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myExterior Door Painting Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of painting exterior doors is around £200.
- The job will take around 2 to 4 hours to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown that includes the types of door paint you can choose from, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should take and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire professional painters.
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Want to find out how much painting outside doors costs?
In this guide, we will look at the costs involved in painting exterior doors, including the types of doors, material costs, and any additional costs that are commonly associated with such a task. On average, you're looking at a spend of around £200.
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£200
Table of Contents
How Much To Paint a Door Exterior?
If you're looking to paint an exterior door, the average cost of this can depend on the size, type and material of the door, as well as how many coats of paint and primer are needed.
Typically, the cost to paint an exterior door without any extra work can cost around £150. But the cost to paint an exterior door with glass panels which needs knotting and sanding, can be up to £250 per door.
An exterior door paint job can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours depending on the type of door, size of the door, how many coats you need and the material. You may be looking to replace the former paint job, which will require sanding.
You can do this yourself if you're looking for a cheap option. However, if you want the job done right, it's always in your best interest to hire a professional painter and decorator to complete the job to a high standard.
What are the best paint products/brands or/and types of paint for covering a door with? Are there any special after paint treatments I should apply?
"Hello, when it comes to exterior doors, I recommend leyland oil paints, of course. 2 times foundation and 2 times gloss"
Exterior Door Paint Prices
Below is a table of the average costs for painting an exterior door with materials, labour and waste removal:
| Type of Door | Average Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plain composite door | £150–£180 | 2 hours |
| Plain composite door with sanding & knotting | £200–£250 | 2–3 hours |
| uPVC door with glass panels | £200–£220 | 2–4 hours |
| uPVC door with glass panels - sanding & knotting | £250–£300 | 3–4 hours |
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Supply Cost to Paint Exterior Door
Below is a table of the average costs for material paint supply when buying individually for a DIY job:
| Type of Paint | Cost per Litre | Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Primer | £20–£40 | Base layer |
| Stain & Varnish | £25–£50 | Protective layer |
| Covering paint | £30–£55 | Cover paint |
| Metallic paint | £25–£35 | Decoration |
| Blackboard paint | £30–£50 | Decoration |
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Labour Cost to Paint Exterior Door & Timescales
The typical labour cost for painting an exterior door is usually between £150 and £250 per day, depending on how many doors need doing and if the door requires priming, sanding and finishing.
You can end up paying additional costs for the supplies including, primers, paint, protective sealants, and/or waterproof agents, as well as any waste and clean up costs.
The amount of time it takes to complete this job is usually between 1 and 2 days, depending on how much prep needs doing and how many doors are to be painted. Overall, the job can be done very quickly and shouldn't cause too much disruption to your home or day.
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Factors That Impact the Cost of Painting Exterior Doors
The cost of painting an exterior door may not always be one fixed price. There are several cost-affecting factors that can alter the price of your paint job. Below are just a few reasons why your prices may vary between £100 and £400.
Type of Door
The material of the door plays a big part in cost. Timber doors often need more prep, filler, and sanding before you can even start painting. Metal or uPVC doors can be quicker. That said, they still need the right kind of paint and primer. Oil-based paints work well on wood, while water-based ones suit uPVC better. The paint and prep combo you need will change how much you’ll pay in total.
Pre-condition
If your door’s seen better days, expect to pay a bit more. Cracks, peeling paint, or signs of rot all need sorting before the first brushstroke. Sometimes that means filling, sanding, or even treating the wood for damp. A smooth, solid surface gives the best finish — and it’s faster for your decorator to paint, too.
Location
Where you live in the country also plays a big factor when pricing up jobs. If you're living in London, then it could potentially cost up to £700 for all the doors in your home to be painted, whereas if you live up north, it probably won't be more than £400.
Other Related Jobs
If your front door’s looking worn-out, you might be drawn to push things a bit more. If the door’s seen better days – warped, cracked, or just too far gone – some homeowners decide it’s easier to swap the whole door instead of repainting it.
A new front door can cost anywhere from £500 to £2,000. But it all depends on the look you’re going for and the material you choose.
It’s also a good time to check your windows. Do your timber frames need a refresh? It makes sense to repaint them while you already have a decorator on-site.
Or, if they’re in poor shape, you might look into new window installations. For a three-bed home in the UK, you’re looking at around £3,750, but this varies with size, style, and materials.
What's Involved in Exterior Door Painting?
Painting an exterior door in the right way takes more than a hasty once-over with a brush. You’ll need to prep correctly as well as the right paint, not to mention the patience to let each coat dry.
That’s why bringing in a professional is a much better option— they’ll do it efficiently, speedily, and the finish will last for years.
If you’d rather bypass the bother, get free quotes from local painters. You’ll receive a few prices to compare and can pick someone who fits your budget and style — no obligation, no stress.
Here’s what’s typically involved when a professional paints an exterior door:
Preparation
- Remove fixtures — The letterbox, door knocker, and other external fixtures are taken off the door.
- Filling in gaps — Once cleaned, if there are any holes or gaps, these are filled with a quick-drying filler.
- Sanding the wood — Once any wood filler has dried, the door is then sanded down to create a smooth surface.
- Knot treatment — This is added to prevent resin from bleeding through the paint.
Prime & Paint
- Apply primer — A suitable primer is added to help the paint adhere and last longer.
- Painting — Two coats of your chosen paint are applied for a full, even finish.
- Topcoat — A final gloss topcoat is added for durability and shine.
- Reattach fixtures — Once everything is dry, the letterbox and door knocker are refitted.
While these steps are related specifically to wooden doors, it shows there is more to the job than simply painting. If you are asking a professional for a quote, they should also be able to advise how they plan to go about the work.
Types of Exterior Paint
There are many types of exterior paint to choose from when deciding on a finish for your door.
Your door is one of the first things people see when they come into your home, so you want to make sure that it's painted to the highest standard and is long-lasting, so you don't have to keep redoing it. Below are just a few of the primary paints you can choose from to ensure the perfect finish.
Primer Paint
Rather than a topcoat, primer is essentially a base layer that ensures better paint adhesion and durability.
Pros
- ✔ Helps the paint apply to the surface.
- ✔ Increases the lifespan of the topcoat.
- ✔ Creates a smooth finish.
- ✔ Reduces number of coats required.
Cons
- ✖ Extra step makes the whole process take longer.
- ✖ Need to ensure you use the correct primer (oil or water-based).
- ✖ Applying primer isn't a solution on its own.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a versatile and durable water-based option that suits multiple surfaces.
Pros
- ✔ Long-lasting and flexible.
- ✔ Resistant to cracks or sun damage.
- ✔ Effective and fast drying.
- ✔ Easy to clean-up with water.
Cons
- ✖ Not as smooth compared to oil-based paints.
- ✖ Can require more than one coat.
- ✖ More expensive compared to other options.
Latex Paint
Ideal for those frequently changing the colour of their door, latex paint provides a quick refresh due to its easy removal and clean-up.
Pros
- ✔ Easy to apply and clean.
- ✔ Paint dries quickly.
- ✔ More environmentally friendly.
- ✔ Ideal if painting regularly.
Cons
- ✖ Less durable than other options.
- ✖ Not practical for high-traffic or exposed doors.
- ✖ May require more frequent maintenance.
Oil Paint
Oil-based paint is known for providing a hard, glossy, traditional finish designed to withstand general wear and tear.
Pros
- ✔ Extremely durable and weather-resistant.
- ✔ Rich and attractive finish.
- ✔ Provides excellent coverage.
- ✔ Ideal for metal or wood doors.
Cons
- ✖ Takes longer to dry.
- ✖ Strong fumes and higher VOCs.
- ✖ Requires solvents to clean.
- ✖ May discolour over time.
Checklist: Hiring an Exterior Door Painter
Getting your front door painted sounds simple enough, but it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. The wrong painter can leave you with drips, brush marks, or paint that peels by winter. Here’s what to check before you hire someone:
- Do they actually specialise in exterior work? Painting outside isn’t the same as doing a bedroom wall. You’ll want someone who knows how to prep properly and use weatherproof paints that last.
- Can they show examples of their work? Find out if they have a portfolio of photos or check out their MyJobQuote profile. You’ll be able to see pretty soon whether they take pride in spotless, professional finishes.
- What preparation is included? Your local painter won’t just arrive with paint. A good one will sand, prime, and repair chips or rot first. Ask them whether or not this is part of the quote.
- Are they insured? While they don’t have to have public liability insurance, it’s peace of mind for you. Because if something gets damaged during the job, you (and they) won’t be covered.
- Do they use the right paint? Exterior doors need durable, weather-resistant paint. Find out what brands they use and how many coats they plan to apply.
- Does the quote make sense and is it detailed enough? You’ll want a full breakdown — paint, prep, labour, and clean-up. Always get 2 or 3 quotes to compare before making your decision.
- Do they guarantee their work? Several painters offer a short warranty against flaking or fading. It’s worth asking, especially for exposed front doors that take a beating from the weather.
FAQs
Can I Paint My Exterior Door Myself?
You can, but it’s trickier than it looks. Getting a bump-free, lasting finish takes time, prep, and the right equipment. Skip a step, and the paint can start peeling within months. For instance, latex paint won’t stick to glossy oil paint unless you first use a bonding primer. By the time you’ve bought everything (brushes, filler, primer, paint), you’ll have spent nearly as much as hiring someone. Rather skip the hassle? Hire a local decorator – they’ll get things done fast and to a high standard.
Do I Need To Strip Old Paint Before Repainting My Front Door?
Not always. If the paint you have isn’t flaking or cracked, give it a good clean and light sand. This will be enough before priming and repainting. But if it’s peeling, bubbling, or worn through in patches, sand or strip it back. Painting directly over damaged paint is more hassle than it’s worth – the new coat will fail in the same spots.
What Type of Paint Is Best for Exterior Doors?
A high-quality exterior paint is the secret — something made to take showers, sun, and fluctuating temperatures. Oil-based paints work brilliantly on wood or metal. They leave a classic glossy finish, though they take longer to dry (and can smell quite strong). Lots of people now go for water-based or acrylic exterior paints instead. That’s because they dry faster, plus clean up is much easier. And the real plus is they still hold up well outdoors if you use a good primer first.
What Are Common Front Door Painting Mistakes?
The most common mistake is not doing the prep work. Paint won’t stick if the surface isn’t clean, dry, and lightly sanded. Forgetting to prime or painting straight over old glossy paint can also cause issues. Another one to avoid? Painting in the wrong weather. If it’s too cold, hot, or damp, the paint can blister or dry unevenly. And always mask your handles, hinges, and letterbox — it saves hours of scraping later.
When’s the Best Time of Year To Paint an Exterior Door?
Go for a dry, mild day. Spring, summer, or early autumn in the UK is best. Avoid painting in extreme heat, cold, or damp conditions, as these stop the paint from drying evenly. Aim for calm weather with stable temperatures. That way, each coat can dry in the right way without dust, rain, or condensation spoiling the finish.
