Old Door Refresh

Old Door Refresh

Posted by DecoArt on Jun 17th 2018

The one thing I love most about the power of paint, is that it can completely transform, and give something old a fresh look.

Our home was built in 1960. When we moved in, our home had original windows and doors. We replaced most of the windows, and the front door, but the side door we kind of forgot about, since we never use it. Yet, every time I saw it, I would cringe at its ugliness...For almost 20 years. I knew I wanted to do something about it, but replacing the door was out of our budget. 

We recently participated in a garden walk, and have a graduation party coming up...And, I decided it was time to spruce up that ugly door! There’s nothing like a big party, or event, to tackle projects that you’ve been putting off for two decades! I used DecoArt Curb Appeal in Salem Grey to paint both the wood door underneath, and the original metal framed, storm door to give it a fresh look. 

Items Needed:

  • 2 Inch Angle Brush
  • 1 Inch Brush
  • Painter's Tape
  • Rags
  • Soapy Water
  • Sponge

Instructions:

Instruction Image #1

Before:

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I started by cleaning both doors with a sponge and soapy water and letting it dry. They were dirty! After I let them dry for 24 hours, I painted on a clear day with low humidity. Anytime the weather predicts a lot of rain, or high humidity, it’s a bad time to paint. The more moisture that’s in the air, the longer paint will take to dry. 

First, I painted the storm door, including the surrounding flashing and the outside edges, and let it dry.

Instruction Image #3

After a few hours, I applied a second coat. And let dry 24 hours.

You might ask why I used a 2-inch angle brush to paint the door, instead of a roller. Since it’s an old door, it didn’t have the smoothest surface, the wood in the door had small splits from age, and time, so I didn’t use a roller. The brush made it much easier to get in all of the nooks and crannies. The small 1-inch brush helped in spaces where the bigger brush didn’t fit. On a newer, smoother door, a roller would for sure be a better option for a smoother result. This door is old and full of cracks.

Instruction Image #4

The next day, I tackled the interior door, using the same technique. I applied an even coat, using the brush to get in any places that were slightly “weathered” from age, and using painter’s tape, and a smaller brush to paint the window panel edges.

When I was done, I left the storm door slightly propped so the interior door could dry, but would still be protected from the elements.

Instruction Image #5

I love how the Curb Appeal completely changed the way the door looks! It’s amazing how I am now not so sad when I walk by it, and kind of wish I had done it years ago.

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Nothing like doing a project 20 years later!

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Find more creative inspiration at my site, JenniferRizzo.com, or visit my retail store The Collective lhe Makery in Lisle, IL.