How much paint for a front door?
Quick Answer
One quart of exterior paint is enough for a standard 36×80-inch front door — it covers both sides (about 40 sq ft per side = 80 sq ft total) with two coats. For a double door or if you're painting the frame and sidelights, buy a half-gallon. A gallon will last for multiple re-paints.
Quick Reference Table
| Door type | Paint needed (2 coats) |
|---|---|
| Single door (36×80") | 1 quart |
| Single + frame/trim | 1 quart–½ gallon |
| Double door | ½–1 gallon |
| Door + sidelights | 1 gallon |
| With primer coat | +1 quart primer |
| Re-paint (no primer) | 1 quart |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Calculate door area: 36" × 80" = 2,880 sq in = 20 sq ft per face. Both sides = 40 sq ft.
- 2
Add frame and molding: roughly 10–15 sq ft extra.
- 3
Total: 50–55 sq ft. One quart covers 100 sq ft per coat — plenty for 2 coats.
- 4
If bare wood or drastic color change, prime first with a quart of exterior primer.
Pro Tip
Use a small foam roller for flat door panels and a brush only for the recessed details — it gives a smoother finish than brush-only. Apply in the shade on a day between 50–90°F. Exterior door paint dries tacky and can stick to the frame if you close it too soon — wait 2 hours minimum.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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