In general, the best time to paint outdoors is during the Spring and Fall when temperatures are mild. You want to avoid painting outdoors in weather below about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold temperatures can affect paint’s adhesion. In the Summer, painting in hot, direct sunlight can also cause paint to crack if the water evaporates from it too quickly.

Spring and Fall are also good times to paint because you are probably doing yard work anyway. Clearing out dead foliage from winter and planting new flowers adds immediate curb appeal. You will want to dress the front of your home, and a freshly painted front door can do just that!

PRO TIP: In addition to painting your front door, you can also paint your stairs or walkway. Jolie Paint loves concrete and absorbs into its porous surface.

Always begin by cleaning your front door really well to remove any dirt and algae that may have built up over time. You can use biodegradable cleaners, like Simple Green, or some good old fashion bleach and water with a scrub brush. You will want to make sure that the surface is rinsed thoroughly with water and dried well before painting.

You may choose to remove your door or hardware before painting; however, this step is optional. If you do not remove your hardware, we recommend taping it off with painters tape for easy clean-up.

Unlike many traditional paints, Jolie Paint can be applied over existing oil-based or latex paints without priming. While sanding isn’t usually necessary, it can be helpful to give the surface a light sand with 220 grit sandpaper (or the Jolie Sanding Sponge in black) to remove any loose paint or debris and create surface tension, which will help Jolie Paint to adhere better. You do not have to sand to remove the underlying material.

Most doors will require 2-3 coats of Jolie Paint. Apply your paint with a brush, roller or sprayer, taking special care to catch any drips or pooling in recessed areas. We recommend painting with the grain to avoid unwanted brushstrokes.

After painting your door, you may want to apply a topcoat for added protection. You should never use Jolie Finishing Wax outside because the heat can soften the wax or even melt it. Instead, we recommend Jolie Varnish or leaving your door unsealed.

Although Jolie Varnish is water-resistant, it is not water-proof, so it’s best for doors in covered areas. It’s available in two sheen levels. Use Low-Luster for a subtle matte finish, or Gloss for more of a statement look.

If you are painting outdoors and do not have the benefit of a covered space, we recommend using no topcoat and instead leaving your door unsealed. When moisture gets trapped beneath a topcoat, it can push the finish from the surface cause it to peel. Leaving your paint unsealed will allow moisture to move through the paint, and your door will weather better over time. Be sure to check the weather before beginning your project and allow for Jolie Paint to cure at least 5 days exposing it to rain so that it can be more hardwearing. It will take about 3 weeks for Jolie Paint to fully cure and harden.