How to Paint a Doorstep – A Full Guide

Painting a doorstep isn’t as easy as one might assume, practically if the doorstep is outside. Which is why I thought I’d put together this quick guide on how to paint a doorstep. Follow the advice here and you won’t go far wrong.

As a Painter and Decorator, I’ve done many doorsteps over the years. I’ve tried different products and techniques. The trick to painting a doorstep isn’t just to get it looking good, but to get the paintwork to last.

I know that sounds obvious, but you’re asking the paint to do a lot. It needs to withstand moisture from both inside the step and from the atmosphere. It needs to be durable enough to cope with foot traffic. It also needs to be resistant to UV. So, if you don’t get your prep right, or you use the wrong materials, it won’t take long for the paint to start to fail.

How to Paint a Doorstep

I’ll start by listing the tools and materials you need for the job. Then I’ll work my way through each step of the process, before talking about the best paint and filler for a doorstep.

Sandpaper

Scraper

Exterior filler

Paint brush

Dust brush

Floor paint

Abrade the Step

Regardless of whether your doorstep is previously painted, or bare, you should abrade it to aid adhesion. This gives the new paint the best possible chance of lasting.

Remove loose paint

If your doorstep is previously painted, and the existing coat has started to fail, then you need to remove all the loose paint. Really press down with the scraper. The more you can remove, the better. It doesn’t matter what paint you use over the top, if the previous paint fails, then so will the new coating.

Fill imperfections

This is your opportunity to repair dints and cracks on your step. Open cracks before you fill. There’s only really one filler that I trust for this type of repair, but I’ll get into that later.

Abrade the filler

More sanding I’m afraid. Abrade the filler until you have a smooth, uniform surface.

Remove the dust and clean

I use a Hamilton dust brush, but you can use a dustpan and brush. Get rid of all the dust and then wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth. Removing possible contaminants will help the adhesion of your paint. Zinsser Degreaser will remove any really stubborn or ground-in nasties. Allow to dry.

Apply your paint

Apply two coats of paint with a paint brush or mini roller. Allow proper drying time between each coat. Don’t apply a coat unless you know it’ll be dry before nightfall.

Allow the paint to cure

Almost all paints take a while to cure before they’re fully hard. So, avoid walking on your step for a period. Have a look on the product instructions and find a reference to when the paint can take ‘foot traffic’. Remember that period can be extended if you’ve applied multiple coats.

The Best Filler to use on a Doorstep

The Best Paint for a Doorstep

You’re basically looking for a floor paint that can be used outside as well as in. However, some floor paints are better suited than others. You don’t need something that will withstand a forklift truck running over it. But it still needs to withstand the environment, and because you’re using it on a house, it needs to look good.

Some of the more industrial floor paints can show defects like brush and roller marks. This is fine if you’re painting a carpark, but you it’s no good on a doorstep. I’ll give you a couple of the paints I like to use when painting doorsteps.

Coo-Var Anti-Slip Step & Ramp Paint

Blackfriar Anti-Slip Floor Paint

FAQs

How do you prepare a doorstep for painting?

1. Abrade the surface.
2. Scrape any loose paint off.
3. Fill imperfections.
4. Abrade again.
5. Remove dust.
6. Clean.

What kind of paint do you use on a doorstep?

A floor paint, but you need to put a little bit of thought into it. You should use a paint that will work outside and withstand moisture. If you use the wrong paint, or a cheap paint, then it’ll fail after a while.

Can you paint concrete front steps?

You certainly can. Just follow the advice in this blog and you’ll achieve great results that last.

How long does doorstep paint take to dry?

Have a look on the instructions that come with the paint. You don’t just need the paint to be dry, but you need to wait long enough for the paint to be fully cured before you can walk on it.

Do I need to prime concrete steps before painting?

This depends on the type of paint you’re using. Most are self-priming, and adding another product can reduce adhesion and cause the paint to peel. Sometimes you need to stabilise a chalky surface, which you can do with Zinsser Peel Stop.

Is painting a concrete step a good idea?

Painting a concrete step will add curb appeal. It’ll also protect your step form the elements. Just be aware that once you’ve painted it, you’ll need to repaint every few years.

Final Thoughts

A lot of people make the mistake of painting doorsteps with masonry paint. After all, if they’ve just finished the rest of the exterior painting on a property, then the chances are they have masonry paint in the correct colour anyway.

Masonry paint may be easy, but it’s not ideal, and it won’t last. Now you know how to paint a doorstep properly, and you know the best materials to use, there’s no excuse not to do a proper job.

Paint your step in a way that’ll look good now, and for years to come.

Steps Painted by Other Decorators