Can you paint a metal door? Yes. With the correct tools and products, this is a job you can do at home. You'll need to remove the door from its frame, remove or tape off any hardware, and then sand, prime, and paint the door.
Painting a steel door, especially if it’s your front door, can give the exterior to your home a much-needed boost. However, applying metal door paint needs extra special care because the paint isn’t absorbed into the material like it is with wood. If you don’t get the process right, you could end up with a rough-looking texture in your paint finish. As with most DIY projects, 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 — from prepping and priming to the right painting techniques — so you can quickly and easily achieve your desired results.
For a smooth finish, ensure the surface is clean before applying the paint. Give your door a thorough clean with a degreaser and a rag to remove any dirt, oil, grease, or grime from the surface. Once you have cleaned the door, wipe it down with a dry cloth and leave it for an hour or two before moving onto the next step.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 or heat gun. It is important not to use an abrasive material when removing the old paint as this can damage the metal. 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. 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 — 400-grit sandpaper is ideal. Make sure you give the surface a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust left over from sanding.
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 or semi-gloss paint.
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’s instructions will likely tell you how many coats you will need, as well as how long you should let each coat dry.
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 — a minimum of 12 hours.
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