Painting a Metal Screen Door Step-by-Step

A painted metal screen door.
  • 3-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 40-100
What You'll Need
Metal spray paint or paint from a can (intended for metals only)
Metal primer
Brush (if using paint from a can)
Eye goggles
Respirator mask
What You'll Need
Metal spray paint or paint from a can (intended for metals only)
Metal primer
Brush (if using paint from a can)
Eye goggles
Respirator mask

Painting your metal screen door is a great do-it-yourself project and does not require many materials to complete. Gather your materials and follow the easy step-by-step instructions to get your project off the ground.

Step 1 - Clean the Door

You want to make sure all dirt is removed from the door. Use an ammonia and water solution to clean all loose dirt from the door. You can use a scrub sponge to help clean it.

If the door is constructed of steel, you will want to remove any rust that is present using a wire brush. On aluminum, an oxidation process occurs but it doesn’t rust. You don’t have to do anything special to that. Tape off any areas that you do not want to get paint on using blue painter’s tape.

Step 2 - Prime the Door

You will want to use a good metal primer before actually painting the metal screen door. This adds an additional step, but in the end it helps to protect the door. It will also assist in making sure the paint adheres to the surface being painted.

Step 3 - Paint the Door

If you are brush painting, you will want to be sure to put the paint in nice, even coats. Do not paint “back and forth." Paint in one direction only. This will help to prevent brush lines and streaks.

If you are using spray paint, many thin coats of paint are much better than one thick coat. This will also prevent runs and the layers will dry relatively quickly. The end result will be a much smoother finish for the door.

Now your old metal screen door looks good as new again. It is amazing what a little advice and some paint can do.

TIP: Don't forget to check your paint's ingredients to see if they're toxic to breathe in, and wear the appropriate safety equipment. You'll need to wear eye goggles and a respirator mask any time you work with spray paint.