Sanding the door is an option. You should not experience any peeling or chipping, just pride, and joy from the results of your hard work. Apply both coats of primer to the door and let fully dry before turning over to prime the other side. Have the paint tested for lead if you are unsure, and always follow your local guidelines about dealing with lead paint. Since the door is most often seen by the outside, you should paint it either white or blue. Otherwise, it will need to be taped for protection. Do I just sand it or does it need to be primed? We have a 10 yr. old house with a metal door between the house & the garage. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. “Sculptured” doors (or doors with panels in them) need to have each panel rolled and brushed first, then move on to the rest of the door. Do I need to prime? It might take longer, but it will be much easier than having to replace any hardware you could damage with an electric drill. After using the filler and allowing it to cure, sand the area with an orbital sander so it is flush. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Applying too much pressure or using a rougher sandpaper can risk damaging the door too much. You might want to remove the weather stripping around the edge of the doorframe for a day or two after reattaching the door. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific cleaner that you are using. If I have a steel door with a lot of paint that has flaked off, do I need to sand the door down to the metal to remove the old paint? How do I stop streaks in painting a steel door with an oil-based paint? Dark colors fade and need repainting more frequently. It should be done shortly after the installation is complete, and definitely before the next rain. Approved. There are certain kinds of paint that are great at covering metal so you can decorate your home the way you want. Smooth out the paint, working with the grain. How to Paint Over Enamel Paint on Your W... How to Paint Over Enamel Paint on Your Walls. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface, and wipe the dust off with a clean, damp rag. After your metal front door has been taped up to your liking (this includes: door handles, hinges, frame, and windows) it’s time to paint! A heavy coat of paint covers better and sometimes levels out better, but runs are more likely and brush marks are deeper. Website operating One thing you shouldn’t do with a metal door is paint it when the surface temp is cold or going to be cold soon.this creates a poor cure non bonding coat of paint. Don't Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets - Pa... Don't Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets - Paint Them. If you are repainting an old door, be wary that it might have originally been painted with a lead-based paint. Finally, paint the rails and the outer stiles. If not, it is oil. Before you apply the primer and paint, lightly sand the door with 400-grit sandpaper so the primer and paint will stick to it better. I'm going ... Hi, this my first post. All rights reserved. When you paint a door that faces outside, if you use an interior type of paint, the paint will stain, possibly dissolve, and not withstand the weather. Don’t believe me? If you’re painting your door white and have white trim around it, I recommend using the same paint color and finish as the trim. If you use a Direct-To-Metal paint, you can begin applying it without applying primer to the door first. However, I may have a paint contractor do the job both sides as there is way more than I can do! submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. To minimize stroke marks, use long strokes and light pressure on the roller. 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. While taking the door off its hinges will make the painting process much easier, it isn’t absolutely necessary. ", "This article answered many of my questions. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. If not, it is oil. If paint comes off, it is latex. Take a look at how much room is between your door and the frame when it’s closed. Pour the paint into a tray. Choose an Interior Door Paint Color. Do I need to use a special paint on a metal door that gets really hot? In this tutorial I’m going to show you just how simple it is to paint an interior panel door in a way that’s quick and perfect! There may be areas of window glazing that have pushed out onto the glass or frame on a door with a window or the sidelights that may accompany a door. If the door is off the frame, remove the hinges as well. Copyright© This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. Determine what finish exists on the door by rubbing it with denatured alcohol soaked clean rag. suggestions. Dents or scratches in a metal door can be fixed using auto body dent filler. If there are any parts of the door you can’t remove, such as windows, you can cover these with painter’s tape to keep them clean. Painting a metal door can be done successfully by any do-it-yourselfer armed with some knowledge and a roller. ", "Explained every step very well, I feel I can do it.". This article has been viewed 579,664 times. It’s an additive that helps stop streaks and roller/brush marks. Interior panel doors really are easy to paint with a roller and brush without leaving runs, drips or streaks. By using our site, you agree to our. Different primers will take different amounts of time to dry in different climates. Most people use the terms door jamb and door frame interchangeably, but there is a difference. The other parts of the door frame are the head, sill, door stop and weather stripping (on exterior doors.) Careful attention to cleaning the surface well to remove oils, dirt, and other things that interfere with the bonding process will eliminate this problem. You want to protect that steel from moisture as soon as possible. Sam Adams, a full-service contractor, says: "The best way to paint a steel door is with a professional sprayer, not a rattle can. You should prime it before you re-paint it. It might be safer to paint the door in its frame rather than leaving it off its hinges for several days while it dries fully. Once the second coat of primer is dry, use a roller to apply 2 coats of paint, letting the first coat dry for 6 hours and the second coat dry for 12 hours. home improvement and repair website. 5. Some of my favorite whites for trimwork and doors are Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White and Dove White in either semi-gloss or satin. Begin by applying paint to the inside of the top panels. Sand the door until the dent is no longer obvious or not easily visible. Interior How to paint doors and trims Create a welcoming entrance to any room of the house with the right tools and techniques for the job. This method can also be used on the door’s wooden frame to fill in defects. Remember, most primer is porous and does not provide protection from moisture, including high humidity. If the door has oil-based paint on it and you want a finish coat of latex, prime the door with an oil base primer/sealer. Really liked the detailed instructions. If there is a latex finish existing on the door, do not use a de-glosser containing alcohol. Next, paint the panels. Painting over it will help obscure any minor dents or dings, so don't worry too much about using a bubble level. How do I prep a steel door before painting it? Each product should say which others they are compatible with, but you can ask for help when purchasing them if you’re unsure. Use a good primer on the bare spots. To paint metal door, you need to understand that there three methods to go for – brushing, spraying, and rolling. For a long time, I had great success with everything except the front door to my house. Taking an external door out of its frame for several days is unsafe if you cannot control who or what could come inside your house. With a short nap roller cover, and the right sized roller (use a 4-inch roller if there are many decorative indents or rails on your door) it is possible to get a very smooth finish by rolling. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If a door is new, the factory most likely applied primer. Brushing might be the one that gains popularity among those ways. Cut around the panels of the door or any other trim details using the paint brush. If you paint the door with a brush, you get all kinds of brush strokes in the finished product.". Instructions. Automotive degreasing cleaners are another great alternative if that's easier for you to find. Yes. The jamb is only part of a door frame. If the door has oil-based paint on it and you want a finish coat of latex, prime the door with an oil base primer/sealer. They will likely tell you how many coats you’ll need, as well as how long you should leave each coat to dry. Eliminate any residue with a solvent like denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. https://www.doityourself.com/stry/metal-door-painting-start-to-finish This can be overcome by painting the door with a primer first, before top coating it with the water based paint (latex or acrylic). How to paint interior doors. You can choose to refresh a discolored or damaged finish with a fresh coat or paint the door an accent color to amp up the personality of a space. How to Paint a Steel Door: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Paint over the area, and you won’t have to worry as much about getting paint on the hinges. If there is a lot of dust, or if the old paint has come loose in the sanding process, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the majority of the dust before wiping it down. This article has been viewed 579,664 times. Roll the paint onto the door first, then quickly make straight brush strokes from top to bottom, What to Think About When Buying Mineral Spirits, Wood vs Metal Exterior Doors: Beauty vs Budget, How to Install a Window with Brick Molding Part 1. Remove all locks and knobs. The builder never had the door painted on the garage side. Preparation Wedge the door half open, remove the handle and cover the floor with newspaper. As tempting as removing your door immediately is, don’t. The jamb is the interior sides of a door frame where a door is secured. A: I have painted quite a lot in my life—from rooms, to furniture, and everything in between. Kickplates and door knockers should also be removed. This video will explain how to paint doors to get the best results. Painting the doors in your home can make them look brand new. You need to apply a primer if you are using a different type of paint than was used before on a previously painted door. If you’re unhappy with the look of the second coat of paint once it is dry, you can always add another one. Metal door frames are typically made out of steel, and must be painted to protect them from weather-related corrosion. We welcome your comments and Can I use one coat of paint and primer for my steel door? I have an exterior basement door that is down a conc... Repair/repaint spot on door damaged by rubbing alcohol? DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent If there is any hardware you don't want to or cannot remove, cover it with painter's tape to prevent it from being painted. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling any hardware you removed. Then prime and paint as usual. Another possible cause is applying water based paint over an existing oil based paint. To learn how to disassemble a steel door before painting it, keep reading! I was so proud of myself. If you live in a colder climate where it may take longer for the paint to dry, you should paint the door in its frame. View our Privacy Policy here. Painting or repainting a steel door won’t only make it look much better, but can also help prevent future rust or damage to the surface! Make sure you keep the hinge pins somewhere safe while you work on the door, although there should be replacements at your local hardware store if you lose them. Do You Paint Door With Brush or Roller? Since there's three external doors, they are all those heavy fire rated doors (as code dictates). More interior door … I'm looking to paint 4 six panel metal doors throughout my home. Last Updated: June 20, 2019 Sections 11 & 12: Roll the paint down the sides of the door. Coat the recessed areas first and then the faces of the panels. Determine what finish exists on the door by rubbing it with denatured alcohol soaked clean rag. Use a good primer on the bare spots. Usually, poor surface preparation is to blame for flaking paint. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Seal your steel if you want to avoid rust. Although it's a small change, a freshly painted interior door can make your home look entirely different. What color should I paint the door if inside house is green with black trim and outside the house is white and blue? Roll the paint onto the door first, then quickly make straight brush strokes from top to bottom for professional-looking results. I feel confident that I can do it. Can I use a rust inhibitor over a lot of rust? Your newly painted door is sure to last if you followed these steps. You don’t need to sand the whole surface of the door thoroughly, only enough to give the primer something to stick to. Wipe down the door with a dry cloth or leave it in the sun for an hour or two before moving on. ... or vertical roller strokes. To paint a steel door, you'll need exterior paint and an oil-based primer designed specifically for metal. I have a few free hours every afternoon when both boys are napping, so my projects need to be quick and get the job done. Because of the materials, some of the steps are different than painting a wooden door, but that won’t slow you down. Paint the door in a sheltered, covered area, like a garage, and give it enough time to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen paint. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Is there a special paint for use in extremely cold climates? Simply remove the taped part when you’re done (ideally when the paint is still wet so that the line comes off clean… if you wait until it’s dry, it might take off some paint from the door). wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When the door is dry, tape off any areas you don’t want to paint, particularly windows and weather stripping, if you were unable to remove it. If a door is new, the factory most likely applied primer. I haven't had great luck painting these doors before - the paint always eventually started to peel or got chipped or nicked. Sections 8–10: Roll the paint across the door. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Paint-a-Steel-Door-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-a-Steel-Door-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Paint-a-Steel-Door-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1358976-v4-728px-Paint-a-Steel-Door-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"