There’s so much to love about composite doors. They look good, they’re long-lasting, practical, secure, help insulate your home and they require minimal maintenance. All of these features make composite doors, one of the best front doors for you to install in your home.
However, there are times when you may wish to refresh, or even change the colour of your composite door. Especially if you change the colour of the surrounding decor. So today, we’re answering the question, “Can you paint composite doors?”
The answer is yes. Composite doors can be painted. But this answer comes with a few caveats. There’s a difference between the questions can you paint a composite door and should you paint a composite door.
Most manufacturers don’t recommend painting these doors. But it is possible to paint a composite door.
You’ll need to know a few things if you’re planning to undertake this project, including the best paint for composite doors and how to paint composite doors.
Can you paint composite doors?
So, we’ve already established that you can paint composite doors. However, most manufacturers usually say that you shouldn’t. The reason for that is the composite doors are specially designed to last the distance.
There should never be a reason why you have to repaint your composite doors since they’ll always look as good as can be. If you’re wondering how they are so durable, we discuss that in our posting answering “what is a composite door”.
Can you change the colour of a composite door? Yes, but you’ll need some special tools, or perhaps expert help.
The reasons why composite doors don’t need to be painted
We often get asked what paint to use on composite doors, but the truth is, that no paint at all is usually the way to go!
Here are some reasons why:
UV-Resistance
Professionals know how to paint a composite exterior door. They use UV-resistant materials, which means the colour won’t fade due to exposure to the sun. If you’re wondering ‘can I paint my composite door,’ keep in mind that you might lose some of this resistance.
Rot-Resistance
Most wooden doors are susceptible to rot, but not composite doors. The way they’re manufactured means moisture can’t enter, which means no rotting. This also makes them one of the best front doors for insulation currently on the market.
Scratch-Resistance
Most people want to know how to paint composite front doors because they think that one day the door will have scratches, but that’s not the case. Composite doors resist common signs of wear and tear, especially if the manufacturer has used a high quality paint when producing the composite door..
Longevity
Can a composite door be painted? Yes. Should you need to? No. These doors are made to last, with no warping and no dip in quality. If you’re looking for what paint for composite door, remember that you don’t need paint.
The benefits of not having to paint composite doors
What paint to use on a composite door? None at all. Here’s why.
Low maintenance
Once the door is in place, you can forget about maintenance. People ask what kind of paint do you use on a composite door not because they want to, but because they think they should. But composite doors are very low maintenance — they just don’t need painting.
Eco-friendliness
If you’re asking ‘what paint should I use to paint a composite door that’s also eco-friendly,’ the answer is: the most eco-friendly solution is the composite door itself. It doesn’t need to be treated with paint that may contain toxins harmful to the environment.
Money saving
Can you paint a composite front door in a money-saving way? No. Even the composite doors you can paint require expensive paint. Leaving the door as it is is the way to go.
Factors to Consider Before Painting a Composite Door
As we’ve seen, you don’t need to paint a composite door. But can you paint composite front doors? Yes. If you decide it’s right for you, follow these handy tips.
Manufacturer’s recommendations and warranty considerations
You may void any existing warranty you had for your composite door if you paint it. It’s also worth enquiring from the manufacturer if there are any tips they recommended, including the best primer for composite doors that they produce.
Surface preparation: cleaning and sanding
You’ll need a clean, smooth surface before painting. Sand the surface down and wipe away any dust. The surface should be free of dirt for a smooth finish.
Choosing the right type of paint for composite doors
If you’re asking yourself, ‘can I paint composite door with any old paint?’ The answer is no. It’s best to use oil-based enamel paints.
Climate considerations and optimal painting conditions
Understanding how to paint a composite door UK is about more than just the paint you use. When you paint also matters. Pick a sunny, bright day, so the paint has enough time to dry before the inevitable rain arrives.
How to paint a composite door – Step-by-Step Guide
Gathering the necessary materials and tools
Step one: get all the materials you’ll need. You’ll need to sand and clean the surface before painting, as well as add a primer. You’ll find the job is more straightforward if you have everything you need before you get to work.
Preparing the work area and protecting the surroundings
As with any paint job, you’ll need to make sure the area is ready for work. This depends on where you’ll be painting your composite door, but usually involves putting down protective newspaper and removing any unneeded items.
Priming the composite door surface
Not all paints require a primer, but if yours does, then apply it at this stage. It’ll only require a single layer.
Applying the paint in even coats
Next comes the painting part. You’ll want to have a good-quality brush and have some understanding of how to paint correctly. Remember that it’s important to apply even coats.
Allowing adequate drying time between coats
If you’re planning to apply more than one coat, which is recommended for a professional finish, then give the previous coat some time to dry before applying the next. Two coats will be more than enough, though in some cases a single cost will be fine.
Adding additional protective layers
This might not be necessary, but depending on the paint you’ve used, it may be wise to use a sealant.
Cleaning up and proper disposal of materials
Once you’re done, it’ll just be a matter of cleaning up and correctly disposing of leftover materials. From there, you can install your composite door.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Painted Composite Doors
Whilst composite doors are built to last – you can help prolong the life of your door with some basic maintenance. Here are some quick and easy methods we’d recommend to help your composite door last longer.
Regular cleaning and inspection routines
You can keep your painted composite door in tip-top condition by regularly cleaning the door. A buildup of dirt and grime can compromise the look. It’s also recommended to routinely inspect the door, to check for any signs of damage.
Handling scratches or damage to the painted surface
It’s possible that the painted surface will experience scratches or other damage from time to time. You can use a repair kit that’s specially designed for composite doors to fix these issues, though if it’s a deep scratch, it may be best to get in touch with a professional.
Importance of periodic repainting and touch-ups
Composite doors don’t show signs of wear and tear, but painted composite doors do. You may need to repaint the surface every so often or use a touch-up pen to correct imperfections.
Can you restore a composite door?
Yes, you can. There are products available that can help you bring a composite door back to life, but it’s usually best to contact a professional if the door is showing significant signs of wear and tear.
Can composite doors be polished?
You can polish composite doors, but you shouldn’t. Composite doors have protective layers that mean there’s no advantage to polishing the surface — and in fact, you can actually make things look worse. If you do need to polish it for whatever reason, use a specialist product.
What is the best colour for a composite door?
There’s no single best colour for a composite door. It comes down to personal preference! Some of the most popular options include grey, black, blue, and classic clean white. A good composite door company will have a range of options available.
What is the best paint for a composite door?
As we’ve said, you don’t need to paint a composite door. However, if you decide to undertake the process, then look at using oil-based enamel paints. They’ll offer a better finish and will last longer than latex paint products, which should be avoided.
Can You Paint a Composite Door – Our Take
As we’ve seen, you don’t really need to paint a composite door. Provided you’ve bought from a quality manufacturer (like us), you should have a door that looks great and which is made to last. However, if you do decide to paint your composite door for whatever reason, then take the time to do it correctly. The tips we’ve outlined above will put you on the right track.
If you’d prefer to take the stress out of painting an old composite door, then get in touch with us here at Celestial. We have an outstanding selection of composite doors for internal and external use that can improve the design, security and energy efficiency of your property.
