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John Sez:
PAINTING FRONT DOORS?
Painting doors that face outside present a special challenge. One of the reasons that special consideration is given to painting doors is that the swinging door allows the eye to view the surface straight on, as well as at an extreme angle. Looking straight into a painted surface shows the fewest imperfections but as one looks at a painted surface at an increased angle to a light source, irregularities in the surface and in the paint become more obvious. We all want to make a good impression to those who visit our home, and the front door is probably the most observed surface of the house.
Carefully painting the front door, while it is cool and in the shade, with brush strokes in the same direction of the wood grain gives the best results. Apply the paint quickly without brushing back into semi-dried paint. This will allow any brush marks in the paint to “level”, or become as smooth as much as possible.
Although dry to touch, latex paint will stay soft for many days after application. Fresh paint on many doors with a weather stripping around the doorframe may stick to this weather stripping. When the door is opened, the paint on the door edges may be pulled off. If possible, allow the door to stay partially open for several days to avoid this sticking. A lockable storm door would allow extra dry time yet provide security.
More painting questions are answered on our www.belcaro.com website.
Belcaro Paint & Decorating Center, Inc.
www.belcaro.com
5475 Leetsdale Dr., Denver, CO 80246 303-757-5435
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