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The Black Door

July 21, 2009 by Chris

Oh how I wish I could have sound effects for that title.  Think echoes.  Anyway, I’ve been asked about the back garage door by several, so I guess it’s time to share my wealth of knowledge (again, echoes here).

How to paint your back door

The #1 piece of advice I can give you is to get the paint I used.  The paint store lady swore by this, and boy was she right!  I guess she works there for a reason. I did nothing to this door but wipe it down with some light soap and water.  No prep, no sanding, no priming.  As a matter of fact, there is no priming needed for this paint.
Benjamin Moore Metal and Wood
I only bought a quart of it, and it has lasted through the back door, my barstools, and most of my bathroom cabinets.  I still have about 1/4 left!
painted chairs
As you can see, I did not paint the interior.  I taped off the deadbolt and door handle.  For the cut in grooves, I used a cheapo sponge brush (see below).  For the flat parts, I used a sponge roller.  I SWEAR by sponge rollers.  They give such a smooth finish, and there’s no marks left behind.
IMG_6306
Just a little note…I did sand the chairs down.  I did it before I knew about this paint, but I still would have (just not as much).  I wouldn’t necessarily recommend never sanding.  I just don’t think this paint needs much of it.
IMG_6304 Good luck with the black doors, ladies!

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Chris

Chris

Well, hello. Ahem. Allow myself to introduce..my..self. My name is Chris! And I’m a blogger! I got into blogging after spending months reading all the inspiration that is found in blogland. I thought to myself, “Self, I can do this. I might have something to offer too!” And so it began...
Chris

@https://twitter.com/justagirlblog1

Chris
Chris

Chris

Chris

Latest posts by Chris (see all)

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Filed Under: Decorating, Projects

About Chris

Well, hello. Ahem. Allow myself to introduce..my..self. My name is Chris! And I’m a blogger! I got into blogging after spending months reading all the inspiration that is found in blogland. I thought to myself, “Self, I can do this. I might have something to offer too!” And so it began...

Comments

  1. Magic Brush says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:00 am

    We use that paint on all of our black kitchen cabinets, islands and furniture pieces. It is so wonderful!!!!!! They do have the same product in 2 really nice red shades also that we love!!!!

  2. Kim says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:10 am

    I am coming out of lurkdom to post a big thank you! Our front door is already black, but it really needs to be re-painted. I'm all over this!

    And hey, if you want to do a how-to on patching extra holes one may make when trying to play Bob The Builder and install shelves, I won't hold it against you :O).

  3. DESJ and Company says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:16 am

    YAY!
    My door is supposed to be black. It's gray. Silly "black" paint from Lowes. It makes me sad. This will make me happy.
    Thank you!

    BTW is it pricey?

  4. Mrs. E says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:21 am

    Is it right that your door leading in from the garage is so awesome looking?! (Frankly, I'm not sure my front door looks THAT good!) I love it!

  5. Kristen says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:21 am

    Everyday I walk into my yuck grey primed door in my garage. I'm painting it. Shhh…don't tell my husband.

  6. Kristen says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:22 am

    ps…the white in the bathroom looks TERRIBLE!!! Total rental – I hate it. I'm going to get the turquoise and have the store 1/2 the color. I think it'll be fun with the orange rugs. THEN the baseboards had to be torn out too…grrr! So much for my quick weekend project!

  7. Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:22 am

    This is my next project actually! I'm going to use paint I already have — I hope it holds up!!

  8. Chris says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:26 am

    Oh gosh…I can't remember the price. Maybe around $15.00? Sorry. It's worth every penny.

  9. Traci says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:27 am

    Hey,
    I love the black door. I just painted the door in my garage black too, and I love it. I used a Valspar paint, and it worked great for me. I like the numbers on your door. I was thinking of stenciling "welcome" or something on mine since everyone enters through my garage instead of my front door! I hope to post pictures of mine soon.
    Blessings,
    Traci

  10. ~Amy says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:27 am

    Thanks for sharing! Love your door and barstools!! My front door is black and in need of repainting….and I want to order the address #'s too.

  11. Jodee Leader says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:31 am

    That turned out great!

  12. Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:31 am

    I so don't need another project in my life, but I so want to do this!

  13. Karli @ RockyBella says

    July 21, 2009 at 4:05 am

    Is your garage really that organized? Oh geez, you put me to major shame. I love the door. I've got to get some of that paint!

  14. Rhonda says

    July 21, 2009 at 4:25 am

    Hi Chris, I just found your blog and have enjoyed browsing your projects, bargain finds, and had me laughing out loud a few times 🙂

    I love how the door turned out; I'd love to paint my front door a luscious black or red, but the ol' HOA is fond of the beautiful blue door they hung…LOL…think they'll notice??

  15. Kari says

    July 21, 2009 at 4:39 am

    Just what I needed to read. I have 2 bar stools that I want to paint black and was trying to figure out the 'easiest' way to do it. Great!!!

  16. Amy@TheLemonCottage says

    July 21, 2009 at 4:51 am

    Okay… do you know how many people are going to paint their doors black now! LOL… I AM ONE OF THEM!!! Wonder how loudly hubby will sigh when he learns of the newest project…
    Thanks!!
    ~Amy

  17. Melissa Miller says

    July 21, 2009 at 5:14 am

    Very nice Chris! 🙂
    Everything looks so crisp and classic painted black. Love it!

  18. Jill says

    July 21, 2009 at 6:11 am

    I think I'm ready to take the plunge!

  19. FOR THE SAKE OF TIME says

    July 21, 2009 at 9:42 am

    Your door looks just perfect. Eveyone comes in our garage door too. I just can't seem to get my husband to keep them closed. LOL. Another blogger mentioned that they have it in red too. Think I'll check that out.

    Charla

  20. Tracey says

    July 21, 2009 at 10:26 am

    Thanks for the great advice!! I'm going to buy a can and do my door!!

  21. slip4 says

    July 21, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Thanks so much!! The door that came with our house is a sick orangey-red (with a yellow house, bleh). Can't wait to pick up a quart of this and get to work.

  22. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 21, 2009 at 11:05 am

    Thanks for sharing the paint you used, Chris. I'm going to want a black paint for furniture I want to change up for my future home office, and your door and chairs have the look I want.

  23. Sandy Toes says

    July 21, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Your door looks just amazing.
    sandy toe

  24. Jodi@SimplyThisThat n.. says

    July 21, 2009 at 11:40 am

    Is your door metal or wood? Thanks for the info. I saw the post before and your garage door is fabulous! simplythisandthat@verizon.net

  25. Jessica says

    July 21, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    they painted my interior and exterior front door yesterday black! i love it. i read on gardenweb where someone said they would never paint a door black because it looks like a deep dark hole, but i love it!

    i'll hopefully post more pics of the house soon. our cabinets are suppose to be finished today!

    hip hip horray!

  26. Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam says

    July 21, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I needed your paint lady. Last year, I painted my door this amazing green. It obviously wasn't the right kind as it dripped and ran and then began to peel the next day. UGH!

  27. Courtney Baker says

    July 21, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    You totally inspired me to paint our garage door. Our front door is already black and it just gave it a finished look! Thanks for the inspiration: http://courtbaker.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-craft-mojo.html

  28. Valencia says

    July 21, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    I have a rollaway kitchen island, that would really look great with this black paint. Thanks so much for posting this.

  29. Laura says

    July 21, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Even better than the black door are the awesome numbers on the door!

  30. To The Moon and Back says

    July 21, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    thanks for the info! Now I just need a door to paint:)

  31. Ms Perfect says

    July 21, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    OMG I love it. Nice work. I'm feeling inspired. lol

  32. Danielle (Life with the Hewitt Family) says

    July 21, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    I love that black door! It makes your garage so inviting…I never thought a garage could be inviting – but yours is!

  33. Momma to Bug says

    July 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    I absolutely love your garage door entry! Do you recommend painting a front porch door black or is that too bold? Our house is a light sage green and the front door is a very boring darker shade of green.

    By the way, check out our nursery room {on a small budget} if you have time:
    http://mommatobug.blogspot.com/2009/07/nursery-room-on-small-budget.html

    Thanks!

    -Desiree

  34. Anne says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    Quick question on your garage walls – did you prime over the drywall/taping before you painted? Did you use an interior paint? Any advice would be appreciated!

  35. Carmen says

    July 21, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Ahhhh yes the black door! I love it and I'm totally copying you for my front door. At least all the nasty fingerprints and dust won't show up as much. Thanks for the paint idea!!! 🙂

    • Amberly says

      July 26, 2011 at 11:13 am

      You’re a real deep theinkr. Thanks for sharing.

  36. Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says

    July 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    How divine! And those numbers — soooooooo vintagey cool.

  37. Chris says

    July 21, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Dear Anne…

    There's no access to your profile, and your comment doesn't provide an e-mail address. I hope you see this! As for the garage walls, I just used leftover paint from my living room and mudroom (Grant Beige by Benjamin Moore). I took a broom to wipe away the cobwebs and painted!! No prep at ALL, but it's one of the best things I've done! I encourage others! 🙂 Hope that helps!

  38. Kara says

    July 21, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this tip! I've been wanting to paint my door for awhile, but just wasn't sure what to use.

  39. One Craft Girl's Corner says

    July 21, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    I love it! I'm inspired to paint mine! The garage door gets so dirty! Black is the perfect color!

  40. Kelsey says

    July 21, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    Do you know if they have this in white? Has anyone re-done a baby crib with it by chance? Is it safe for babies that might "chew" on the crib later.

  41. Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful says

    July 21, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    I have had the paint sitting in my garage waiting for me for AGES! I am dying to have a black front door, so what is my freakin problem? Yours looks amazing…love the house number! I need to stop making tissue paper pom poms for 2 seconds and paint my stinkin door.

  42. Kimm at Reinvented says

    July 21, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    LOVE the door and the chairs. I do have to say, though, that it's just UNNATURAL for anyone's garage to be that clean! Good grief, mine is disgusting. 🙂

  43. Kristen says

    July 21, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    I absolutely love that door & the decal!

  44. Farmgirl Paints says

    July 21, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    So glad you reposted on this. It is on My List and this will help me know exactly what to do. LOVE IT!!

  45. Vintage Modern Girl says

    July 22, 2009 at 1:50 am

    absolutely amazing!!! and i simply adore the numbers 🙂

  46. Jill says

    July 22, 2009 at 3:05 am

    Looks amazing…thanks for sharing…I am working up the nerve to try my laundry room cabinets!! I think I can…I think I can…
    Blessings!
    Jill

  47. Denise @ Life on Stepping Stone Lane says

    July 22, 2009 at 11:12 am

    This is exactly how my front door looks! Black with similar style numbers! Love it!!

  48. Manic Mom says

    July 23, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    We are moving to a new house next week. I'm so going to paint my door black. What a great idea, love the look.

  49. Laurie says

    July 25, 2009 at 2:49 am

    This is the only black paint I use. I have painted wood cubbies in my garage, bookcases, and tons of other furniture with it. The best part, with this paint there are NO FINGERPRINTS! It does smell a bit odd, and of course it looks dark green when it is applied, but it is the most durable, true black paint I have found yet. Love your door!

  50. UPrinting says

    July 25, 2009 at 6:52 am

    Oh, how I love your black-painted furnitures. I wish it would also look amazing in our own homes. Thanks for sharing the tips. 🙂

  51. Maureen says

    July 27, 2009 at 4:58 am

    Since reading this post, I can't enter my house through the garage without thinking of when I am going to do this. I just love it. Fabulous!

  52. ohhollyf says

    August 8, 2009 at 9:07 pm

    I did it, please see my post 🙂
    Holly

  53. ohhollyf says

    August 9, 2009 at 1:08 am

    Chris, no sorry not exact can, but close. I'll post a pic on the same blog post, and yes feel free to shared it. I <3 this result !

  54. Psalm 127:5 says

    September 1, 2009 at 4:36 am

    I haven't been able to find Benjamin Moore Ironclad paint…can you help me?

  55. Katie says

    September 1, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    Can you please tell me where you found the numbers? Thank you! I love this project!

    bkjohnson24@tx.rr.com

  56. holly says

    September 27, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE your door! Can you tell me where you got the numbers??? LOVE THEM.

  57. Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says

    October 9, 2009 at 11:52 am

    I've been wanting to repaint my already black-but-faded front door. So glad for the paint tip. Yours looks great!

  58. Julie says

    October 9, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    This is fabulous! Where did you get the numbers on the door? They are great.

  59. jennibell says

    October 11, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Thank you!!! I just painted my door last week — it looks great 🙂 Thanks, too, for the picture of the can of paint. . .I printed it up and took it to my Benjamin Moore store so they knew EXACTLY what I was looking for 🙂

  60. Lovely Little Nest says

    October 16, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Um wow…you are officially my hero! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your blog! 🙂

  61. Amy Bennett says

    October 24, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    Finally went for it! I love it! Just need to get the numbers.

    http://www.sabennett.com/wp/?p=5231

  62. 123 123 says

    December 19, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Interesting post you got here. It would be great to read something more concerning this theme. Thanks for sharing this material.
    Sexy Lady
    London night life escort

  63. Anonymous says

    September 20, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Can I just use this straight on my wooden chairs without sanding? Your chairs look amazing!!

    Jenna
    ormegirl3@gmail.com

  64. jennifer says

    July 30, 2011 at 2:10 am

    I can’t seem to find this black paint anywhere. I even called to special order and they said they can’t find it either. do you have other black paint suggestions?

    • Chris says

      July 30, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Sorry, Jennifer. It’s the only paint I use. Did you go to a Benjamin Moore store? I’ve never had any problems finding it. Sorry!

  65. Brietta says

    October 3, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Would this work for a front door too?? My front door is just terrible and needs to be re-painted but I thought I would need to have someone professionally paint it. Also, this paint comes in other colors I assume?

    Thanks!

  66. Donna says

    October 9, 2011 at 8:56 am

    I went to my local BM store and they said they this Wood and Metal Paint has been discontinued.

    What are you using now? I want to paint my cabinets black, but not if I cant get that smooth “pottery barn” finish.

  67. Candice says

    October 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I LOVE this!! Actually just finished painting my door black as well, now looking for where to get the vinyl lettering…any suggestions??

  68. shaunne says

    November 11, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I want to do the numbers….did you buy those and the “No.” logo or did you paint those and if you painted what did you use please!

  69. jamie says

    November 17, 2011 at 7:37 am

    Where can i get these address #s. They are sooo cute!

    • Chris says

      November 17, 2011 at 4:25 pm

      Here you go, Jamie! http://justagirlblog.com/faqs

  70. Elaine says

    January 20, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I really would like to know where did you purchase the numbers for the door?

    • Chris says

      January 20, 2012 at 3:38 pm

      Here you go, Elaine! Thanks! http://justagirlblog.com/faqs

  71. Cindi @ Frugal New England Kitchen says

    February 4, 2012 at 1:03 am

    Totally glad I found your blog on Pinterest! Re-doing the kitchen now (using BM Aurora that I started earlier this month), and have a dining room chair I need to paint to match the Hitchcock furniture! Then perhaps on to my dining room hutch, and of course, a new black door! Thanks!

  72. Laura says

    February 8, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Hi Chris,
    I love your ideas! I’d like to refinish some laminate bookshelves. Do you know if this paint will work on laminate without sanding and priming first? Thanks!

  73. Erin says

    April 7, 2012 at 1:39 am

    I asked about the source for the vinyl number decals and had the link but it has somehow been deleted. Can you please provide the site that you got these from? Thanks and I LOVE your ideas and blog!

    • Chris says

      April 27, 2012 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Erin! I purchased them from Wonderfully Wordy, but she doesn’t do much vinyl lettering anymore. If you can’t find them there, I would just find someone on Etsy. They’re really inexpensive! Good luck!

  74. Cherri says

    April 9, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    I cannot find this paint at any Benjamin Moore retailer within 50 miles. Do they still sell it?

  75. Cherri says

    April 19, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    I’m sorry to say I bought this paint based on your recommendations but was terribly disappointed. I even traveled out of town to finally find it. I painted my outdoor shutters which are vinyl and they look fine. But my front door which is wood did not fare so well. It looked splotchy and rough and did not spread on very well. I wish I had stuck with my go-to favorite which is Pratt & Lambert. It always covers in one coat and has a beautiful finish.

    • Chris says

      April 20, 2012 at 5:00 pm

      Sorry it didn’t work out for you, Cherri. Everyone I’ve spoken to is in love with it (including me, of course). I wish you loved it as much as we do! Bummer!

  76. Cherri says

    April 20, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    Oh well, your furniture looks great. By the way, the reason it’s so hard to find, at least in my area, is that it’s sold under a new name – “DTM Acrylic.”

  77. Lisa says

    July 14, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I just saw two-shelf shoe racks at Costco. They are made of bamboo and metal and are about $24.99 in the Dallas area. They were really cute!

  78. Jill says

    August 16, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you for the paint suggestion.

    I just painted 3 dressers and my whole kitchen. The worst part was priming and then having to go back and paint. SOOO MUCH extra work. I will be getting this paint for the the last dresser I have to paint.

    I also can’t belive the finish you get with the sponge rollers. I have been using a regula roller and then brushing it out to get a smoother finish. I will be switching to the sponge rollers too.

    Thanks again!

  79. Laura says

    September 7, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Hi Kris,

    I truly adore your black door. I have been contemplating painting my front doors black for over 6 months. I have a beautiful honey oak 10′ double front doors with etched glass in the doors and side lights and I want to paint inside and outside. I know it would be stunning but I’m araid to try it myself. I wanted to hire a painter but they all say it needs to be sprayed with a satin stain. I don’t want a stain. Any ideas. I live in So California ranch. I wish I could just send you a picture of my front doors but where can I attach it? Thanks for any help you can give me.

  80. Laura says

    September 7, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    Sorry Chris I don’t know why I spelled your name wrong. Thanks again!

  81. Kelly says

    October 10, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    I must have seen your garage door somewhere…
    but it rose from my subconscious mind a couple weeks ago and told me to paint mine.
    I love it! Thanks! Although for 3 days my husband just kept saying “black?” 🙂
    I just said…shut up, I love it.
    Kelly

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