Which type of paint – acrylic, latex, oil-based, or alkyd – is best for protecting an exterior metal door from the elements?
Asked by Arno Gonzalez 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 26, 2024
What’s the best type of paint for an exterior door that gets hit with all kinds of weather? I’m not asking for a particular brand, just the best type like acrylic, latex, oil-based, alkyd, etc. I tried Rustoleum oil-based paint after prepping and priming, but it still didn’t work. Any suggestions?
For the exterior, you can go with either flat or semi-gloss Benjamin Moore latex paint. I suggest scraping off any loose paint and smoothing out the edges. Start with a coat of Benjamin Moore latex primer on bare metal, followed by two coats of paint.
Hey, thanks for the input! He’s not sure, but he thinks he used Zinsser primer before. He’s also wondering if using mineral spirits after sanding could have affected the outcome. He’s planning to strip down the door and start over, but I’ll pass on your suggestions!
Consider using Bullseye Zinsser primer.
Believes that is the product he used, but it’s been about 7 years so he’s not completely sure. He also wonders if other preparation steps, like wiping with mineral spirits, may have impacted the adhesion.
Start with primer, then choose the paint that suits your preferences.
Can this be applied over old paint or does the door have to be stripped down to bare metal?
If it’s already peeling, I would strip it down, but that product really sticks to anything. All of my painters swear by it, and so do I.
I’m not convinced – it could be due to poor preparation or years of neglect.
Oh boy, that door has been untouched for about 7 years. He can’t quite remember the exact process he used, but he usually pays close attention to detail. Maybe he didn’t do things quite right or used the wrong materials. He believes he sanded, cleaned with mineral spirits, applied Zinsser primer, then painted. Either way, I’ll share some helpful recommendations with him to improve his results this time.
Wow, that really does look like a metal door! You’ve got 2 coats of Macropoxy and 1 top coat of Fabulon on there, so you’re good for 25 years.
Preparation is key when it comes to painting. Did you remember to sand before applying the white paint? If not, that could be the main issue.
Hey , thanks for sharing! It’s been about 7 years and he’s not entirely sure what went wrong, but he’s usually pretty careful with prep work. He might have used the wrong products or gone about it in the wrong way (he mentioned sanding, wiping with mineral spirits, using Zinsser primer, and then painting). Either way, I’ll make sure to share all these recommendations with him so he can have better luck this time!
I’ve had rustoleum oil-based paint on the exterior of my house for years (aluminum window capping, eaves, soffit, and facia)… It’s unusual for oil-based paint to peel like that if applied correctly. Over 40 years of painting experience.
Said thanks. It’s been about 7 years and he’s not exactly sure what he did, but he usually takes his time with prep work even though he might have used the wrong method or products (he believes he sanded, wiped with mineral spirits, used Zinsser primer, then painted). Anyway, I’ll share all these recommendations with him so he can hopefully have better results this time!
You might want to consider different paint brands. The quality of the brand impacts how long the paint will last. Not all paints are the same.
Yeah, I totally agree with you! My first post got rejected too because the admin doesn’t allow brand requests to avoid affiliate links. I thought sharing the type of paint would still be helpful though.
Hey , I hope you receive all the information you need for the entire project, especially in terms of high-quality work. Best of luck to you.
So, can you walk me through your preparation process? Even a metal door requires a light sanding to remove any old and weathered finish. A high-quality oil-based primer, followed by your chosen paint, preferably a 100% acrylic enamel.
Thank you. It’s been about 7 years and he’s not exactly sure what went wrong with his prep work, but he usually takes great care with it. He might have used the wrong products or gone about it in the wrong way (he believes he sanded, wiped with mineral spirits, used Zinsser primer, and then painted). In any case, I will share all these recommendations with him so that he can have better results this time!
Preparation is essential! No matter what type of auto body paint we used, it turned out flawless.
Well, that option can be quite pricey.
Wow, $1200 a gallon is quite the price tag…
I prefer Porch and Deck enamel. It lasts longer than any other option. We were in a saltwater environment with direct sunlight. Make sure to prepare properly before painting.
Looks like that door suffered from poor preparation. Make sure to sand it down thoroughly before starting. After sanding, wipe the door clean with a lint-free cloth. Apply a coat of primer before painting, using either 100% acrylic-latex or oil-based enamels. Allow the first coat to dry for at least 24 hours before applying the second coat. Good luck with your project! 👍🏿
Jimmy Germain yes, there are primers that specifically mention strong bonding.
Jimmy Germain thank you. It’s been around 7 years and he’s not completely sure what he did, but he usually pays close attention to the preparation process, although he might have made some mistakes or used the wrong products (he remembers sanding, wiping with mineral spirits, using Zinsser primer, and then painting). I’ll make sure to share all these recommendations with him so he can have better results this time!
Yeah you’re absolutely right. There are several good primers available in the market. However, this particular project doesn’t have to be expensive at $100. Most lower quality primers should still do the job well.
Yeah, things don’t always go as planned. I really hope everything goes smoothly this time. 🙏🏿
Jimmy Germain just wanted to mention in case they want to double check since I’m not sure what material their door is made of. I purchased the heavy-duty primer for one of my doors and it wasn’t $100. You’re right, that’s definitely too much to pay.
Oh no! I forgot to use mineral spirits!
If not fully dried (several hours), you might paint over a residue.
That’s why I found out I can paint on the same day after cleaning with alcohol.
Hey , when I said ‘pass along,’ I meant that I would be passing along the recommendations to him. I wasn’t expecting you to do it.
You should consider replacing the door. It’s too easy for someone to break the window and unlock the door
Hey , mixing ceramic and glass isn’t a good idea. I mean, I could use the ceramic insulation from a spark plug in a slingshot to break in from a distance! Just walk up to the door and I’m in like I own the place. Anyone could do it. That door doesn’t really keep out the honest folks, does it? Plus, having a big window for peepers to look through? That’s not good at all. She should definitely look into replacing it as soon as possible.
Hey , that sounds pretty silly. I mean, any window can be vulnerable if you think about it. Plus, who would try to break in through the front door when there are people around? Where do you live that this is a concern? Sounds like it might be time to consider moving to a safer neighborhood.
Do you have eyes? Check out the two locks near that easily breakable window. That small detail is easy to overlook – break it, unlock the door, and close it behind you quietly. It’s not a good door, and that’s not just my opinion, it’s a fact. Also, even if it’s a side door, front doors aren’t automatically safe just because they’re at the front. Assuming they are could be a big mistake. I had my front door broken into four times before I moved into a house…
Oh, it’s actually a dual-sided keyed deadbolt, so breaking the glass doesn’t make access any easier. And having the K9 police cruiser parked in the driveway is a pretty good deterrent. But I’ll definitely talk to my husband about potentially changing it!
Hey, no self-respecting burglar would use a front door. Where in the world do you live that you’re even considering something like this?
My door had been broken into FOUR TIMES before I moved. Now I have a SOLID HARDWOOD DOOR. I used to live in Milwaukee Oregon 21 years ago when my home was robbed multiple times, and everything was stolen. It’s scary how crime is increasing everywhere. Even when I had neighbors close by, I still didn’t feel safe. You never know when a criminal will strike, so it’s always better to be prepared. I wouldn’t leave my family alone behind a door like that. Windows are also vulnerable, but not as easy to hide as a door. ‘t rely on anyone else for your security – that’s a lesson I learned the hard way! Robbers will always choose the easiest target, and it’s important to warn others about potential security flaws, no matter what the original question may be.
Jay, you really need an alarm system instead of just relying on a door for your family’s safety. Can you believe you’re putting their lives at risk with just a door?
An alarm? With cops taking forever to show up, if they show up at all… Now robbers have a soundtrack to work to! It’s funny that you’re defending that awful door with a window right next to the lock, when mine has windows that are tough to break into, a sturdy wood door, video surveillance, and more.
Hey , it doesn’t matter what type of door you have. I could still get in within 2 seconds. Relying on the door for protection is senseless. By the way, please pay more attention to what is being said. I never defended the current door in any way.
Hey , why even bother having a door? I could just cut a hole in the side of the house and enter through the wall…
Hey there , the original poster was asking about paint prep. Your response suggesting building a fort isn’t really helpful to anyone.
You seem pretty attached to that door, LOL 😂 You’re really going all in for a door that’s half glass, it makes me curious.
And remember, security is only as strong as its weakest point. You’re underestimating how quickly criminals can break in undetected and steal valuables, not to mention put the safety of the family at risk. Home invasions usually start at the front door.
It’s smart to make it challenging for intruders to enter. Every security measure plays a role and they all complement each other.
You’re not doing yourself any favors by ignoring the obvious security risk. Just painting over it won’t help, it might even make it more tempting since it looks nice.
LOL! 😂
Where do you live? In a high-crime area? I could go a whole week without locking my door and nothing would happen
I really wouldn’t recommend using a dual keyed deadbolt. It can be a big fire hazard.
Mentioned that double-sided keyed deadbolts do not meet the code requirements for exit doors.
That Deadbolt Julie has is really dangerous, I think she should replace it along with the whole door. I don’t think that car is always in the driveway, so relying on it for safety isn’t a good idea. And if someone in law enforcement lives there, they should definitely know better. If they were properly trained, they would probably give the same advice I’m giving you now when responding to break and enter calls. It’s important to change that door and deadbolt, they’re both dangerous.
Good idea, but I won’t let criminals decide how I want my home to appear.
Maybe brush up on your reading skills, I mentioned earlier that “you’re safe until you’re not” 🤣
And anyone could shatter your window and sneak in. I mean, seriously
Can’t you see the distinction here? They can’t simply walk up to your door, break a small window, manipulate the lock, open the door, and enter. Can’t you see the distinction? It seems like common sense is not your strong point.
It doesn’t matter what job the occupant has, what kind of lock is on the door, or where on the house the door is located. It doesn’t make the door more secure, especially if the occupant isn’t there to monitor it 24/7. Underestimating a criminal is the worst thing anyone can do…it only takes 5 minutes or less for a skilled criminal to enter and exit. If it happened to me and others, it could happen to you too. As I told the person I was discussing with, “you’re only safe until you’re not.” The security of the door is a major concern!!!!
At the very least, consider installing security doors…this suggestion comes from someone who has been a victim of home invasions and break-ins in the past…That’s why I feel so passionately about it.
Those who are broken into really don’t have a say in the matter, They target places that appear empty of valuables, and if someone is home during the break-in, it can be dangerous. Criminals are becoming more daring…No one is completely secure…Not even our law enforcement, who should be more cautious than anyone!
No offense, but I think you’re mistaken. I could easily kick your door in with one kick. So, following your logic, should you replace your exterior door with a bank vault door? Right?
If someone can kick a door in with one kick, then clearly the door and door frame were not installed properly. I doubt you could do that to my door, maybe to yours. But let’s focus on the small window next to the door handle – all it takes is a little tap to break it, open the door, and walk in. It’s a simple concept, I don’t see why you’re not getting it.
It’s amusing that you actually liked your own comment, how funny!
If someone really wants to break into your house, they will find a way. That’s just how it is.
You enjoyed that, didn’t you?
I get your point, so it’s important to keep that in mind this November. Where I’m from {AZ}, we don’t have as many issues like that; most people here can defend their homes and it usually doesn’t go well for the criminals out there targeting the public. But some still believe that gun control is the solution, even though the bad guys don’t follow those rules and get their weapons illegally. As long as these lawmakers keep getting reelected, I recommend investing in heavy steel doors for protection.
When it comes to home security, think like a burglar… Imagine breaking in through a window instead of the door in no time. Not even worth painting.
You know, it’s a double-sided keyed deadbolt, so breaking the glass doesn’t make it any easier to get in than from the outside or through a window. And having a K9 police car parked in the driveway is a pretty good deterrent. Still, I’ll mention it to my husband, as I wouldn’t mind getting a brand new solid door.
It seems like the surface wasn’t properly prepped before painting. Make sure to sand the door before using any exterior paint. Applying paint on an unprepared surface won’t yield good results.
Thanks for the info! It’s been about 7 years and he’s not exactly sure what went wrong. He usually preps everything meticulously but might have made a mistake with the products (he mentioned sanding, wiping with mineral spirits, using Zinsser primer, then painting). I’ll make sure to pass on all these recommendations for better results next time!
The brand and type of paint you use are crucial. Opting for cheaper paint may not be the best choice in the long run. I personally recommend going with Benjamin Moore. Have you considered trying the Benjamin Moore DTM (direct to metal) paint?
Totally agree with you, I’m not against it at all. My first post got rejected for asking about specific brands, but I thought mentioning the type of paint would still be helpful. Thanks for the recommendation!
Direct to metal
Epoxy is the best!
Rust-oleum BBQ paint (white spray ceramic) was baked on with a heat gun on low heat. If it continues to peel, it’s possible that someone painted latex over oil at some point, causing the latex to detach from the original paint. No primer was used with the ceramic paint.
Before painting over it, make sure to either sand off the old latex paint or use a paint stripper to remove it first.
You could also ask at ppg. They had a water-based touch-up (exact match) for the original metal trim that was powder coated at the factory.
I also spotted ‘door paint’ at Lowe’s before.
That sounds like a case of inadequate prep work and the wrong choice of primer.
All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions Group
I highly recommend this one! Check out their page for more information.
No need to prime before using it. I personally applied it to my 1975 weathered wooden door, which is exposed to the elements, and it has held up great. It truly is the simplest paint to use!
I also tested it on two metal doors facing the west side of my house, and I have had no issues with it in the past 3 years.
Not the best result due to poor preparation.
Just a friendly tip: Opt for a top-notch latex SATIN paint, apply 2 coats with a 2” paint brush and a 4” wThe gooseneck Guy! Cheers!
Consider using Sherwin Williams Emerald or Duration Satin for a high-quality finish.
Enamel paint is specifically designed for use on metal surfaces