Dr Dulux: How to Paint a uPVC Front Door

Fed up with white uPVC? Find out how to paint your uPVC front door with Dr Dulux. Get the know-how to transform your front door with this step-by-step guide.

Painting and decorating isn’t just about sprucing up your interior. Sometimes exteriors need a little TLC, too. Want to freshen up your uPVC door? Many people ask, ‘can you paint uPVC front doors?’ and don’t realise that painting a uPVC door is even possible. Luckily, Dr Dulux is here to guide you on how to expertly paint your exteriors.

Q: My white uPVC front door looks a bit tired and dated now. Can I paint it?

A: If you inherited a uPVC front door when you bought your house, you’ll probably notice two things about it. Firstly, it’s built to last and will work well for years to come. Secondly, and here’s the downside, it will start to show its age after a few years. The trouble with white plastic is that it tends to discolour after a while, especially if it’s exposed to the sun and the rain all the time. Fortunately, by painting your uPVC front door, you can get it back to looking its best and boost your home’s kerb appeal. Here’s how you do it.

Watch how to paint your uPVC doors and windows with Dulux Weathershield Multi-Surface below here: https://youtu.be/Xda6PRScXCw

How to paint a uPVC door: 4 simple steps 

Want to know how to go about painting a uPVC door? Painting uPVC is simple to do with a little prep and the right paint. So, if you want to make your front door more welcoming or attention-grabbing, a mini makeover is in order.

Tools needed for painting a uPVC door:

• Bucket and sponge
• Dust sheet
• Sandpaper
• Dusting brush
• Masking tape
• Primer and paint
• Stirring stick
• Paintbrush

1. Remove any door furniture

Before you even think about picking up a paintbrush, you need to remove any door furniture. By this, we mean things like doorknobs and knockers, or if you have an ornate letterbox. Removing these extras will leave you with a simpler surface to paint over. Plus, it means you have the option of sprucing up your door furniture before you screw it back on. More on that in a moment...
 

2. Prep the uPVC door ready for painting

Wondering how to prepare a uPVC door for painting? Start by using a brush to sweep away any dust or cobwebs. Then, wash your door with a sponge and soapy water, dry it, and place a dust sheet beneath the open door.

Next, use a light sandpaper all over the surface of the door to create a key for the paint to stick to. Make sure you go all around the door frame, from top to bottom, paying particular attention to any window frames within the door. Mask off handles and other details.

We painted this uPVC door in Ruby Fountain 1.

3. Pick a paint that will work on uPVC doors

Choosing the right paint for your uPVC door project is really important.
 

What paint can you use on uPVC doors?

One of the easiest paints to use is our Dulux Weathershield Multi-Surface paint. You can apply it directly to your uPVC door without the need for a primer. Plus, it guarantees six years of weather protection to keep your uPVC door looking great for longer. In this example, we used Green Glade.

Keep in mind that if you decide to use a shade from our Weathershield quick-dry satin or gloss range, you need to use the Dulux Difficult Surface Primer first. And remember, as it’s a water-based paint, you should only paint your uPVC door on a day when the temperature is above 10°c so it dries properly.

You can paint your uPVC front door with a roller or brush – it’s your choice. Whatever makes the job easy and enjoyable.

Not sure which colours to choose for your front door? Whether you want to create a statement or guarantee a warm welcome, we have some lovely colour combination inspiration for you right here. 

4. Decide on the finishing touches

Once you’ve gone to the trouble of painting your uPVC front door, it would seem a shame to stop there. So, why not take some time to dress your doorway and make the entrance even more inviting? Use potted plants to add colour and charm – or a brand-new doormat to show off your style and personality.

Don’t forget to upgrade your front door accessories, too. The metallic letterbox, door-knocker and handle on this uPVC door really complement Indigo Shade – a new colour in the Dulux Weathershield Quick Dry Satin range.

Want more ideas for painting your front door? Check out these 3 front door makeovers that make an entrance. Or, if it’s colour inspiration that you’re looking for, discover how to choose a front door colour that suits your home.