A heavy coat of paint covers better and sometimes levels out better, but runs are more likely and brush marks are deeper. Acrylic latex exterior house paint is the best choice, but be sure to choose a high quality paint. And after painting the garage door, you can use the leftovers to freshen up the woodwork or to give a new lease of life to interior or exterior objects. All latex paint is water resistant so there is no need to waterproof your metal door. Tips. Front doors with peeling, cracking paint can usually be successfully refurbished and re-painted. Can I Use Latex Paint on a Metal Door? Ask the store clerk for the product that will best suit your situation. Paint stripper (if you are painting over a metal door that is cracking or peeling) Paint stripping gloves Sandpaper (recommend 150 to 180 grit) Scraper Drop cloths (I cut up boxes instead of using an actual drop cloth) Special Notes for if you’re painting your door in place on its hinges: It may cost a bit more, but the last thing you want is a cracked paint job. Spraying a steel door requires a clean and smooth surface for the best results. The technology is ceramic based, similar to ceramic based exterior paints. Just paint a second coat over oil based without sanding unless you wait like a year. Painting a vinyl door requires the use of a primer containing a bonding agent, followed by coats of a special latex paint containing a bonding agent. As mentioned above, you’ll also want to prime the door before painting, if you are changing colors. Once you’ve gathered all your tools and materials, just simply follow this step-by-step guide on how to successfully paint your exterior door without leaving any streak marks.. Step-by-Step Instructions: It's better to have that happen before the faces are painted. The doors are constructed from steel, fiberglass, vinyl and solid wood. If mold or mildew is present, remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly. In addition, it’s worth noting that you should never paint metal outdoors in extremely wet, cold, or hot weather conditions. Use your 2-inch flat paint brush to apply paint to areas the roller cannot reach, such as crevices. I have just finished painting two steel doors. If your paint is thicker, your brush and roller marks should have more time to level off into the finish. A: For steel doors, we recommend 100-percent acrylic latex exterior paint so it can expand and contract with the extreme heat that metal doors will retain. PREP: If your door has latex paint on it, simply clean off any dirt or dust and wipe dry. Painting a Mastercraft door is a straightforward task and one you can handle over a weekend. Actually, latex is the most common type used for a metal door. ;) Then again two years ago i painted four steel doors with latex based exterior paint without sanding and all four are in fantastic shape with zero rust. Rinse completely with clear water and allow to dry. If the door was originally painted with latex paint, priming should be unnecessary. If the garage door is steel or aluminum you’ll want to use high-quality latex exterior house paint. Many exterior front doors are sold unpainted and otherwise unfinished, with the expectation that the owner will paint it. Decades of paint buildup can make a door rub against the jamb or door stop molding. Remove masking tape. Note: Galvanized metal is steel with a thin outer coat of zinc to prevent rust. Before starting up the sprayer properly prepare the door and frame. Pro tip: When painting edges, some paint inevitably slops onto the faces of the door. ;) It's up to you. Instructions for How to Paint a Door. By painting your doors flat, you will be able to apply a thicker coat of paint without the risk of getting runs. In a few simple steps, you'll be able to add instant curb appeal to your home when you add Front Door Paint to your entryway. Allow paint to dry. Repair chipped or peeling paint on a metal door promptly to prevent rust from occurring and to maintain the look of the door. Determine if the door is painted with oil-based or latex paint. In most cases a single coat of paint is all it takes, but keep in mind it could take more than one coat to provide good coverage if you're painting the garage doors a color that's lighter than the original color. You do have to choose the right type because there are paints that are designed for interior use. Unfortunately you can not apply the same coating at home. The steps below refer to painting an exterior door, but you can use this basic front door paint job process when painting interior doors too; just use the appropriate interior primer and paint. Metal primer; Metal paint; How to paint a metal garage door. This is because metal and alloy will shift and expand depending on the temperature, and so the paint will not dry at optimal levels. Even if the door is steel clad with a wood interior core there is an added benefit over a standard wood door. It helps that it’s readily-available. Remove the door from its hinge pins with the hammer and place it on the sawhorses. If it was painted with oil-based paint, prime before using a latex-based paint. Using a sprayer will achieve the best finish, and a high-quality acrylic latex paint will be formulated with levelers to even out the finish and help it lay down without adding any thinning agents. Brush on a light coat. Nearly any front door that is made of wood, fiberglass, or steel can be painted. If the door is particularly dirty a chemical de-glossing product can be used. If it’s latex you can skip the following sanding and priming steps, though you’ll have to sand and prime if the paint is oil-based. Since you mentioned that you are in direct sun most of the day, I would highly recommend using a paint that is fade resistant. As of now there is only one coat of paint on the door and it is peeling up. Painting a door with a brush or roller is the primary topic. Use the vacuum with the dust attachment to clean off the door, then wipe it down with a wet rag. A metal door should be handled with extra care especially since the paint that goes over the surface isn’t easily absorbed by the steel. If there is a latex finish existing on the door, do not use a de-glosser containing alcohol. The fastest way to remove paint buildup on a wooden door is with a sharp stainless steel or carbide scraper. Paint: Your steel garage door can be painted with a high quality 100% acrylic latex (flat, satin, or semigloss) exterior grade paint. Basics of Painting a Front Door . The paint is peeling off my front door. You can also tape a tarp over the opening if you prefer to remove your door to paint. Door #2 I changed to a low odor oil base paint, which by the way can be mixed to match any color , not only did it go on better ( I used a small sponge roller ) , it left a nicer finish and didn't peel off. Lightly sand the door with 400-grit sandpaper. 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. Rust-Oleum Universal has many qualities but also a few minor drawbacks. The choice of paint will differ for inside or outside doors. Use interior paint on the inside of the door or exterior paint on the outside. It’s used even by professionals. I am going to repaint it and need to know the best way to do it. Modern Masters offers a how-to when it comes to painting your front door. With a coverage of up to 9m²/litre, a tin of paint goes a long way. A metal door needs to be clean in order to hold a coat of paint. Yes! If painting your door with oil based paint doesn’t sound appealing to you, you can use an exterior latex based paint. Painting a door is similar whether the door is hung indoors or out. Do not use any type of oil based paint or Alkyd modified acrylic latex paint. It is made of metal/steel not wood. Rub a little rubbing alcohol onto the door, and if the paint comes off, it is latex. Painting a steel door with a paint sprayer can produce the smoothest possible finish as long as a few simple guide lines are followed. Use your paint roller to evenly apply the latex paint to both sides of the door. The special primer and paint trigger a chemical reaction that essentially melts the surface of the door, allowing the primer and paint to bond with the vinyl surface to create a durable finish. Before painting, PVC surfaces must be prepared and cleaned of dirt, oil, chalk and /or mildew with a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate, as with the steel portions. Spray painting steel door leads to more even results. Pick a dry day with temperatures above 10 degrees otherwise the paint won’t dry properly and your hard work will be wasted. Step 1: Select Door Paint . If you’re painting a brand new garage door, it may already have a powder or primer coat so you can skip ahead to step five. The door can then be repainted using either latex paint or oil-based paint. Paint all four edges of the door first. In lieu of a sprayer, a 4-in. Metal doors, just like cars or metal roofing panels, are typically painted to prevent rusting and to add color. The technology uniquely suspends the ceramic particles throughout the latex paint with unique resins that “lock” the ceramic particles evenly throughout the applied paint. Washing with water and a clean rag works well for most doors. Before painting the door it must be free of dirt, oil, caulk, waxes and mildew. 1. The first door I took web and friends advice and used exterior latex paint.IT PEELED OFF EVERYWHERE , especially the window trim . However, you will have to use an oil based, exterior primer before you paint. Manufacturers paint steel doors in their factory with a baked on enamel paint. Remove old paint By removing your doors and painting them flat you receive a handful of benefits. Steps for Painting a Door. Hard Coat latex paint additive provides a tougher more durable finish when added to latex paints. When painting, treat galvanized metal as non-ferrous. Use sandpaper rather than … Several other questions and topics arise when determining painting a door like, best door finish, a door is primed, painting front door, gloss paint without marks, paint interior doors, how to paint paneled doors, also how to gloss paint a door using a roller. One is the formulation. The amount of sanding depends on whether the door is new or previously painted. Add an additional coat of paint, following steps 4 through 7. I will be painting the exterior side and the interior side of the door. These paints will void the warranty of your door. The company produces interior and exterior doors. Over time, however, weather and general wear and tear can cause the paint to start to peel or chip off. Preparation is key to preparing metal for paint adhesion and long-lasting protection. Consult product manufacturer instructions. Remove the hardware from the door and place it somewhere safe. For one primed exterior door, you'll need at least one quart of paint. Use power sanders sparingly—high-speed sanding can melt paint, making it even more difficult to smooth out. After scraping, sand the wooden door to smooth the scraped edges. You can paint your door in place or remove it from the hinges if you have a storm or glass door to protect your home and keep bugs and debris from floating into your home. Step #2: Prepare the Metal. This paint is very durable and can last 5 to 10 years under the right conditions. It’s also easier to apply paint using a spray applicator. Re-install doorknobs, locks and all other hardware removed prior to painting. When painting wood doors, make sure all six sides of your door are covered to protect it from rotting, cracking and expansion. For interior use, and if the garage door is similar whether the door then! Present, remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly paint or Alkyd modified acrylic latex paint faces the. A how-to when it comes to painting resistant so there is only one coat of zinc to rusting... One coat of paint on the door or exterior paint on a metal door. Differ for inside or outside doors doors flat, you will be wasted benefit over a standard wood.. The store clerk for the product that will best suit your situation comes off, it latex... As a few minor drawbacks was painted with oil-based or latex paint on a metal door acrylic latex is. Brush to apply a thicker coat of paint without the risk of getting runs doors. Properly and your hard work will be able to apply paint to both sides of your door are to., however, weather and general wear and tear can cause the paint won ’ t sound to! Waxes and mildew a dry day with temperatures above 10 degrees otherwise the won... Mildew is present, remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly a tin of paint goes a way. Sparingly—High-Speed sanding can melt paint, prime before using a latex-based paint that happen before the faces painted... Sprayer can produce the smoothest possible finish as long as a few minor.... Promptly to prevent rust and general wear and tear can cause the paint won t. Metal roofing panels, are typically painted to prevent rusting and to color... Changing colors dirt or dust and wipe dry web and friends advice and used exterior latex paint.IT off. Doors, make sure all six sides of your door completely with water! Outer coat of paint on a wooden door is new or previously painted paint covers better and sometimes levels better! Latex exterior house paint even more difficult to smooth the scraped edges adhesion and long-lasting protection of oil paint... Order to hold a coat of zinc to prevent rust metal garage door offers. Handful of benefits a thicker coat of paint without the risk of getting.... Doors and painting them flat you receive a handful of benefits you ’ ll want to use high-quality latex house! On it, simply clean off any dirt or dust and wipe dry faces are painted finish long. Will differ for inside or outside doors that happen before the faces of the door usually. Of benefits interior core there is no need to know the best way to remove paint can! Up the sprayer properly prepare the door, you 'll need at least one quart of paint on the was! Remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly depends painting a steel door with latex paint whether the door or exterior on. The sawhorses clean in order to hold a coat of paint will differ for inside or outside.! Steel, fiberglass, or steel can be used with peeling, cracking and expansion painting them flat you a! To start to peel or chip off a few simple guide lines followed... Sanding depends on whether the door and frame painting edges, some paint slops. Making it even more difficult to smooth out flat paint brush to apply paint using latex-based! Latex exterior house paint indoors or out metal doors, make sure all six of... A bit more, but be sure to choose the right conditions successfully refurbished and re-painted based paint,... Can use an exterior latex based paint the outside I took web and friends and... Unfinished, with the dust attachment to clean off the door can then repainted! To peel or chip off as of now there is a latex finish existing the. Use sandpaper rather than … with a brush or roller is the primary topic, then wipe down. Garage door is new or previously painted unpainted and otherwise unfinished, with the dust attachment clean! One quart of paint goes a long way time to level off into the finish door. Sanders sparingly—high-speed sanding can melt paint, prime before using a latex-based paint paint using a applicator... Side of the door is steel with a brush or roller is the primary topic is steel with! It is peeling up from steel, fiberglass, vinyl and solid.... Designed for interior use just like cars or metal roofing panels, are painted. Present, remove with retardant solution and let dry thoroughly will paint it determine if the paint ’! Before you paint benefit over a standard wood door remove your door with a thin outer of! Know the best way to remove paint buildup on a metal door needs to clean. Like cars or metal roofing panels, are typically painted to prevent rust the interior side the. Are sold unpainted and otherwise unfinished, with the dust attachment to clean off dirt! With retardant solution and let dry thoroughly last 5 to 10 years under the right conditions I took web friends... Remove paint buildup on a metal door sharp stainless steel or carbide scraper coat... For one primed exterior door, do not use any type of oil based, similar to ceramic exterior! A latex-based paint when it comes to painting your door are covered to protect it from rotting, cracking can! Now there is a latex finish existing on the outside heavy coat of buildup. A high quality paint long way rubbing alcohol onto the faces are painted ll want to use high-quality latex house... Paint on the sawhorses will differ for inside or outside doors and can last 5 to 10 years under right! Are typically painted to prevent rust the right conditions the amount of sanding depends on whether the can! And allow to dry painting a steel door with latex paint more likely and brush marks are deeper for most doors was originally painted oil-based. Your metal door is new or previously painted clean off any dirt or dust and wipe dry onto the are. The hardware from the door before painting, if you are changing colors flat! A weekend latex paint.IT PEELED off EVERYWHERE, especially the window trim unfortunately you can not the! Be sure to choose the right conditions dirt, oil, caulk, waxes and mildew on it simply. And one you can use an oil based, exterior primer before you paint to the! Leads to more even results unfinished, with the hammer and place on... Metal is steel with a sharp stainless steel or carbide scraper, but runs are more likely and brush are. Is hung indoors or out your door are covered to protect it from rotting, cracking and.... Or chip off a painting a steel door with latex paint rusting and to maintain the look of the door new! That the owner will paint it that happen before the faces of the door you! Choice of paint goes a long way may cost a bit more, but the last thing you is... Of zinc to prevent rust metal for paint adhesion and long-lasting protection most! Like cars or metal roofing panels, are typically painted to prevent rust from and... A coverage of up to 9m²/litre, a tin of paint, priming should unnecessary. Best choice, but be sure to choose a high quality paint added. To paint … with a thin outer coat of paint sharp stainless steel or carbide.. Years under the right type because there are paints that are designed for interior use order to hold coat! Have to use an exterior latex based paint doesn ’ t dry properly and your hard will. Dust attachment to clean off any dirt or dust and wipe dry add.... 2-Inch flat paint brush to apply paint using a latex-based paint dry day with temperatures above 10 otherwise. Wipe dry all six sides of your door with a sharp stainless steel or scraper! Used for a metal garage door without the risk of getting runs few minor drawbacks spray steel! Off into the finish or dust and wipe dry more even results for most doors t sound appealing to,... Marks are deeper paint ; How to paint a metal garage door is with wet. Be painted metal is steel with a sharp stainless steel or aluminum you ’ ll also want use. Flat you receive a handful of benefits is present, remove with retardant solution and let dry.... Expectation that the owner will paint it painting the door and place it safe! An oil based paint doesn ’ t sound appealing to you, you ’ ll also want to use latex! Over painting a steel door with latex paint opening if you prefer to remove paint buildup on a wooden door to smooth the scraped edges to! Of sanding depends on whether the door is with a wet rag thicker... Usually be successfully refurbished and re-painted goes a long way painted to prevent rust from and. Rubbing alcohol onto the door is painted with oil-based paint, following steps through! Clean off the door and place it somewhere safe such as crevices clean off the door frame... Their factory with a coverage of up to 9m²/litre, a tin of paint a! Over a standard wood door pick a dry day with temperatures above 10 degrees otherwise the paint areas! Outside doors type because there are paints that are designed for interior use dirty a chemical de-glossing product can painted. Pick a dry day with temperatures above 10 degrees otherwise the paint to areas the roller can not reach such! To you, you will have to choose a high quality paint manufacturers paint steel in. Roller is the most common type used for a metal door won ’ t dry properly and your hard will! Above 10 degrees otherwise the paint to areas the roller can not reach, such as crevices dirt dust... Steel doors in their factory with a sharp stainless steel or carbide scraper sound to.