Asked on Aug 18, 2015

Looking for a simple fix for front door issue

Eloise
by Eloise
We have a metal covered foam core front door that was purchased in the color shown in the picture. The paint (or whatever it is) has oxidized somewhat. Short of painting it, is there some way to improve the looks? Wax? What kind? Some sort of glossy clear sealant? Again, what kind? The door gets several hours of direct sunlight, so I don't want to do something that will make it look worse after a couple of months of exposure to.
  24 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 18, 2015
    Do you like the color of the door?I would go to a professional at the paint store. It is hard to tell the material of the door. I would think you need to find that out first before anyone will be able to answer.
  • Mark Mark on Aug 18, 2015
    Use an automotive paint or rustoleum, sand loose stuff off, prime, and paint. Also- use a lite color - sun has less of an effect.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Aug 18, 2015
    Talk to someone who is well-versed in paints/painting and who can assist you with choosing a paint or finish that is UV resistant. That is your main culprit...sun damage. It can ruin nearly any surface unless the proper product is used.
  • EdiLeck EdiLeck on Aug 18, 2015
    Have you tried an automotive finish restorer? I know Meguiar's, Mother's and Turtle Wax all make finish restorers that work well when mixed with a bit of elbow grease! Any of these products should be available at just about any auto parts store.
  • April Weber April Weber on Aug 18, 2015
    If it's oxidized, remove the oxidation, then repaint with a good steel door refinish. If you paint over the oxidation, depending on the weather in your area, the paint will crack or peel, make sure your remove your oxidation first.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 18, 2015
    April obviously thats a no brainer. Its still not clear if the door is totally steal.So matter what people comment that is the issue.
    • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Aug 18, 2015
      @Janet Pizaro I would guess that the door is steel-faced with the real possibility that the area surrounding the glass is made of some type of plastic. If the door was solid or entirely steel, it would be extremely heavy and would require heavy-duty hinges.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 18, 2015
    But again its still not clear. Thats the point.,No one can help if the materials are not disclosed.
    • Z Z on Aug 18, 2015
      @Janet, you must have missed the first line that Eloise wrote was "We have a metal covered foam core front door". She also stated the door came that color and she didn't want to paint it, but asked how to remove the oxidation.
  • Betty Miller Betty Miller on Aug 18, 2015
    If you purchased this door go back to where you bought it to get information. Research the reviews for the door find out what that company says about it. It may be the door wasn't sealed properly to start with. Company may have a fix. Warranty may not be good any longer but information maybe available.
  • Z Z on Aug 18, 2015
    @Eloise, if you know the manufacturer, I would recommend contacting them, as they should have answers for you. Another thought, it looks as thought it could be fingerprints. Have you tried washing it with blue Dawn dish soap and water and a soft cloth?
  • Gilly Gilly on Aug 19, 2015
    You can't use wax outside by the way, it melts in the sun. Wax is for interior use only so that is not an option. I agree with Becky you should contact the manufacturer, they may have a solution for you.
    • Gilly Gilly on Aug 19, 2015
      Auto wax has a low melting point and has to be reapplied very few months, so how I don't think you want to be doing your front door very fews months! Haha
  • Danielle Danielle on Aug 19, 2015
    If you don't have any luck contacting the manufacturer try cleaning the spots off with chalk. Just get a piece of plain white chalk and a microfiber cloth. Blunt the chalk off on the sidewalk or whatever rough surface you have so you don't scratch your paint. Color over the stains with the chalk, let it sit 5 minutes, brush the excess chalk off, then use a damp microfiber cloth to scrub off the chalk that has bonded to the oily stains. If that takes the stains off then go to your local auto parts store and grab a can of automotive clear coat spray paint to seal the door. It's designed to go over painted metal, it's hard as nails since its for automotive use, non yellowing, and should only cost you $10 - $15.
  • LD LD on Aug 19, 2015
    Eloise, it looks as though the issue is with the finish applied to the door. If you purchased this door and it is still under warranty, I would recommend that you contact them, now if the door is no longer under warranty, then your best option is to paint the door, but make sure to properly prepare the door, seal with a stain blocker/primer and then paint with top quality paint (I personally use Sherwin Williams products and they have the capability to create the paint from a picture).
  • Peggy Henderson Peggy Henderson on Aug 19, 2015
    Paint it. Even though it is time consuming, you will be rewarded with the results!
  • Rus1058682 Rus1058682 on Aug 19, 2015
    Use McGuire's on it to remove the oxidation, and buff it out with soft cloth. Then reapply and buff a second time. I would do this atleast twice a year, for best results.
  • Rose Rose on Aug 19, 2015
    Ck out "have a worn out painted garage door"
    • See 1 previous
    • Rose Rose on Aug 24, 2015
      @Eloise I found it very interesting myself.
  • Terri S Terri S on Aug 19, 2015
    I took mine to a detail auto body shop and had them repaint it and bake it, and it's fantastic now.
    • Bonnie Bonnie on Aug 19, 2015
      @Terri S What a great idea!! Mine is not only oxidized, but also chipping off due to the sun! Car paint will surely stand up to the sun....! Thanks so much!
  • Jennifer Lynn Jennifer Lynn on Aug 19, 2015
    Sand the door down and apply an outdoor Benjamin Moore paint, it's the most versatile outdoor paint you can buy! Or get a new door and do something creative with this one like an indoor hall tree!
  • Modern Masters has a new paint just for Front Doors... it's called Front Door Paint.. imagine that. Anyway, it only takes 2 coats, never fades.. .and comes in a variety of colors. I just painted mine in a deep red called Passionate. It's awesome.
  • 153091 153091 on Aug 19, 2015
    HINT: I always use a sponge roller when painting doors..especially metal ones. The results are very professional looking.
  • Donna Soares Burt Donna Soares Burt on Aug 19, 2015
    I had ours painted with left over free standing wood stove paint and so far it has held up quite nice. It gets east sun so doesn't weather too bad but is holding up better than the previous paint which was just regular oil based paint. On one of our other houses we used a body shop to paint them and it was the best idea.
  • Sharon de Vries Sharon de Vries on Aug 20, 2015
    we have the same issue i had the door originally painted at a car paint shop but after ten yrs in sun its horrible but i dont seem to be able to find paint specific for my door but behr paint exterior might be the solution or even cut all the front panels and put one glass panel in the front something that speaks of the people in the house and choose a color you like and fly at it…easier to paint before glass goes it…what you think….
  • JoAnna Cooper JoAnna Cooper on Aug 20, 2015
    Get rid of that door!!!! That's my first thought when I see doors with glass panes or panels within inches of the entry locks. One hard hit, glass broken and entry into your home. I would replace with steel entry doors with extra long dead bolt. Sorry I'm not for spending money, but security of your home is of the utmost importance in my book. You can always bore through and put an entry keyhole lookout through the new door, that way you don't open your door without looking first.
    • See 2 previous
    • Eloise Eloise on Aug 21, 2015
      @JoAnna Cooper The door has a double key deadbolt, and the glass is much thicker than any of our windows. We have windows that would give much easier access to the house if anyone has criminal intent.
  • Sharron W Sharron W on Aug 20, 2015
    I'd try McGuire's (I think that is how its spelled) , car wax and buff it with a car buffer....I used it on my Pink Cadillac...and it came out a beautiful red....lol which is exactly what it was supposed to be....the previous owner did not do a good job of keeping up his vintage car!
    • Z Z on Aug 21, 2015
      @Why Sharron, I had no clue you had a pink/red Caddy! You got girl. LOL
  • Ken Ken on Aug 22, 2015
    Go to the automotive section of Walmart and get some Dupont car finish Rubbing Compound and then rub it on with a sponge according to directions, then buff it off with a cotton cloth and then apply a good brand of Car wax.