Painting the front door

Need a splash of brightness so we're painting the front door. I have questions:
(New color of door is a dark blue)


- Is it necessary to take the door down or is it easier to paint hanging or flat?

- Do I use a roller or brush? If a brush - what kind would give me the best chance of not seeing brush marks? There are panels in the door.

- Do I need an adhesive primer or could I just go with two coats of paint. Or some older Kilz (regular kind) that's been here for a bit.- I have heard that Semi gloss is the right way to go sheen-wise.

It's a wood door that is protected by a storm/screen door but is very visible from the street.

Your help is very much appreciated

 

IN what direction does the door orient? N E S W?? If South, you don't want a dark door with a storm door over it. Too much heat build up, especially in Florida. Marksr will be along to advise on the type of paint/primer, brush, etc. I just wanted to interject the dark door part.

 

Do you know what kind of paint is on the door now? Generally speaking, you want to use latex on a metal door but I think you could use either on a wood door. That said, Chandler is correct about not using a dark color on a door getting significant sun exposure.

 

Door would only need primer if it was bare wood, poly, varnished, or a glossy finish.
Whole lot easier to work on laying down on saw horses.
Remove all the hardware.
I use a 6" foam hot dog roller and a quality sash brush for working inside the panels.

 

I found the prettiest deep blue color I wanted for my door. Of course I am facing south! 😒 Does the fact that there's a 6 foot porch with overhang there make a difference? there's no direct sun on the doors. (getting desperate here I really love the color but don't need to generate any more heat.)
It's a wood door that has been painted before with regular exterior paint. thought I would sand it a bit and then paint with an adhesive primer and then with my color of choice (which may have to change). Sounds like maybe I don't need the primer if I just wash and sand the door. Foam roller huh? sounds like a plan.
Am I really stuck with a pale door?
Your comments are so appreciated. Thank you all.

 

No mention of the porch or overhang was made. Just a door with a storm. If it receives no heat/sun, then you would be OK with your color choice.

 

Didn't even think to mention the overhang.
I love you chandler!!!

 

Love you, too, MaryP.....now get busy painting!!!

 

Geez, I specifically said 'sun exposure' in my response but it's Larry who gets all the love....

 

Like a puppy. All you have to do is look sad.

 

Love you too stickshift. It's so amazing to me to have a place like this to go to where people really know their stuff and are willing to share their knowledge. It sure means a lot to people like me who can then accomplish things they never thought possible,

Chandler - I need the whole day to paint so I am going to prep the door this afternoon and paint first thing in the morning.