How do I paint a metal door step by step, since my boyfriend thinks everyone mistakes it for wood?
Asked by Lucíola Jesus 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 20, 2024
What are the detailed directions for painting a metal door? Also, my boyfriend thinks everyone probably thinks it’s wood, haha.
I really enjoy watching this guy’s tutorial on painting doors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSL3dfFI9o8. He explains the process around the middle of the video
That’s a great comment! Thanks for sharing.
Sand with 400 grit sandpaper
Clean with a degreaser
Choose a paint specifically made for steel surfaces (using the wrong paint will result in chipping and won’t last long)
Utilize a brush for hard-to-reach areas
Finish with a foam roller.
Thanks a lot,
First, give a listen to ‘Paint it Black’ by The Rolling Stones
First things first, you should hire a painter.
Looking for a door? Haha
Alright, first things first, start by taking off the door. Then, remove all the hardware. After that, sand down the door. Next, apply two coats of primer. Follow that up with two coats of paint. Finally, put back the hardware and rehang the door.
Us artists need to fuel up as well 😂💯
Yeah but remember this is a do-it-yourself community lol
We still need to grab a bite 😂, but my recommendation was mentioned in a different comment. 😉
And nothing beats firsthand experience 💯
Take a step back, give it another glance, and if it looks good, then go ahead and enjoy yourself.
I’ve been wanting to repaint it the entire year I’ve been living here haha
Should try to determine the type of paint used. But it’s likely best to strip it off
Personally, I prefer to remove the doors and lay them flat when painting.
For sure, during the summer if it’s hot the oil will dry within 10-12 hours. Just hang it back up and you’re finished
Make sure to knock before entering and check if someone is home.
Remove the door, take off the hardware, and tape off the window. Give it a light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper, repaint it the same color, then put the door and hardware back on. Easy peasy!
When it comes to painting, preparation is crucial. Start by sanding the door to remove the gloss finish, then wipe it with a tack cloth. You don’t need to use a primer – opt for an oil-based paint as it provides a smoother finish when brushed on. Keep the door on its hinges while painting and avoid closing it too soon. Let it dry for at least 24 hours if possible
I really appreciate your help. I was thinking I’d need to remove the door to paint it.
You don’t have to prop the door against anything, which makes the painting process much simpler. Best of luck!
If you can cut in without removing the door, that would be ideal. Consider the paint regulations in your area as oil-based paint may not be readily available.
Removing the door can lead to better outcomes and save time. When you paint on sawhorses horizontally, you have the advantage of seeing the surface from different perspectives – making it easier to spot any defects. This method also reduces the chances of drips. Coating the top and bottom edges provides improved moisture resistance and simplifies cleaning. It also offers ergonomic benefits. Removing the hinges before painting can be beneficial, and if necessary, consider replacing them when repainting the door.
If you are using Acrylic paint, opt for a small 1” roller instead of a wall roller for better application. Start with a brush to ensure the paint reaches the recesses of the trim. Apply two coats to the door with touch-ups as needed. A quart of paint is adequate for both sides. If the interior has a different color, use tape along the edge for a neater finish.
Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. It’s advisable to work on one side per day so you can hang the door overnight.
Start by cleaning and fixing any issues, followed by a light sanding. After cleaning once more, make sure to prime and paint.
Agree with everyone else, but opt for oil-based paint, add a bit of thinner, and apply with a brush.
Brush strokes going up and down, at least 2 coats
It’s getting hard to find oil-based paint in many states now.
Take out the door hinge pins, put the door on sawhorses, get rid of all hardware, mask any glass, and then paint.
Suggests beginning with 15 different paint colors before purchasing a new door.
Flaherty #13
Aww , you really think you’ve chosen some paint colors?
Remember, you can always use Google to find the information you need without having others type it out for you, as many have already done so.
I appreciate the useful advice in a community where individuals seek guidance 👍
This group is specifically intended for that.
Hey , this is like the Google for DIY tips!
To save time, money, and effort, it’s best to hire a professional. Speaking as a professional, that is my expert advice. If someone suggests otherwise, they likely lack knowledge about the task at hand.
Do individuals such as yourself overlook the fact that this is a community specifically for DIY enthusiasts
Not exactly, but common sense also has to be taken into account. If someone is sharing advice based on their expertise, which is their source of income, and offering it for free, perhaps it’s best to just move on?
Every house renovation project has definitely been accomplished by a DIY enthusiast at some stage with the proper knowledge and tools. Saying that painting a door cannot be done by a DIYer is ridiculous.
To be honest, it seems like you’re having trouble understanding… I never said anything was impossible… plus, I never even interacted with you, but you felt the need to insert yourself into the conversation. It’s clear you’re seeking some interaction and having a rough day. How can I help you? Because frankly, I have to doubt your skills when you can’t even handle scrolling past a comment you disagree with. See you later
I appreciate you acknowledging your mistake
See you later… Haha
Painting a door is one of the simplest DIY projects. I’ve done it countless times without any problems. It’s a mystery to me why someone would need to hire a professional for such a straightforward task.
Hey there, ! You’ll want to aim for a more polished and professional appearance, dear.
Hey Kimberly, you look adorable. And by the way, my doors turned out fantastic, hun.
Why are you taking this so personally? I didn’t address you or the other person, just the original poster, to share my opinion. It seems like it really bothers you and the other person who are doing a great job on your own.
You mentioned, ‘if anybody tells you differently they’re obviously uneducated about doing the job.’ You made a pretty direct statement. You could have simply stated your preference for hiring a professional without attacking those who have a different view. But you said what you said. I’m not offended, just offering a different perspective. I strongly disagree with your belief that the average person can’t do a good job at this. Thinking otherwise doesn’t make someone ignorant. And there’s nothing wrong if OP wants to give it a shot.
It’s quite ridiculous how you choose to be offended by someone identifying as quote anybody. It really speaks volumes about the type of person you are. If you’re triggered by words, maybe DIY isn’t the best choice for you. Have you considered investing in a big, comfy couch instead? PS – I stand by my words. Sometimes mistakes in this line of work can be quite costly. It’s clear that we have different ideas of what constitutes a job well done. You do you – being ghetto fabulous is always a fun choice.
I’m honestly not bothered. But go ahead and convince yourself of that.
You’re really passionate about a non-issue.
And you aren’t? I find this quite amusing.
Well let me remove the temptation for you… Goodbye 🙂 this page is meant to be enjoyable, helpful, and informative. It’s not your personal Karen page…
Consider purchasing a new door instead.
Consider trimming, adjusting insets, or checking rails and stiles.
Just a friendly tip: avoid choosing red… I recommend lightly sanding, washing with water and soap, allowing it to air dry, then applying a layer of primer before adding your chosen color. ACE offers a wide range of options and is very helpful. We also have a Wagner power sprayer, which has been incredibly useful for home projects. We opted for a lovely grey-blue hue, which turned out fantastic. They matched the color we wanted almost perfectly. –
-Benoît I actually prefer having a red door hah
Take off the hardware, tape up the glass, sand, and then paint
The simplest method is to remove the furniture and, if possible, take the door off. Then proceed to sand, prime, and lay a tarp underneath the door.
YouTube and Pinterest are my go-to resources for all things DIY.
Step 1. Start by cleaning with a degreaser like TSP.
Step 2. Take a look to see if there are any imperfections that need sanding or filling.
Step 3. Gently buff or fill as needed. If everything looks good, move on to step 4. 🤣
Step 4. Head to the hardware store and inquire about steel door paint; oil paint is the best option, but if it’s not in stock, there are alternatives available.
Step 5. Lay down any necessary flooring protection and ensure all supplies are within reach.
Step 6. Begin by cutting in your trim and hardware. If you’re not confident in your precision, consider taping off the trim and hardware first to prevent any accidental paint spills.
Supplies:
-Drop cloth, preferably plastic. (I personally use old bedsheets)
-Brushes. (I prefer using a thin brush less than an inch wide for cutting in. Since oil paint is thick, you want to avoid applying too much near the edges to prevent visible marks.)
-Foam rollers. (I purchase mine from the dollar store since foam is foam and this doesn’t require an expensive option.)
-A reliable brand of painters tape. (Essential if you lack a steady hand)
-Old rags or cloths (keep them damp to quickly wipe up any drips. If you’re using oil paint, opt for thinner instead of water to avoid smudging the paint.)
-Remember to enjoy the process! Life’s too short, and it’s just a door. If you end up disliking it, at least you now have the skills to rectify it. ♥️
Here’s a simple recipe for a polar bear sandwich:
Grab a slice of bread, place a polar bear on it, add another slice of bread on top. Enjoy! 🥪
Just start with this paint first. You’ll be happy you did, and no need to prime with it. All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions Group.
Step one is to put on the paint.
I’m not sure why there are so many sarcastic comments here. Isn’t this group meant for seeking advice and guidance? There are various types of paint tapes and methods for painting, sanding can also be challenging for beginners, and it can be confusing whether to use primer first. How can you learn to do something correctly if you’ve never tried it and never asked for help? Some people seem to have enough time to be sarcastic, but not enough time to offer a helpful comment 🤷♀️ lol
I was just trying to provide you with my honest advice. We deal with a lot of door repairs due to their complexity. Issues like drips, brush marks, bleeding, and dings to fix. I enjoy DIY projects, but sometimes it’s not the best choice. My intention was not to upset you with my response. When you invest a lot in a door, you want it to look perfect since it’s the first thing people notice. Fixing mistakes can be quite challenging.
I have been pondering the same problem. I believe I have had my fill of this group.
Yeah I thought it would be a cool group to be part of and pick up some new skills but for a DIY group, some people can be quite critical or recommend hiring a professional? haha
Everyone is providing me with conflicting answers so I might just resort to Google haha
YouTube is also a great resource. I’ve only been in this group for 2 hours and I’m already leaving. Personally, I think YouTube is the best option. These people are so strange.
Haha, thanks ! 😂
Hey, do you mean someone like ?
I don’t see around, but there are like 5 other people here. Some of the comments are just ridiculous, LOL.
Do you think the group admins realize that there are many contractors in here who don’t really fit the group’s purpose? It’s like when someone from a construction company says you shouldn’t be seeking DIY advice in a DIY group.
Just go ahead and paint it.
If you have to ask, it might be best to reconsider doing it.
😂 do you get the purpose of this group? It seems like you don’t really belong here. This group is not intended for highly skilled individuals 🙄
Seriously? You came all the way here to say that?
Let’s boycott that jerk
Seems like you’re a home improvements company with some experience, yet you’re in this group? What a 🐟
Can offer suggestions or keep moving along. It’s that simple. Remember, this is a DIY community, so let’s stay positive.
Doors can be a bit tricky, but here’s what you do: take it down, remove all the hardware, tape the glass. Sand it with 200 grit, fill any imperfections with bondo, sand some more until it’s smooth. Wipe it down, then prime it with a good exterior primer. Sand out any thick spots, wipe again, then paint with a good exterior paint. Remember to sand between coats and don’t try to cover it completely with the first coat.
Thanks a lot, !
Lay flat to prevent drips, let it dry in a warm room, then flip and repeat on the other side. Next up: designing the next generation of jet propulsion for SpaceX!