How to paint steel doors

For best results you really need to take the door down. And use foam applicators instead brushes. If that is not possible, wash, prime then paint using the alternative applicators.

Painting them indoor or outdoor?

Remove the door from the door jam, remove all brass hinges and door knob and all locks to clear all brass door. lightly sand door on both sides and casing the remove dust with tac cloth while door is laying on sawhorses. Mask off necessary parts of door, if you're painting outside different color from inside of door. Next step is clearly your preference, I used epoxy appliance paint to paint the inside of my of my door "WHITE", using at least 3-light coats following directions. The outside of the door I used automotive paint from spray can "HUNTER GREEN" with same instruction of least 3-light coats. Remember, both paints will require more drying time than normal paint, so patience will be at a premium,,,,but you will have a beautiful door.

Chuck Howard, USMC (Ret]

Wish I had ordered pre-painted. Wipe door with degreaser, lighty sand with finest grit paper, wipe off with "tack cloth", primer with same color you are painting (most places will mix to match), sand again lightly making sure you get into tight areas. tack off again and paint. I used a small roller (for enamel). May take 2 coats - Project not for the faint of heart. Hope someone has a better idea!

Ask your paint dealer about rust-oleum paint and using a spray application, which eliminates brush marks and time it takes to apply.

I use 6" smooth foam roller and Rustoleum paint for metals. After I put the paint on, I run a good badger brush lightly over top to room any texture, The brush marks disappear fast. I do 2 coats, and a clear .top coat like spar varnish which you can use the spray. I usually take the door down and put it on saw horses or buckets. Otherwise if doing on the house, your going to have to watch for drips, and brush them out.

I have used a sponge roller to paint steel doors, and that seems to work really well. There are no brush marks, and you can put on a light coating, let dry and coat again for best results. Use a small sized roller to get in all the areas for best results.

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