How to paint metal (?) front door?

Linda
by Linda

My front white door needs painted or replaced. Want to try to paint. Please suggest type of paint. Thanks!


  17 answers
  • Janice Janice on May 02, 2021

    Hello Linda, here's some great info from a professional. Much less expensive than buying a new door!


    https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-a-metal-door/

  • William William on May 02, 2021

    You would need to use enamel paint for metal. Rustoleum makes some. You can use any DTM (Direct To Metal) paint. Sherman Williams makes some.


    Paint a door with a roller and use the paintbrush for tight spots and edge drips - don't try to paint the whole door with the paintbrush - you'll get lots of brush strokes that won't go away - don't paint under the bright hot sun... it will dry so fast and you'll be left with brushstrokes if you're painting with a brush! And the roller will start to stick and you will get dull and shiny spots

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on May 02, 2021

    I love fusion mineral paint for jobs like this. Great colors and easy prep

  • Mogie Mogie on May 02, 2021

    If you have a painted surface that is still sound, you can leave that as long as it doesn't leave ridges. There are several paints available that are called DTM paints, or direct-to-metal paints.

    The primer you use must be specific to the metal you have. Use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, then you have ferrous metal which can accept most any paint that is metal appropriate. The DTM paints may not even require a primer but you need to check with the manufacturer. If the magnet does not stick, then you probably have aluminum. This will require an ALUMINUM PRIMER prior to using a DTM paint. You CANNOT use any latex paints on aluminum. Aluminum is reactive to latex.

  • Deb K Deb K on May 02, 2021

    Hi Linda, hope this helps you out,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0QcTu-5D1I

  • You can get paint by Rustoleum that’s called door paint though any oil based Rustoleum is fine.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 03, 2021

    Hi! When I paint an exterior metal door, first I give it a thorough cleaning. While doing that I look for any damaged areas, rough areas, etc. Repair any areas before painting. I love Rustoleum paint for metal. If you take it down and paint it, spray paint is available. If you are painting it while it's still hanging, use a small roller and a paint brush. Don't put it on too thick, to prevent drips. It's better to have a second coat needed. Rustoleum makes quite a few colors, which makes it fun for changing the color. Good luck!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 03, 2021

    Hello, Try Rust oleum Paint it comes in many colours or any Metal paint.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 03, 2021

    Here's a thorough guide on how to do this and paints that can be used:


    https://www.check4lead.com/paint-exterior-metal-front-door/

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 03, 2021

    Sherwin Williams makes paint that is specifically made for painting exterior doors that are metal. Go to a free standing store (not a paint department that sells SW in a big box store) and tell them your needs. They will help you to choose the right paint and tools that you need for the job.

  • Dee Dee on May 03, 2021

    I have painted my front door with exterior latex and had great results. My neighbor spray painted her door with Rustoleum, and it looks great.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on May 04, 2021

    You mentioned it might need replacing. What that might mean is that you’ve got dents or rust or both?

    Dents can be filled and sanded with Bondo, but the surface has to be very clean first.

    All rust has to be treated and if it’s rusted all the way through, this is a bigger project. Let us know and we can help with that.


    I would definitely use an oil based enamel paint if the door is showing severe wear.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on May 04, 2021

    7 steps to painting a metal door

    1. Step 1: Remove the door and hardware. To achieve the best results, remove the door from its frame. ...
    2. Step 2: Clean the door with a degreaser. ...
    3. Step 3: Remove any old paint. ...
    4. Step 4: Sand down the door. ...
    5. Step 5: Prime. ...
    6. Step 6: Apply your paint. ...
    7. Step 7: Replace hardware and rehang door.


  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on May 05, 2021

    This paint should work fine: https://amzn.to/33fdUp8