This is what our front door looked like Saturday morning:
and a few hours later:
The sun was out, the kids were happily bouncing on the neighbors’ trampoline and I had the itch for a quick project.
So I painted house numbers on our front door.
Of course I could have ordered vinyl stickers, but that would require designing and ordering them and when inspiration strikes, you just have to go with it. Plus, this method is free.
Here’s how to paint numbers on your front door {or anywhere, for that matter}.
What you’ll need:
:: numbers {download my template below or design and print your own with a font and size of your choice}
:: chalk
:: sharp pencil
:: paint & thin brush
:: tape and scissors
STEP ONE: rub chalk on the backside of your numbers along the outline of the number
Chalk is great if you are transferring to a dark surface so you can see the outlines. If you are painting on a light surface you can do the same transfer technique with pencil lead or graphite paper from the art store
STEP TWO: tape the numbers in place
STEP THREE: trace over the outline of each number using a sharp pencil.
When you pull off the paper, you will have chalk outlines transferred to your door
STEP FOUR: paint the numbers
I used a thin brush {#3} and leftover latex paint and did three quick coats.
Fun, right?
If you would like to do a similar project, I have created a template for the numbers for you.
Ah, sweet Spring. I love how you inspire new house projects.
https://livingwithninjas.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/homeownership-103-shut-the-front-door/
I’ve been wanting to do this to my door ever since your original post, and now I finally have! Thank you for thinking of this!
You are an inspiration!
Thank you.
Hi Emily
Thank you for the house number template. I have used it on two houses now and on my stairs! I also just featured you on my blog. Thanks again so much!
Thus looks great, what font have you used?
It’s called Engravers.
Hello, your blog is sooo nice, I love it! I’ve signed up and confirmed the subscription, but the download of this template doesn’t work. What did I do wrong? Thanks in advance.
They are working now! Sorry about that!
Will this method work on a metal mailbox too?
Thank you so much! I was looking for exactly this! :) Great idea on transferring and much appreciate the temp!
Wonderful stuff. Bundle of thanks!!!
Where did you get your small potted trees? What are they?
The little potted trees are preserved boxwood I found at Marshalls.
want to know if you purchased your door from somewhere and if so where?
Our door was part of our home when we purchased … no source info. Sorry!
I love this idea and can’t wait to do it. However, I would especially like to know where you purchased your front door. I am wanting to update my door with one that has glass and this style is exactly what would work for us.
Thanks for your response!
Your template and wreath tutorials led to this after we painted our door teal and antiqued it. We love it!!!
http://instagr.am/p/KbTeuwSZnp/
I love your front entry – before and after the numbers. So inviting! Thanks for the template – I totally used it and copied you! I just love what the painted numbers add to the front door! And I used that chalk transfer method on a project I just finished. Talk about genius!
http://paisleysprouts.blogspot.com/2012/04/painted-house-numbers-mantle-art.html
Looks fantastic;)
Thank ou for the free templates, my door need a new number too!
Lovely greetings…
http://pudel-design.blogspot.de/
Okay. That chalk trick is the coolest thing ever!
Wow, I´m impressed! Thank you so much for the Tutorial! We still don´t have a number on our house (after 7 years). So I´m going to paint the number like you did!
Thank you again!
Have a happy day!
Verena
this is very cute!!!
I love rhis. Thank you for sharing your great idea and telling us how to do it. I will be doing this the first nice day we get this spring!
Your front door looks great! Thank you for sharing all your great ideas and templates.
LOVE the idea ! Thank you for the numbers.
Oh my gosh that chalk step is GENIOUS!! I can’t wait to try it on something…anything! Maybe my front door will be painted by the end of the day. Hmmm
I still find it so strange how WA has 5 numbers for homes. Everywhere else I’ve ever lived has normally been 3 or 4. I wonder why that is?
Awesome. That looks great! I love the stark contrast of the white on black. Like the size of the glass panes on your door too. Very unique.
I love it! where did you get your front door, we are looking for something like that, Its beautiful
The door came with our house, so I have no idea where it is from. I do like how tall it is and the windows.
It looks fabulous!! And thank you so much for the template – I have been wanting to do something like this for so long b/c our house numbers are in a strange place and I thought this would really help! The template will help me immensely!! I really appreciate it!
love the numbers…what a clever way to do it. also, you look adorable at the door!! very JCrew.
Spring really does bring out the best in me too. An extra pep in my step. Door looks good.
Love! Thanks for the template :)
Okay – this looks AMAZE! I’ve been wanting to do this for so long but haven’t had the courage. Doing it now – thanks for the template! What is that font?
the font is engravers.
Great job! So easy too…thanks!
I love the simplicity of this project and the class it adds! Thanks for sharing…storing away for the day when I have my own place!
These are awesome! Your chalk transfer method is genius!
I can’t wait to use these templates…pillows, metal cans, glass jars, outdoor pots, tags…so many choices, so little time. :)
Love it. I have to ask, did you get that door or did it come with your house. Do you know who makes it? Great idea!
Love it! It really made your door pop!
OK seriously, that’s kinda brilliant. I’ve never used this method, but it looks awesome.
Beautiful Job! Love the numbers :)
so cute. Love your easy peasy project.
seriously. I have never seen a house number that long! I got so tickled when I saw it. Is that a West coast thing???
I know … it must be a west coast thing. Sort of wish it was just two or three digits!
I love this idea!! I’ve already printed off the numbers!!! My house number is just as long, so its not just a west coast thing :) I live in Arkansas; all the house numbers around here (out of the city limits that is) are this long.
P.S.
I know this is an old post but I just could’t help but share!! Thanks so much!
Just wanted to tell you how cute those numbers are! I am with you….when the idea for a project strikes….you can’t wait!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
karianne
Gorgeous!! I think I might do that to mine as well (after I paint it orange!).
Thanks for this post! I’ve been designing our new house numbers (needs to cover up an existing fugly mess left by previous owners) and waffling between painting and using prefab pieces. I love how clearly your numbers stand out on the black. What color paint did you use?
They look great. I think I might dive in and do the same on my front door!
That is fun. I love that you painted them on the door.
I’ve been dying to do the same for a while now! Love how it turned out!
Emily, I always love your templates! This one will be put to good use around here!
Wasn’t it a glorious Easter weekend?
We were blessed this year!
The best of blessings to you and your precious family!
~Lynne
w/L.