{"id":6134,"date":"2020-05-22T13:17:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T13:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/?p=6134"},"modified":"2023-02-20T21:32:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T21:32:56","slug":"paint-metal-door","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mymove.com\/home-inspiration\/painting\/paint-metal-door\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Paint a Metal Door"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Painting a steel door, especially if it\u2019s your front door, can give the exterior of your home a much-needed boost. However, applying metal door paint needs extra special care because the paint isn\u2019t absorbed into the material like it is with wood<\/a>. If you don\u2019t get the process right, you could end up with a rough-looking texture in your paint finish. As with most DIY painting projects<\/a>, success relies on preparation and the right products and tools. This guide offers a step-by-step process to show you exactly how to paint a metal door so you can quickly and easily achieve your desired results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 steps to painting a metal door<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1: Remove the door and hardware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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To achieve the best results, remove the door from its frame. This is not required, but it will make it easier to achieve the best finish possible. Then remove all hardware from your door, including your letterbox, door handles, hinges (if the door has been removed from the frame), knockers, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Painting awkwardly around these items will slow you down. If you are unable to remove the hardware from your door, tape over anything you don\u2019t want painted to ensure you are left with a clean finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2: Clean the door with a degreaser<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For a smooth finish, ensure the surface is clean before applying the paint. Give your door a thorough clean with a degreaser<\/a> and a rag to remove any dirt, oil, grease, or grime from the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have cleaned the door, wipe it down with a dry cloth and leave it for an hour or two before moving on to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3: Remove any old paint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This step will depend on the current condition of your door. If it has flakey paint on it, you will need to strip it off using a paint stripper<\/a> or heat gun. It is important not to use an abrasive material when removing the old paint as this can damage the metal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have taken the door off the frame, make sure you do this step in a well-ventilated area, as paint stripper emits fumes. If the door is attached, ventilate the room as well as you can and wear lung and eye protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 4: Sand down the door<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Once you have stripped off any old paint, or if your door is already paint-free, the next step is to sand it down to allow the primer and paint to adhere to the surface. While wearing a dust mask and safety glasses, sand the door slowly and lightly with fine sandpaper \u2014  400-grit sandpaper<\/a> is ideal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you give the surface a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust left over from sanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 5: Prime<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choosing a high-quality primer will protect your door and form a hard-wearing barrier. The primer you choose will depend on what paint you are planning to use on your door. If you are going for latex or oil-based paint, then this multi-surface primer<\/a> will work just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To apply the primer, you will need to use a paint roller<\/a> for the main sections and an angular sash brush<\/a> for the panels and corners. Depending on the primer you use, it will take some time to dry, averaging between one to three hours. Make sure you read the manufacturer\u2019s instructions and apply a second coat if needed. Make sure your primer is completely dry before moving on to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 6: Apply your paint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Using your paint roller, apply one coat of exterior paint onto the flat areas of the door and use your angular sash brush on any paneled areas or corners. Use a paint designed for exterior use, such as an exterior satin paint<\/a> or semi-gloss paint<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is best to apply a minimum of two coats to ensure a consistent finish that will last. Make sure each coat is completely dry before adding another. The manufacturer\u2019s instructions will likely tell you how many coats you will need, as well as how long you should let each coat dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are painting both sides of the door, work on one side at a time, as wet paint can be damaged if it comes into contact with another surface too quickly. Once you have finished painting, leave your door to dry completely \u2014 a minimum of 12 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 7: Replace hardware and rehang door<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Once the paint has dried completely, carefully remove any tape and reattach the hardware to your door. If you removed your door, then the final step is to rehang it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best paints for metal doors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can use both water-based (acrylic or latex) and oil-based paints on your metal door. You\u2019ll want to choose a paint that\u2019s labeled as rust and fade-resistant, since your front door will be exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exterior acrylic or latex paint is most peoples\u2019 first choice for metal doors, as it\u2019s easy to clean and highly resistant to fading over time. It\u2019s also easier to apply, dries quickly, and is safer to use than oil. Oil-based paints, however, are better at resisting rust, so if you get a lot of snow and rain at your house, you might need to apply a fresh coat after a few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Products and tools you\u2019ll need to paint a metal door<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n