How to Paint Your Door Two Colors

It might seem like a simple thing to paint or stain your door, but often homeowners and remodelers alike are stumped when trying to figure out what color to use on the edges on a two-color door.

"I remember the first time we got an order for a door that had a different color on the exterior than on the interior," explains David Erwin of Crestview Doors, Inc in Austin, Texas. "When it came time to paint the hinge and strike sides, we were stumped."

After consulting a paint pro, the answer became clear. Paint or stain the edge that is visible from the interior or exterior when the door is open to match the visible side of the door.

You will need to identify whether your door is in-swing or out-swing. (Hint: Most residential doors swing into the house and are in-swing doors.)

For an In-Swing Door

Paint the hinge edge the same color as the exterior side of your door.

Paint the strike edge (the edge with the knobs and locks) the same color as the interior.

It makes sense when you see the results. From the outside as the door opens, it appears to be all one color. You get the same effect inside.

Finally, don’t forget to paint the top and bottom edges. This protects the door even if no one will ever see these edges. Paint them the same color as the interior.

For the Rare Out-Swing Door

Paint the hinge edge the interior color, and the other three edges the exterior color.