Four Steps to Painting a Metal Door like a Pro

Learning the inside tips of tricks of any trade can be tough without the right advice from someone with plenty of experience in the field. Painting tends to be a job many homeowners attempt to tackle themselves, but it is often found out-most of the time after the job is over-that painting is a trade that is difficult to master effectively.

Metal doors are one of these projects that can quickly get out of hand if not performed in a professional manner using the right tools, techniques and materials. The next time you attempt to paint a metal door, follow these four steps and you’ll be sure to have a fine finish that any professional painter would be proud of.

Step One: Choose the Right Painting Materials

One of the biggest metal door painting mistakes that I commonly repair is peeling, flaking or scratched paint. Homeowners often paint metal doors using inferior paints and applicators and it certainly shows over time. Be sure to buy a quality primer and exterior metal door paint with a medium-glossy sheen to ensure that it adheres to the surface of your metal door correctly and permanently.

Step Two: Sand the Old Paint Away

You’ll also need a very fine grit sandpaper to gently remove the old paint on the metal door. Caution! Paint applied before 1978 may have lead! Always use a respirator, gloves and eye protection when sanding your metal door in a well-ventilated area. It’s best to take the door off of the hinges, tape over the hinges and sand the door (sans the hardware) on a pair of towel-covered sawhorses. Skip this step if it’s a new metal door!

Step Three: Use the Right Roller Cover

Many people make the mistake of using a paintbrush to apply metal door paint. Professional painters use a spray rig to evenly coat the metal door. You can easily bypass this messy and costly step by buying a small roller and fine nap roller cover. These tiny rollers may seem comical, but they really do work wonders on metal doors, especially where smooth panels make painting with a brush difficult at best.

Step Four: Use Four Coats of Paint

Be sure to apply four coats of paint. The first coat should be the primer. It should dry overnight to allow it to achieve the best bond. Roll on the second coat of paint first thing in the morning and allow it to dry at least 6-8 hours for a good quality basecoat. Then apply the third coat and let it dry overnight. The next day, sand any minor runs, bubbles or lines gently away and apply the last coat of paint to cover any minor blemishes. Let it dry one more night before you reattach the hardware and hand it in its frame and you’ll have a perfectly painted metal door every time.

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