What Color Do You Paint the Door Jamb? (Find Out Now!)

You don’t have to paint your door jambs at all. You can leave the edges of your door unpainted if you prefer the natural aesthetic. But don’t forget that unpainted trim can become problematic in bad weather. Untreated wood is especially prone to warping after heavy rain.

So, either paint your door jambs or finish them with a sealant. If possible, use paint and primer in one. Then, cover the dried finish with an exterior sealant to prevent discoloration, warping, and mold.

Meanwhile, keep a bit of paint for touchups later. You can also use the extra paint to match colors next season. Remember, your door jambs may look great after you paint them this year. But they’ll likely need a fresh coat in about 12-24 months.

TIP: Compare several types of exterior paint to find one that’s top-rated for the climate at your home.

Your door jamb can be any color you choose. But many people choose stark white paint because it highlights other features of their home. White is also the color of most windows. So, painting your door jambs white is a great way to coordinate everything.

Use a different color than white if you want to. But try to pick something that matches or coordinates with your windows. And if you need help comparing colors, talk to someone in the paint department at your local hardware store.

You’ll need access to the entire door frame when you get ready to paint the jamb. That means you’ll most likely have to take the door off of its hinges. If you choose to leave the door alone, be prepared for some unpainted and unsightly spots.

Taking a door off its hinges may be difficult for people who cannot hold heavy objects. So, ask someone for help before you do it. And as always, wait for the paint to dry before rehanging the door.

TIP: Some stores sell paints that help hide imperfections. So, look at those options if you choose not to remove the door from its hinges.

Most door jambs require at least two coats of paint to look good. However, that all depends on the type of paint you use. High-quality exterior colors may not spread as quickly, but they usually cover better. Find the right balance for a professional finish.

It’s probably not a good idea to paint door jambs with a spray painter. That’s because it could get paint particulates all over everything else. That also means it’s best to use a paintbrush or paint roller instead. But which one is better?

It all depends on how you want your door jamb to look. Brushes may cause strokes in the paint, while rollers usually don’t. However, rollers may be too big to fit into specific areas. So, use a combination of both to produce the best results.

TIP: You can use a wedged sponge to paint hard-to-reach places.

Related Questions

How Do You Avoid Brush Strokes When Painting?

Avoid brush strokes by collecting plenty of paint. Do not spread your paint too thin, or it might produce streaks and stroke marks. You can also check the type of paint to make sure it’s self-leveling.

Should I Sand a Door Jamb Before Painting It?

As always, a smooth surface is better for painting. So, it probably won’t hurt for you to sand the jamb before applying paint. However, the need for sanding depends on the type of door you have. Some door materials do not require pre-paint sanding.