Asked on Mar 24, 2015

Painting the metal parts of glass storm doors

Alice Shockley
by Alice Shockley
We've been working on a house update. The siding has now been painted gray with white trim, new sleek black fixtures, and we're even fixing the cracked landing...but we can't afford new entry doors.

I plan on painting the interior wooden doors white (they get HOT so a dark color is out) and the metal parts of the storm doors either black or white...I think black...but how to go about it is the question. The brown you see appears to be 40 years of oxidation. Inside, they are black...in places. Can I just scrub them down with steel wool, prime and paint? What kind of paint? Should I used just a Rustoleum spray paint, or use something special, like an enamel?

Pointers from anyone who has painted an outdoor metal surface would be much appreciated.
  7 answers
  • Suzyetty Suzyetty on Mar 24, 2015
    You can find spray paint for metal in the big box stores. I've used it on old filing cabinets turned planter. So far so good but they're only in the 2nd year and really don't receive any use.
  • Deezie Deezie on Mar 24, 2015
    I paint everything!!! If I were painting this, I would sand the area and clean it. I would just get a good outdoor paint, is it metal? so maybe a metal paint and just paint it. What about using Testor paint? its an oil based. I use that on so many things. Good luck, can't wait to see it finished
  • Christine Christine on Mar 24, 2015
    Definitely steel wool them, then wipe down all the dust. It'll get things smoothed out, but roughed up at the same time. I'd take the extra step and use an exterior, adhesive primer. Then, I do second the spray paint, if you don't have to tape everything off. If you would? Just the same paint but in brush form. Those will look quite fresh when black again. A nice touch on your house.
  • Ray Phillips Ray Phillips on Mar 25, 2015
    You can get spray paint that is made for alumnum ( I know not spelled right) sand and clean good before you paint.
  • Shirley Kalinosky Shirley Kalinosky on Mar 27, 2015
    Def tape off the windows on doors. Large newspaper sheets will work great and easy to pull off. I have used the metal spray and as long as the weather isn't damp or very humid, it would work well. Let it dry in-between coats.
  • Ken Ken on Apr 02, 2015
    If possible remove the glass panels. If not tape them over with newspaper. Wash and clean the metal. You don't need to scuff them or scrub them. Use a good quality metal paint(not the cheap stuff.) Rustoleum is always dependable. Testor is also a good paint. When painting, remember to keep the spray going from one ide past the other side to avoid puddling. DO NOT try to touch up individual areas by spraying a particular spot. That's a recipe for disaster. Wait until it dries, then repaint it all again.
  • Lisa B. Lisa B. on Jun 02, 2015
    Use press and seal Glad wrap on the windows with painters tape around the edges. That plastic wrap is great for covering large expanses of glass. Don't think you need to sand them, just clean them well with a degreasing soap and rinse and dry well. Use an all in one primer/paint made for metal (spray paint). Be prepared to do more than one coat. I think the trim is a color called Tropitone. Very popular in the 70s and 80s. Be sure to test on an inconspicuous spot. it is possible that that could be a vinyl coated aluminum.