If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home, you should paint your front door. With Spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get started. Cornish Milk Mineral Paint provides an easy solution for refreshing your door with minimal preparation. Here are some tips for making your front door look better.
Painting when it's time
The best time to paint outdoors is during the spring and autumn when temperatures are mild. Paint adhesion can be affected by cold temperatures below about 10 degrees Celsius. When painting in the summer in direct sunlight, paint can crack if the water evaporates too quickly, causing white spots.
As you are probably preparing for the season by gardening anyway, spring and autumn are also good times to paint. Planting new flowers and clearing out dead foliage will add immediate curb appeal. A freshly painted front door will dress up the front of your home!
You can also paint the woodwork on your windows and paths along with your front door. The porous surface of concrete is perfect for Cornish Milk to absorb.
Getting the surface ready
The best way to remove dirt and algae from your front door is to clean it thoroughly. It is possible to use biodegradable cleaners such as Cornish Milk's BioClean. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the surface with water and allow it to dry before painting.
If you wish to remove your door or hardware before painting, you may do so; however, this step is optional. For easy cleanup, we recommend taping off your hardware with painters tape if you do not remove it.
Cornish Milk Mineral Paint can be applied over existing water-based or latex paints without priming, but it requires sanding with 220 grit sandpaper to remove any loose paint or debris and create surface tension, which makes Cornish Milk adhere better. Sanding is not necessary to remove the underlying material completely.
Application
Cornish Milk Mineral Paint should be applied in 2-3 coats to most doors. Make sure you catch any drips or pools in recessed areas as you apply your paint with a brush, roller or sprayer. To avoid unwanted brushstrokes, we recommend painting with the grain. Adding water to the paint will create a single cream consistency, which will produce minimal brush strokes if the paint is too thick.
For added protection, apply a topcoat after painting your door. Finishing Wax should never be used outside because the heat can soften it or even melt it. We recommend Cornish Milk Extreme Lacquer or leaving your door unsealed, which will cause natural weathering and can look beautiful for rustic cottages over time.
Cornish Milk's lacquer is water-resistant but not water-proof, so it is best for covered doors. There are two levels of sheen available. Satin sheen for a more statement look, or flat matt for a matt finish.
We recommend you leave your door unsealed if you are painting outdoors and do not have a covered area, or you can use a fully weather-proof lacquer from a DIY shop, such as B&Q. If moisture gets trapped beneath a topcoat such as Cornish Milk's extreme lacquer which is not weather-proof, it can cause the finish to peel. Your door will weather better over time if you leave your paint unsealed.
It is recommended that you check the weather before beginning your project and allow Cornish Milk Mineral Paint to cure for at least 5 days before exposing it to rain so that it will be more durable. Cornish Milk takes about seven days to fully cure and harden, but it could take longer due to the season and temperature.
