
A steel door can be painted, especially your front door. This will give your home an exterior boost. Metal door paint requires extra care as the paint doesn’t absorb into the material the same way it does with wood. You could have a rough finish to your paint if you don’t do it correctly. Like most DIY projects, success depends on preparation and using the right tools and products. This guide will show you how to paint metal doors. It covers everything from priming and painting to the best techniques.
7 steps to paint a metal door
Step 1: Take out the hardware and door.
Remove the door from the frame to achieve the best results. Although this is unnecessary, it will help you achieve the best result. Remove all hardware from your door, including the letterbox, door handles and hinges (if your door is removed from the frame), knockers, etc. You will be slower if you paint around these items. Tape over any hardware that is not removable from your door to keep it clean.
Step 2: Use a degreaser to clean the door
Before applying paint, make sure the surface is clean. Make sure to clean your door thoroughly before applying the paint. Degreaser Use a rag to clean the surface of any oil, grease, dirt or grime. After cleaning the door thoroughly, dry it with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Get rid of any paint.
The condition of your door will determine the next step. You will need to remove flakey paint from your door using a stripper. Paint stripper Use a heat gun. It would be best not to use an abrasive tool to remove the old paint. This can cause damage to the metal. It would be best to ventilate the area where you are taking off the door frame. Paint stripper can emit fumes, so make sure it is well-ventilated. If the door is still attached, ventilate the area as much as possible and use lung and eye protection.
Step 4: Sand the door
After you have removed any paint or if the door is painted, sand the door to allow primer and paint to stick to it. Use safety glasses and a dust mask to sand the door with fine sandpaper gently. Sandpaper 400-grit Is Ideal. To remove any dust from sanding, give the surface a quick wipe using a damp cloth.
Step 5: Prime
A high-quality primer will protect your doors and create a durable barrier. Your choice of primer will depend on the type of paint you intend to use. This primer is recommended if you plan to use latex or oil-based paint. Multisurface primer It will work perfectly. You will need to apply the primer using a Paint roller For the main sections and an angular sash brush For the corners and panels. Depending on which primer you used, it will take three hours to dry. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and apply a second coat, if necessary. Before moving on to the next step, ensure that your primer has dried completely.
Step 6: Apply your paint
Apply one coat of exterior paint to the flat areas of your door using your paint roller. You can also use your angular brush to paint any corners or panelled areas. Paints intended for exterior use, such as this one Exterior satin Or semigloss paint. Applying at least two coats is recommended to ensure a consistent and lasting finish. Before applying another coat, make sure that each coat has dried completely. The instructions from the manufacturer will tell you how many coats are needed and how long each coat should dry. You should only paint one side of your door at a time if you plan to paint both sides. Wet paint can cause damage if it comes in contact with other surfaces too fast. After painting, allow your door to dry for at least 12 hours.
Step 7: Replacing hardware and rehanging the door
After the paint is dry completely, remove all tape and attach the hardware to the door. Rehang your door if you have removed it. You will need the following products and tools to paint a metal door.
- Painter’s tape: This will give you a professional-looking paint job and protect any door parts that you don’t want to be painted.
- Cleaner: This cleans your door of any oil or grease stains.
- The paint stripper: Removes paint, varnish and lacquer from metal for a professional finish.
- Ideal for creating a satin-smooth finish with good primer adhesion.
- Multisurface primer: Primer helps paint stick better on surfaces, resulting in a more durable finish.
- Paint roller – Useful for large areas of metal door paint.
- Angular Shas Brush: An angled brush can be used to paint corners, panels and bevelled edges.
- Exterior satin coat: Acrylic satin finishes resist scratches and scuff marks, ensuring a long-lasting and high-quality finish.
- Semigloss paint This oil-based formula protects your door from rusting.
When should you call a professional to paint your metal door?
You can hire a professional if you’re still unsure how to paint a metal door. These products are safe for home use, but they can be costly and require patience and a steady hand. It is recommended that you call a professional if your metal door has lead-based paint. It is important to remove lead-based paint from your metal doors and prevent lead contamination in an enclosed environment. A professional can be costly, so make sure you know the costs. A professional will give you better results if you are not an experienced painter, and it will take you much less time than if you did it yourself.