Looking for a simple fix for front door issue

Question

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.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

But again its still not clear. Thats the point.,No one can help if the materials are not disclosed.

Betty Miller · Answer

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 · Answer

@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 · Answer

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.

Danielle · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

Paint it. Even though it is time consuming, you will be rewarded with the results!

Rus1058682 · Answer

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 · Answer

Ck out 'have a worn out painted garage door'

Terri S · Answer

I took mine to a detail auto body shop and had them repaint it and bake it, and it's fantastic now.

Jennifer Lynn · Answer

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!

Karrah @ Mrs Do It Herself · Answer

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 · Answer

HINT: I always use a sponge roller when painting doors..especially metal ones. The results are very professional looking.

Donna Soares Burt · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

Sharron W · Answer

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!

Ken · Answer

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.

Looking for a simple fix for front door issue

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