Can You Paint Composite Doors?

For all homeowners, front doors are among the most essential parts of a property. They act as a gateway into your home, offer protection and are also one of the first things people see when they visit – so it’s important they remain in good condition.  

With this in mind, many of us may want to give our front doors a new lick of paint every now and again. Composite doors have become one of the most popular types of front doors in UK homes in recent years, and if you’re considering giving yours a new look or want it to match a new colour scheme, you may be wondering if painting the door is a viable option.   

In this blog, we’ll explore whether you can paint composite doors as well as take a closer look at why they’ve become such an in demand product in UK homes.

What are composite doors?

Before we delve into whether you can paint a composite door, it’s important to understand exactly what one is. Many people probably don’t think too deeply about the type of front door they own, but composite doors are among the most innovative types you can get.

This is because rather than being made of just a single material, composite doors are manufactured using a combination of materials. Most typically, they’re made from the likes of uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), GRP (glass reinforced plastic), insulating foam and wood. 

Using such a diverse range of materials means that you’ll be left with a product that offers a variety of features, rather than just one or two.

What are the advantages of composite doors?

As previously mentioned, because composite doors use multiple materials rather than just one it means there are multiple advantages to having one installed. 

Some of the key benefits include:   

1. Durability- Due to the use of several materials, composite doors are more resilient than other door options. They’re less likely to warp, split or rot – meaning they’re ideal for every property. 
2. Secure – Security is understandably a key concern for homeowners, and the likes of uPVC and GRP that are used to manufacture composite doors make it harder for thieves or intruders to force entry. 
3. Insulated – At a time when energy prices have rocketed, good home insulation is vital. The insulating foam in composite doors can keep heat inside the home during winter, making you more efficient with your energy and saving you money on bills.   
4. Low maintenance – Composite doors are designed to be low maintenance and require very little attention. Cleaning them with simple soap and water every now and again is all you need to do to keep them at their best.  
5. Aesthetically pleasing – They also look great. Composite doors are available in a whole host of colours, designs and styles meaning you can choose a product that perfectly complements the unique look of your home. 

Can you paint a composite door?

Now you have a good understanding of exactly what composite doors are, let’s take a look at whether they can be painted. 

In short, yes, composite doors are suitable for painting if you want to breathe new life into your front door, want to change its colour to match your home’s style or simply fancy a change. 

However, there are some important things to consider before proceeding with the painting process. We’ll go into more detail about this in the sections below.

Best paint for composite doors

Due to the complex makeup of composite doors, regular paint that you’d usually use for painting wooden doors will not be suitable. If you don’t use a paint that is formulated for composite materials, you could be left with a door that has faded paint, is discoloured and is more likely to chip, peel and crack. 

With this in mind, we’d recommend using oil-based enamel paints. This is because they offer greater coverage and fewer potential issues. If you’re unsure of the best paint for composite doors or require more advice, you could speak to the door manufacturer, supplier or your local DIY store for advice.  

How to paint a composite door

Now, let’s take a look at how to paint a composite door. There are a number of steps you should follow in order to most effectively paint your door. 

They are as follows. 

Clean

Due to being exposed to the elements at all times, it’s normal for doors to pick up dirt, debris and dust. You’ll want to remove this before beginning the painting process as it’ll make it harder for the paint to stick to the surface if it’s dirty. Use sugar soap for the best results, you can buy this online or in most DIY shops. 

Sand

Next, lightly sand the door with fine grade sandpaper. This will help the paint to adhere to the door and flatten any lumps or bumps in the door. Be careful not to sand too aggressively as this can damage the door. 

Prime (depending on the paint)

Depending on the type of paint you’re using, you may need to prime your composite door. Check the instructions of your paint for advice. If you do need to prime it, follow the guidance of your product and apply an even coat over the door. Then, wait the appropriate drying time as set out by the primer’s instructions.   

Paint

Now you’re ready to paint your composite doors. Use a brush or roller and paint in the direction of the wood grain. To really make the new paint stand out, you may need to do multiple coats until you’re happy with how it looks. 

Seal (optional)

This step is optional but if you want to ensure greater longevity and better protection you can apply a seal. Beeswax or similar products are most suitable to keep the new paint looking great.

Final Thoughts

If you’re changing the colour of your door, its warranty may be affected. You may want to check the details of your warranty agreement before beginning. As well as this, painting your door could impact how much maintenance it needs, so be prepared that you may need to do more upkeep in the future. 

By following these simple steps, you’re sure to be left with stunningly painted composite doors that you can be proud of.