Front‑Door Painting Costs Guide Scope of Works Mask & protect surrounding brickwork, floor and hardware. Remove or mask door furniture , letterbox and seals...
Front door painting in the UK typically costs £150–£500 for a professional job, depending on door material, condition, and number of coats. A like-for-like repaint of a sound timber front door runs £150-£280; restoration of a peeling or weathered door (with stripping, filling, priming, multiple coats) is £280-£500.
The front door is the highest-impact paint job on most UK houses — it's the first thing visitors see and the most-photographed part of an estate-agent listing. Cheap repainting often shows; the £100-£200 premium for a quality job pays back in kerb appeal.
Typical UK costs
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like repaint (sound door, 1-2 coats) | £150–£280 |
| Strip + fill + prime + paint (poor condition) | £280–£500 |
| Colour change repaint (full process) | £250–£450 |
| Front door + frame | £200–£400 |
| Front door + frame + porch | £350–£700 |
| UPVC / composite door re-spray | £300–£600 |
| Period door restoration (Victorian / Edwardian) | £400–£800 |
The full process for a quality front door repaint
- Inspection and prep — remove door furniture (handle, knocker, letterbox, hinges if doing both faces). Mask off glass.
- Surface preparation — scrape any peeling, sand to remove gloss, fill nicks and gouges with appropriate filler.
- Stripping (if needed) — heat gun and scraper, or chemical paint stripper. Heritage doors may need careful stripping to avoid damaging detail.
- Priming — appropriate primer for the substrate (wood primer, knot block, metal primer for hardware areas).
- Topcoat — coat 1 — gloss, satin, or eggshell finish. Allow 16-24 hours to fully dry.
- Light sanding between coats — fine sandpaper to key the surface for the next coat.
- Topcoat — coat 2 — second coat for full coverage and sheen.
- Refit door furniture — once paint is fully cured (24-48 hours).
Total time: typically 2-3 days due to drying. Doors can be hung again the same day as final coat in some cases.
Choosing the right paint and finish
- Exterior gloss — traditional shiny finish, very durable. Shows imperfections more visibly.
- Exterior satin — softer sheen, slightly less hardwearing than gloss but more forgiving of surface flaws.
- Exterior eggshell — flat-ish finish, contemporary look. Less protective; needs more frequent reapplication.
- Specialist door paints — Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell, Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell, Mylands. Premium pricing, premium finish.
Popular UK front door colours
- Black — classic, contemporary, hides dirt. Always in fashion.
- Dark grey / charcoal — modern alternative to black. Pairs well with most facades.
- Navy blue — sophisticated, increasingly popular. Strong colour without being loud.
- Hunter green / forest green — period appropriate for Victorian / Edwardian homes.
- Burgundy / oxblood — traditional, period appropriate.
- Sage green / heritage shades — Farrow & Ball's Pigeon, Down Pipe, Inchyra Blue lead trends.
Things people often miss
- Weather window — exterior paint needs 16-24 hours of dry weather between coats. UK winters are tough; spring or summer is the better time.
- Door direction — north-facing doors fade slowest; south-facing doors fade fastest from UV. Match paint type to exposure.
- Door material matters — timber doors benefit from sanding back to bare wood every 5-10 years to prevent paint build-up. UPVC and composite need different products (specialist UPVC primer + paint).
- Period door stripping — Victorian and Edwardian doors often have multiple paint layers including lead-based paints. Use a specialist for stripping these — lead exposure is a real risk.
- Door furniture replacement — repainting is the right time to upgrade tired handles, knockers, letterboxes. New brass or chrome fittings transform a door for £40-£200.
- Number visibility — repaint and number replacement timing should be coordinated; the new number stands out fresh against the new colour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does front door painting take?
2-3 days from start to finish, due to drying time between coats. Most painters do prep day 1, first coat day 2, second coat day 3. The door can usually be used (closed and locked) overnight between coats.
Can a UPVC door be painted?
Yes, with specialist UPVC primer and paint (Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3, Dulux Trade Weathershield). Cost £300-£600 fitted. Less durable than original UPVC factory finish; expect to re-paint every 4-6 years.
How often should a front door be repainted?
Timber doors with full gloss: 4-6 years before showing wear. Eggshell finishes: 3-5 years. South / west facing doors: shorter intervals due to UV damage. North / east: longer.
Should I strip the old paint?
If the existing paint is sound (no peeling, no excessive thickness): no, just sand and overcoat. If peeling, blistering, or has 5+ layers built up: yes, strip back to wood for a quality finish. Adds £100-£250 to the job.
Can I paint my front door myself?
For a sound door with simple paint colour change: yes, achievable DIY job over a weekend. For period doors, restoration jobs, or where high-quality finish matters (pre-sale): a specialist's £200-£400 is worth the difference.
What's the best paint for a front door?
Specialist exterior door paints (Farrow & Ball Modern Exterior Eggshell, Dulux Trade Weathershield Gloss, Sandtex Trade) all perform well. £35-£70 per litre for a quality finish; £15-£30 for budget options that need more frequent re-application.
Want a local pro to handle this? A painter and decorator with exterior experience will deliver a finished front door that lasts 5-7 years. £200-£400 well-spent given the kerb appeal value of a smart front door.
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.
