Give tired exterior doors a quick, high-impact refresh by painting the vinyl door sweep to match your door color. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to get professional-looking results.
A while back I renovated two exterior doors. The makeover included:
- Painting the insides a deep, modern gray (Benjamin Moore “Raccoon Fur”)
- Adding new hardware from Schlage for a fresh, coordinated look
- Refreshing the front entrance with plants, a wreath, and new doormats
The update transformed the doors from worn and dated to crisp and welcoming:
To this refreshed, finished entrance:
One small but important detail that wasn’t part of the original plan became essential: the vinyl door sweep attached to the bottom of the door. When removed for painting, I realized how vital it is for blocking drafts and light. Once the door was painted dark gray on the interior, the white sweep stuck out and undermined the clean look.
Instead of buying a replacement sweep, I painted the vinyl sweep to match the door’s interior color while keeping the exterior-facing side white. The result was seamless and cost-effective.
How to paint a vinyl door sweep a custom color
Supplies needed
- Primer suitable for vinyl surfaces (I used Benjamin Moore Advance Primer—select a primer that adheres well to the material you’re painting)
- Small paintbrush for edges and screw holes
- Foam roller and handle for smooth, even coverage
- Paint in your chosen color (I used Benjamin Moore “Raccoon Fur” in a pearl finish)
Step 1: Remove the sweep
Unscrew the sweep from the base of the door and store the screws somewhere safe and memorable so you can easily reattach it later.
Step 2: Clean the sweep thoroughly
Wash the sweep with warm, soapy water and rinse until no soap residue remains. Paint won’t adhere well to dirt or slippery residue, so a clean surface is essential.
Step 3: Prime the side you plan to paint
Identify which side you want to change color—on my sweep it was the back side with the screw holes—and apply a suitable primer. Choosing the right primer is critical for adhesion and durability.
Step 4: Paint the custom color
After the primer dries, apply the topcoat using a small foam roller for a smooth finish and a brush for the corners or screw holes. I used the same roller I’d used for the door, which saved time and produced an even result.
Step 5: Apply additional coats as needed
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly and add more coats until you have full, uniform coverage. In my case two coats provided the finish I wanted.
Step 6: Reattach the sweep
Once the paint is fully dry, line the sweep back up with the original screw holes and reinstall it. The painted side should now blend seamlessly with the door color, while the exterior-facing side remains its original finish.
When done carefully, painting the vinyl sweep is a small project that makes a big difference in the overall look of your entryway. It helps your interior and exterior finishes appear cohesive without replacing hardware.
More painting tips
- How to Paint Metal Doors with Plastic Trim
- Painting materials checklist for indoor walls
- How to paint an electric fireplace
- Front Door Makeover ideas and inspiration
