How To Paint Steel Exterior Doors

Painting steel exterior doors can be an easy weekend project.

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the door from its hinges. Use a hammer to poke the screwdriver up through the hinges and pop out the pins. Make sure someone is holding the door so it doesn't fall over.
2. Put the door somewhere safe to paint, like outside or in an area covered with tarps or newspapers. If necessary, use a stand so you won't accidentally paint any floor or walls.
3. Remove the doorknob and the kick plate.
4. Scrape off the loose paint with a carpenter's knife or a razor. Use a sander to get rid of any visible rust..
5. Brush an oil-based primer and brush it all over the door. Allow it to dry for about an hour.
6. Sand the door. 
7. Use a small and/or medium sized roller to paint, as well as a brush for any contours. Add one coat of paint and allow it to dry.
8. Sand any areas that are high and bumpy.
9. Apply the second coat of paint and allow it to dry.
10. If you are happy with how it looks, re-attach the doorknob (and a new kick plate) and attach the door. If you don't like how it looks, sand it again and add another coat, but don't apply more than three coats.