How to Paint a Metal Door

When you paint a metal entry door, you want to pay close attention to some of the differences in painting metal from wood. Metal doors are used in a lot of different applications, but they can be in desperate need of some color. Painting a door will give the front of your home, garage, basement, or storage area, a much better look. Here are the steps you should take in order to paint your metal door.

Step 1 - Remove Door

If you have another storm door, or some way to cover up the hole in the entry way, then you should remove the door before you do any painting. This will ensure that you do not get the paint anywhere else or stain the walkway.

Step 2 - Remove Old Paint

If you have a metal door that has had some paint on it already, then you will need to remove it before applying new paint. Use some paint remover, or a sander, to loosen up the old paint and bring the door to bare metal.

Step 3 - Clean Door Before Painting

If you have a new door, or one that have just been sanded down for repainting, then you will need to wash it down with warm, soapy water. Use a sponge in order to wash it down and then a rag to dry the door off.

Step 4 - Remove Latches and Use Tape

Before you begin to put any paint onto the metal door you should also first remove any of the latches, knobs, knockers, and any other attachments that are on the door. If they can not be removed, like a mail slot, or a peep hole, then use some painting tape to cover them up.

Step 5 - Sand Door

Once everything has been taken care of on the door, you need to scruff it up a little bit for the primer and paint to adhere to a flat metal surface. Use some 80 grit sandpaper on an orbital sander and just scruff up the door a little bit. You do not want to gouge the door, but simply rough up the surface a little.

Step 6 - Apply Primer

Use a special metal primer that will adhere to the metal surface. Apply the primer to the metal door with a 4 inch flat paintbrush. Make your strokes all go in the same direction. Start at one side of the door and work your way across it until you have finished that side. Use a 2 inch paintbrush on the sides of the door.

Step 7 - Paint Metal Door

Once the primer dries you can then roll on the paint of your choice. Make sure it is a metal latex paint. Use proper rolling techniques so there isn't any seams or empty white spaces.

Step 8-  Repeat For Second Coat

After the paint has dried to a tacky surface, then apply another coat.

Step 9 - Reapply Furnishings

With the painting completed, you can remove any of the tape that you used to cover up any of the parts that you could not remove. Touch up any missed places and re-install the door knobs, knocker or locks.