How do I paint a metal entry door to withstand extreme heat & sun?

Question

I was so proud of myself. I stripped my front door of layers of bad and cracking paint from the previous owners (it was like stripping bubble gum), sanded, bought a high quality primer and exterior latex paint, as recommended by my SW paint professional, painted it about 6 months ago (2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint), and the door is now bubbling in the Summer heat. I'm in Vegas, with regular 110 degree temps, and the metal door gets extremely hot in the afternoon direct sun. What did I do wrong? I'm going to have to redo it again, and would like this to be the last time for a while!

Leslie D · Answer

I should add that I did not strip back to bare metal. I know that metal doors come with a factory primer that shouldn't be removed.

Shari · Answer

I'm in Florida and have the same kind of problem with an exterior steel door that faces south and gets direct exposure to both the morning and hot afternoon sun. The paint just doesn't last very long (although fortunately, my last paint job did last more than 6 months). The color also fades terribly. Looking forward to following this thread to see what advice other HT members might have for you that I can benefit from.

Kat =^.^= · Answer

hey try a little chalk paint, find a small metal piece and paint away, i always wax with minwax or johnsons, ive had bubbly like that before, dont give up! good luck! ps i mix my own chalk paint with paint water and plaster of paris, make consistency like cake batter :) and paint away on your tester

Kat =^.^= · Answer

hey leslie, im in boulder city, nv, same heat! are ya ready for Sunday???? 116 degrees! ARE THEY KIDDING ME!!!!!!!! LOL

Marilyn Highley · Answer

Hi, Leslie. With your temperature extreme, I suspect that the latex paint is not very compatible with your metal door. I think you're going to need a different paint. Perhaps you could ask a knowledgable person at a paint store in your area for some advice/recommendation?

Shari · Answer

I have concerns about the chalk paint in this application. It is my understanding chalk paint needs to be 'sealed' with wax for it to be durable. (Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.) Wax + direct hot sun = 1 big sticky mess, I would think.

The Blue Heron Studio · Answer

I would see how much it would cost to have a body shop put a coat of paint on it!

Saw this idea on a metal cabinet on HGTV several years ago.

www.theblueheronstudio.com

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Strip back to bare metal and use some oil based spray enamels...primer then paint. Think of it as the hood of a car...which sees lots of direct sun and heat.

Latex is not designed for these types of conditions. After all people use 'heat guns' to strip latex paint.

Apparently the SW tech did not fully grasp the situation

Leslie D · Answer

We actually thought about that, Blue Heron. KMS, you're absolutely right. The SW tech told me that latex would be best, because it was flexible and wouldn't dry out in the sun. It's flexible all right...flexible enough to make bubbles, and flexible enough that it's 'blocking' and making the door stick during the hottest part of the day. Should have waited until my normal SW guy was there, the one I've dealt with for 10 years. Guess I'll wait 'til Fall when it's not 116 degrees out, remove the door again and start over. I am going to look into a body shop coating, or maybe even a powder coat. Thanks for the suggestions!

Accentuations! · Answer

You didn't do anything wrong! I am surprised that the SW dealer did not recommend a heat proof paint from their special coating department! This door requires an oil based product that will withstand the heat-not latex. Ordinarily I would suggest a Rust-o-leum product that is heat resistant. You will need to sand again. Bare metal is NOT an issue as you can purchase an automotive metal primer even at Walmart! After you have cleaned and primed then use a heat resistant paint. Automotive paint is great for this application and there are a lot of color options! For that it would be a simple trip to an auto supply store. You can do this!!! Let us know how it turns out! Good Luck!
Sallie

KrysFL · Answer

I would sand, then remove the door, prime and paint with heat-resistant spray paint (like the kind they sell to paint grills, etc.). You may be limited in color but at least it will last (then you can always add color with a pretty wreath or something).

April E · Answer

i agree with krysfl i would use heat resistant paint then you would have no problems i have used this stuff to repaint a grill and have never had a bubble or blemish also it doesn't fade

Leslie D · Answer

I'll have to see what I can find that conforms to our HOA on colors. Thanks for all the tips!

Sue Davis Thompson · Answer

We used Rustoleum on A west facing scaldingly hot metal door. Only had to repaint every 5 or 6 yrs due to fading. Must wash door really well first. Paint never cracked or peeled or bubbled.

Bill Croley · Answer

Rustoleum is the answer for metal doors......It does not crack or bubble. Just prime the door properly and paint it in the color you love.

India Mattox · Answer

My husband has used rustoleum on a similar door seveveral times & still bubbles! We were told that under the extreme heat conditions (south facing, Mobile, AL, glossy black, metal) the foam insulation has prob deteriorated & no matter how you do it the same bubbling/cracking will occur. I have thought about taking off all hardware and attempting to use the spray foam crack filler to reinsulate the door. Any ideas if this vould work or how to best do it? At this point, my husband just thinks we will buy a new door, but it will prob happen again and I'd rather spend on something fun!

Kat · Answer

I have a question for you- did your metal door have dents from years of pushing it open with feet when hands were full?  I have a metal front door also exposed to heat that I want to repaint but want to fill in the dents first so door looks new...

Diana Deiley · Answer

Hi all, I lived in Arizona with a metal front door that faced the hot afternoon heat and let me tell you even the door handle got too hot to touch. I sanded the door with 150 grit, wiped off the dust with a damp rag, let dry, applied a thin coat of Kilz2, let dry, then painted with water based paint. I applied a thin coat of primer and thin coat of paint that worked beautifully. Never had a problem in 10 years. Maybe I was just lucky, but I only had to do it once. Good luck.

Diana Deiley · Answer

Me again.......forgot to offer this suggestion.......Minwax wipe on poly in satin finish. I used an old tee shirt to apply the poly. It was easy. Seriously, the door held up well in all the dry hot heat.

Clou77 · Answer

An oil based paint, I believe .

Barb Reimer · Answer

why not find something to REDUCE the amount of sun the door absorbs ! Possibly covering the inside of the door with a sheet of heat resistant material (ask at a home reno place )or Home Depot for the right material !I don't have this problem , but would seek answers like this !

Moxie · Answer

Paint it white to help reflect the heat in lieu  of absorbing it will help alot as well

Kathy Haines Cramer · Answer

A paint with ceramic additives? Or high temperature paints? https://www.bing.com/search?pc=TTFF&form=AMZN...

Missy Burch · Answer

i have a white metal door as well & live in se texas. i'd love to paint it another color, but have been unsure of what to use. all of this has been really helpful. it seems rustoleum & a good sealer is the answer.

Lynn · Answer

Metal door? I would prime and paint with auto engine paint or bar be que grill paint. It is high temp. It is spray also, so several light coats. I would also take all the paint/ cans back to your SW paint professional and get your money back - always save receipts.

Larry shriver · Answer

Like Lynn said....you could buy a paint that is used for auto exhaust manifolds; where the temperature gets hot enough to turn them red. Just make sure that you have the surface completely free of any moisture or any contaminant which could cause the new paint job to bubble eventually.

Colomedicaid · Answer

High heat appliance spray paint and primer.

Deanie Winter · Answer

On a metal door receiving that kind constant heatl, I would use high heat pain found in all auto repair supply stores.

Claude · Answer

Is there a storm door on the outside? My interior steel front door has a disclaimer if you use a glass storm door insert...but I never saw the result. I never used the glass insert...just the screen part. Wow...I would definitely try a high temp metal paint. You did nothing wrong. See if you can get your $ back. Bring the picture. Good luck.

Lyncat1 · Answer

I'd 'move'!

How do I paint a metal entry door to withstand extreme heat & sun?

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