardware.

Fill any holes or cracks on your door with wood filler. You can find a small tub for less than $10 that will last a while. Paint does not fill holes or cover cracks. Clean your door and fill in anything that should not be there before you paint.

Paint when there is good weather. Cold or very hot temperatures and humidity make it hard for paint to dry. Check the weather report, and wait for a mild day to start your project. The right weather costs nothing and will help your results look ten times better.

Buy a good quality angled brush that is $10 to $20 instead of cheap options that have loose bristles in the paint. Do not buy disposable plastic drop cloths. An old bed sheet works better and is free. Contractor-grade painter’s tape is another investment that will save you hours of cleanup later.

Pulling It All Together

Painting your exterior door does not need to be a budget buster. As long as you make smart choices when you buy your materials and tools, you can get a door that looks like it was painted by a professional. Preparation, care, and patience are the three keys to success.

Start by painting one door. Learn as you go. Make your mistakes on one door and improve with each project you do. Learn the skills you need and do not put pressure on yourself to finish quickly and skip vital steps. Proper prep and care will allow you to paint more doors faster in the future.

The best budget-friendly paint job is one that looks professional, lasts years, and costs you next to nothing. Follow our tips to make that happen.