How to Paint an Exterior Metal Door

Steps for Painting a Door

1. Remove the door from its hinge pins with the hammer and place it on the sawhorses.
2. Remove the hardware from the door and place it somewhere safe.
3. Lightly sand the door with 400-grit sandpaper.
4. Use the vacuum with the dust attachment to clean off the door, then wipe it down with a wet rag.
5. Pour the paint into a tray. Cut around the panels of the door or any other trim details using the paint brush.
6. Switch to a microfiber paint roller to paint the rest of the door. To minimize stroke marks, use long strokes and light pressure on the roller.
7. Let the door sit for an hour or two until dry, then apply the second coat.
8. Allow the second coat to dry, and then rehang the door.

Resources

Mauro used DTM, or direct-to-metal, paint that can be found at most home centers and paint supply stores. The paint was manufactured by Benjamin Moore in the color “Black Beauty”. Behr Premium paint also works.

Mauro also recommends using a high-adhesion bonding primer such as Kilz Adhesion.

Other supplies for this project, including foam rollers and a synthetic angled sash brush, are sold at home centers and paint supply stores.

Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Mauro’s Painting.

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