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Paint your front door.
Sanded back, primed and 2-coat top-coat — Farrow & Ball or comparable, brush-finished.
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Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Dust nibs in the finish
Outdoor painting catches dust and insects. Calm dry weather, sanding between coats minimises this.
Knot bleed-through
Pine doors leak sap through paint within months. Always knot-block with shellac primer first.
Wrong primer
Standard primer on uPVC peels. Use specialist plastic primer (X-Im, Bedec).
Brush marks
Cheap brush or thick paint. Quality brush and thin paint = brush-mark-free finish.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Exterior wood primer per litreOne coat usually enough
£15–£30
Exterior gloss/satinwood per litreDulux Weathershield, Farrow & Ball Exterior
£20–£50
Strip and prep doorIf old paint flaking
£40–£150
Two-coat repaint hung in situIf sound primer base
£80–£250
Full strip + paintHeritage doors
£180–£400
Off-site spray finishDoor removed, sprayed
£250–£500
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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A repainted front door is the cheapest visible kerb-appeal upgrade you can make. Expect to pay £80–£300 for a UK front door professional repaint, depending on prep needed and finish. DIY in a weekend for £30–£80 in materials.
What Does the Work Involve?
Old paint and varnish stripped or sanded. Cracks and chips filled with exterior filler. Bare wood treated with knot-block primer if pine, plus general exterior primer. Two top coats of exterior gloss or eggshell. Door usually painted while hung — masking strap for the lock and letterbox. Quality finish needs a dust-free environment which is difficult outdoors.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior wood primer per litre | 15 | 30 | One coat usually enough |
| Exterior gloss/satinwood per litre | 20 | 50 | Dulux Weathershield, Farrow & Ball Exterior |
| Strip and prep door | 40 | 150 | If old paint flaking |
| Two-coat repaint hung in situ | 80 | 250 | If sound primer base |
| Full strip + paint | 180 | 400 | Heritage doors |
| Off-site spray finish | 250 | 500 | Door removed, sprayed |
| uPVC door painting | 120 | 300 | Specialist plastic primer |
How Long Does It Take?
Hung-in-situ paint with light prep: half a day plus drying. Full strip and repaint: 1–2 days with overnight drying between coats. Off-site spray: 3–5 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able for a weekend project. The skill is in prep and a brush-mark-free finish. Quality brush (Wooster 2-inch synthetic) and quality paint (Dulux Weathershield, Farrow & Ball Exterior Eggshell) make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Any decorator. For premium finishes, ask if they offer spray-finishing off-site. Confirm the paint brand and colour with a written sample before they start.
UK Regulations
Listed buildings need consent for colour change. Conservation areas may have a restricted palette. No regulations otherwise.
Common Problems
- Dust nibs in the finish: Outdoor painting catches dust and insects. Calm dry weather, sanding between coats minimises this.
- Knot bleed-through: Pine doors leak sap through paint within months. Always knot-block with shellac primer first.
- Wrong primer: Standard primer on uPVC peels. Use specialist plastic primer (X-Im, Bedec).
- Brush marks: Cheap brush or thick paint. Quality brush and thin paint = brush-mark-free finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour for a front door?
2026 trends: deep racing greens (Hague Blue or Calke Green), navy, off-black, deep burgundy. Heritage colours: London Stone, Brunswick Green, Black Door. Bold red and yellow still popular.
Best exterior paint?
Dulux Weathershield Exterior Gloss, Farrow & Ball Exterior Eggshell, Crown Trade Solo. For a really durable finish, Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus (sealer) + Cetol Filter 7 (topcoat) is hard to beat.
Can I paint a uPVC door?
Yes — with the right primer (X-Im, Bedec MSP). Voids any manufacturer warranty but extends life of older doors.
Gloss or eggshell for a door?
Traditional: gloss (high sheen, traditional look). Modern: eggshell (lower sheen, hides imperfections, less yellowing in oil-based). Modern eggshell is increasingly popular.
How long does front door paint last?
5–7 years on south-facing exposed doors; 8–12 years on porches/shielded doors. Plan for periodic touch-up of high-wear areas.
Can I change colour completely?
Yes — but light over dark needs 3+ coats and possibly a tinted primer. Dark over light needs 2 coats usually.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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