Steel doors are wonderful at keeping the wind and weather out of our homes, and they’re remarkably durable—they can last a lifetime. The paint that covers them, however, will not last that long. So, if your house has a metal door, at some point you’ll be faced with repainting it. It’s not a difficult job, but as with any painting project, the final results will be directly impacted by your preparation. Read on to learn what steps you should take to give your metal door a makeover that will last. - Fine-grit sandpaper or sanding block - Satin or semi-gloss exterior paint - Trim-size paint roller - Short-nap roller cover - Small paintbrush or sponge applicator Before you get started, know that paint drying times and environmental factors can turn this into a multiday project. If you are able to securely lock your door with an exterior storm door, you can remove the door to paint it. (Note: You will not be able to rehang it until it is completely dry.)

If you can’t secure your home without the door, you’ll need to paint it in place, which may wind up taking longer. If you can remove the door without compromising your home security, place a screwdriver under the head of the hinge pin and lightly tap it with a hammer until you’re able to pull it out. Repeat with the other hinges, and remove the door.favorite outdoor christmas decorations work Begin by prepping the door for painting. home decorating blog write for usBefore you dig in, however, note that doors painted prior to 1978 are likely to have lead-based paint on them. christmas tree decorations patterns free

If your door does have lead-based paint, follow EPA guidelines for removal. If you have any question, have the paint tested prior to beginning this project. Once you’ve taken the door off its hinges, lay it across two sawhorses or on a large, flat surface. Wash the entire door thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then dry it with a towel.exterior house colors front door Next, put on your dust mask and safety glasses, and go over the door lightly with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to rough up the surface and remove any loose paint. paint exterior steel doorTake off any removable weatherstripping, and apply painter’s tape over any hinges or hardware. the best diy wall decorating ideas- share your ideas

Protect kickplates or windows that can’t be removed by taping newspaper over them. Once again, wipe down the entire door to remove all the dust from sanding, and allow the door to completely air-dry. If your door has a smooth surface, just roll on your first coat of primer with a short-nap roller, and let it dry. If your door has recessed panels, start by using a small brush to paint the inside panels first. Then, roll the mullion (the vertical section between the panels). Follow up by rolling paint onto the rails (the horizontal pieces between the panels). Finish by painting all the outside edges. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply a second coat, if necessary, the same way you did the first. Paint the door with at least two coats of exterior satin or semi-gloss paint, following the same process you did for the primer and being sure to leave the recommended amount of drying time between coats. If you have to paint the door while it’s on its hinges, plan to work over a stretch of days when there is no rain in the forecast.

Prep the door one day, and then start your first coat of primer bright and early the next morning. If you start early enough, you should have time for the paint to dry before you close the door for the night. Get going on the second coat the first thing the next morning, with the goal of its being dry by nighttime. Continue in this fashion until you’ve applied as many coats as are necessary. After the paint has dried completely, carefully remove the painter’s tape and replace any hardware or weatherstripping you removed. Then, rehang the door. It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint on a door can really lift the spirits of an entire facade. If you allow time for careful preparation and sufficient drying, your rejuvenated metal front door will look great and welcome visitors for many years to come.If you have a metal door in your home that doesn't go with the rest of your decor, don't fear, you can paint it. There are certain kinds of paint that are great at covering metal so you can decorate your home the way you want.

When painting metal, always use exterior latex paint. Latex paint is acrylic paint mixed with a binding agent that completely covers the surface, staying with it no matter what. This means that when you use latex paint, the paint will move with the door when it expands and compresses in warm and cold weather. If you paint your metal door with another kind of paint, it may crack and may not be weather resistant. Exterior latex paint is slightly more robust than interior latex paint. This could be crucial if you live in an area with extreme weather. All latex paint is water resistant so there is no need to waterproof your metal door. At the paint store, you'll see a lot of different kinds of paint to choose from but since painting on metal is a bit trickier than just painting a wall, don't be afraid of splurging on high-end latex paint. It may cost a bit more, but the last thing you want is a cracked paint job. A relatively new product is latex paint that comes in a spray can.

Not only can you get a more even surface with a spray can rather than a roller or brush, but the paint is made especially for outdoor surfaces, which is perfect if your metal door faces the outside. Make sure you check the label and that it includes anti-corrosive materials so that it won't rust or bubble after application. A clear lacquer would be a great choice if your door is a combination of metal and another material, such as wood. Clear lacquer works well on multiple surfaces, so this would save you having to paint your door with many different kinds of paint and will save you time and money. If you have gone to the paint store and searched on the Internet but still can't find the right paint for your metal door, you may want to take a trip to a car accessories store. All paint for cars is formulated to bond to metal, is waterproof, and is perfect for outside-facing metal. You may also be able to find a wider variety of colors and finishes at a car accessories store than at a home improvement store.