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.
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