Choose the lighter background wood color as the base coat color for the door. Seal your steel if you want to avoid rust. Paint the door with a second coat for more durability, this is because the steel doors get a lot of use and wear. Behr Ultra is the original paint and primer in one. % of people told us that this article helped them. You don’t need to sand the whole surface of the door thoroughly, only enough to give the primer something to stick to. Exterior Paint (I used Benjamin Moore’s Soft Gloss Finish in Bright and Early) 2″ Brush (angled is fine too) Frog Tape; Razorblade; All-Purpose Cleaner; Paper Towels ; Steps. Quality exterior doors should be long-lasting and offer insulation from both heat and cold, and from noise as you seek a peaceful sanctuary in your home. Do I need to prime? Note: Painting a door typically takes three to five hours, depending on the condition of the door and how fussy you are. 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. Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. The paint that covers them, however, will not last that long. White double primed and ready for your first coat of paint, these are available in styles to match any home, office, apartment, or commercial installation. It has a large leaded glass insert that is held in with 1 1/2" + wide white molding made of polypropylene. Exterior Paint at Other Retailers; Painting Project Tools. Paint the door with a second coat for more durability, this is because the steel doors get a lot of use and wear. References JELD-WEN 36 in. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific cleaner that you are using. Match My Color; Room Visualizer; Paint Calculator. Would using a product like Bondo work in these areas to fill and smooth and then repaint. (I used my Norwex cloth and water for this step.) 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. Different primers will take different amounts of time to dry in different climates. Remember, most primer is porous and does not provide protection from moisture, including high humidity. Check the information on your chosen paint for more information on the expected drying times. 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. Find a new steel entry door that’s primed and ready to paint. 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. Add beauty and quality to your entryway with this four-panel, half-moon lite door from Mastercraft's Embossed Collection. 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. I feel much more confident painting my steel door. Use a sprayer or rollers for uniform texture. Give the door a light touch every hour until you are certain the door is dry. While taking the door off its hinges will make the painting process much easier, it isn’t absolutely necessary. Step Six: Fixing Cracks. Thank you! Automotive degreasing cleaners are another great alternative if that's easier for you to find. It can take between 1 and 3 hours for each coat to fully dry. 3/4 Oval Lite Blakely Primed Steel Prehung Right-Hand Inswing Front Door (105) At our stores we have 2 different exterior paint and primer paints that are both by Behr. Painting a door is similar whether the door is hung indoors or out. Some may require you to wear gloves or eye protection for your own safety. If painting both sides of the door, you'll need to work one side at a time. Sand the spots and treat with a rust inhibitor to neutralize the rust. I feel confident that I can do it. This article has been viewed 579,770 times. And let the door dry for at least 4 to 6 hours before recoating. You'll want to do it justice with a glossy, professional-looking paint job. Painting a Mastercraft door is a straightforward task and one you can handle over a weekend. 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. Where to Buy; Español; Home > Tags > How To Paint A New Primed Steel Door. This is a common question because primed steel doors may look good even without being painted. To paint a steel door, you'll need exterior paint and an oil-based primer designed specifically for metal. This article has been viewed 579,770 times. Both interior and exterior doors look better with fresh paint, but proper application is vital so the paint goes on smooth and doesn't peel off. What makes the paint flake after the door is painted? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Or, you can take a putty knife and scrape off any loose paint. Use the vacuum with the dust attachment to clean off the door, then wipe it down with a wet rag. Utility 6-Panel Right-Hand Outswing Primed Steel Prehung Front Exterior Door (17) Model# 19030 $ 175 00. Prep the exterior door and plastic trim for painting: Clean the door surface well. Paint a section at a time. Exterior Doors. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Buy Paint. Sand the door until the dent is no longer obvious or not easily visible. Open your door as wide as possible to reveal the hinges holding it to the doorframe. Choose a lighter color for your steel door if it is exposed to sunlight. You might consider a white appliance paint designed for stoves and grills for a steel door that gets hit with direct sun all day, as it can prevent peeling. "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." This article received 13 testimonials and 93% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Any multi-surface spray cleaner should work well on your door. When painting a steel front door, you will want to use an exterior paint and primer in one. The choice of paint will differ for inside or outside doors. Steel Doors can come in a simple flat face or can be detailed to resemble wood doors with set in panels and some may even have a simulated grain texture. You should prime it before you re-paint it. 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. Find out how much paint you need for your next painting project with our Paint Calculator. Just a few preparatory steps are necessary before you get to work. Steel Doors ... Masonite 36 in. Each product should say which others they are compatible with, but you can ask for help when purchasing them if you’re unsure. Do I just sand it or does it need to be primed? The paint is black and all the edges of the scraped areas stand out. When it’s on slick steel, paint doesn’t absorb into the material and “laydown” and you’re going to have a rough looking texture in your paint finish. 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. Can I use one coat of paint and primer for my steel door? This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. Steel Exterior Doors are used on many homes for Fire protection on doorways connected to a built in garage and also exit doors. Doors come primed, ready to paint; Left Hand Active In-Swing Explanation: When viewed from the exterior of the home, the door on the left side is active and swings into the home. ", "Gave me suggestions and will make it easier to accomplish the job. Last Updated: June 20, 2019 How soon after installation do I have to paint over the factory primer on an exterior steel door? But add in the drying time and it’s a full-day project. Oct 20, 2020 - How to paint a primed steel door. ", "Great article. Since the door is most often seen by the outside, you should paint it either white or blue. Browse our durable, cost-effective steel exterior doors from the High Definition (HD) collection. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. Painting vinyl is an inexpensive option, particularly when compared to buying tinted panels to fit over the door's surface. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. The second, darker color creates the grain, once you mix it with a clear glaze or sealer. x 80 in. If it’s on its last legs, it’s perhaps not as important that you paint it flawlessly. It might be easier to paint in the morning, early evening or in the shade, so the paint doesn’t dry too quickly and stays wet while you’re still painting. How do I paint a steel door that has bubbles on it due to the sun? Loosen the hinge pins holding the door in place. Is there a special paint for use in extremely cold climates? 0. Simply put, it can’t help protect your door against the weather which is very important especially for an exterior door. Steel doors become hot in sunlight which in turn will compromise the quality of the paint bond. We installed a steel entrance door last summer. If you were to paint a vinyl door with normal exterior paint, it would peel and chip very quickly, especially with frequent use and exposure to the elements. And let the door dry for at least 4 to 6 hours before recoating. It will be much easier to paint when it is sunny and warm than it is painting in the rain. Usually, poor surface preparation is to blame for flaking paint. Pour the paint into a tray. However, it’s important to note that a primer’s main job is to help the paint adhere to the surface. So if you’re painting a door you can’t live without, like a bathroom or exterior door, start first thing in the morning so it can be back in service by day’s end. If you use something to accelerate the drying, do so carefully. They will likely tell you how many coats you’ll need, as well as how long you should leave each coat to dry. Be careful to fix any drips or uneven roller strokes before the paint dries. The second best way is to use foam rollers because both give your steel door a uniform texture. Sam Adams is the owner of Cherry Design + Build, a residential design and construction firm, which has been operating in the Greater Seattle Area for over 13 years. Be certain the label states the pail contains exterior paint, not interior paint. You might want to remove the weather stripping around the edge of the doorframe for a day or two after reattaching the door. Clean the door well to remove oils, dirt and any other surface contaminants. 3. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Paint provides an almost instant update to an old door. The Embossed Collection features a wide variety of door styles, and this model's energy-saving core stands up to the most extreme temperatures. It's completely up to your taste preference, but the sharpest look is black with white trim. How Much Paint Do I Need? Always use a screwdriver rather than an electric drill when removing hardware. A steel door needs extra special care when it’s painted because the wet paint can easily be manipulated by the tool that’s applying it. If you do not have a glass or storm door that stands between your door and the elements, you’ll want to make certain you use exterior paint. If your door is paneled, start with the panels. This can be overcome by painting the door with a primer first, before top coating it with the water based paint (latex or acrylic). ", "Simple yet detailed words to help a newbie get the job done! Using either water based acrylic paint for wood or an oil primer for metal, paint the door’s six sides—the exterior, interior and each of the four edges. To learn how to disassemble a steel door before painting it, keep reading! Wipe down the door with a dry cloth or leave it in the sun for an hour or two before moving on. Try It Now . For a single exterior door that has been primed you’ll need approximately one quart of paint. ", "This article answered many of my questions. If you paint the door with a brush, you get all kinds of brush strokes in the finished product.". Right Hand Active In-Swing Explanation: When viewed from the exterior of the home, the door on the right side is active and swings into the home. I am going to paint my front and back door red when the weather is good, so now I am not, "He moved along at a calm but steady pace and did not falter. Keep the weather forecast in mind when planning on painting your door. He was very, "I feel that I can do this myself and save money by not buying a new door and getting the exact color that I want. ", "You gave complete details, step-by-step, and the tips were great! The primer doesn’t have the protective qualities that exterior paint has. Remove door handles (if you desire to) or tape around them carefully with painter’s tape. Premium steel doors are factory-primed and should be painted but not stained. Give the door plenty of time to dry between coats, normally between 6 to 12 hours but sometimes up to 18. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. See more ideas about steel doors, entry doors, doors. The Paint a Six Panel Door page gives some tips and a painting scheme for painting six panel doors. "It helped me a great deal. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. A paint with a primer mixed in has excelled adhesion and it will stick to your steel door wonderfully. Applying too much pressure or using a rougher sandpaper can risk damaging the door too much. What color should I paint my door if the exterior is red brick? Apply both coats of primer to the door and let fully dry before turning over to prime the other side. How do I stop streaks in painting a steel door with an oil-based paint? Though the door surface is primed, it may have become dirty or oily during shipment and installation. After scraping I sanded with a sander to try to get the edges of areas smooth then I primed then painted. Front Doors. How do I prep a steel door before painting it? The door has already been painted, but I want to change the color. Whether your new front door is steel, fiberglass or wood, it probably was quite expensive. Paint the bare aluminum with a primer before top coating. Paint does not like to stick to dirt or grease! The company produces interior and exterior doors. What color should I paint the door if inside house is green with black trim and outside the house is white and blue? Sanding the door is an option. ", "Thank you for the information. Cut around the panels of the door or any other trim details using the paint brush. Wipe down the door and trim well before painting. Painting over it will help obscure any minor dents or dings, so don't worry too much about using a bubble level. It might take longer, but it will be much easier than having to replace any hardware you could damage with an electric drill. If you aren’t able to use a sprayer, you can add Pentrol by Flood. If the steel door that is getting painted is in direct sunlight, then it is advisable to paint early in the morning before the steel door has heated up. By using our site, you agree to our. Apply a smooth coat of oil-based primer. 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? Clean off the door thoroughly. For one primed exterior door, you'll need at least one quart of paint. This will give the paint much longer to dry fully before the edges are pressed tightly against the stripping. If you’re unhappy with the look of the second coat of paint once it is dry, you can always add another one. In lieu of a sprayer, a 4-in. It came pre-painted white (or it might be pre-primed). The most common kinds of exterior door paint are acrylic resin or latex-based and with a semi-gloss finish. 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. Have the paint tested for lead if you are unsure, and always follow your local guidelines about dealing with lead paint. ", https://www.familyhandyman.com/doors/how-to-remove-a-door/view-all/, https://homefixated.com/exterior-steel-door-painting-tips/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-a-metal-door/, स्टील के दरवाजे को पेंट करें (Paint a Steel Door), consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you are repainting an old door, be wary that it might have originally been painted with a lead-based paint. Sam Adams, a full-service contractor, says: "The best way to paint a steel door is with a professional sprayer, not a rattle can. Can I use a rust inhibitor over a lot of rust? This door has a left inswing, which means the knob is on the left side when you pull the door toward you. 1. Then, apply 2 coats of the primer, letting it dry after each coat. [1] X Research source Hit the nail with a hammer until the hinge pin loosens and the top is pushed away from the hinge panels. Refinishing an existing door: If you’re hoping to change the look of your current door, evaluate the door’s condition. To learn how to disassemble a steel door before painting it, keep reading! Sep 1, 2019 - Shop masonite 30-in x 80-in right-hand outswing primed steel prehung entry door with insulating core at Lowes.com Careful attention to cleaning the surface well to remove oils, dirt, and other things that interfere with the bonding process will eliminate this problem. Choose exterior paints for an exterior surface and interior paints for a project area that faces the inside of the home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying paints. Fortunately, today most newly installed steel entry doors come pre-primed, meaning a coat of primer was applied at the factory and the door is ready to paint. The paint did not adhere well to the door surface because it wasn't able to bond well to the existing finish. He knew exactly what he was talking about. It should be done shortly after the installation is complete, and definitely before the next rain. Since your door will be exposed to rain, sun, wind and other elements, you'll need flexible and mold-resistant exterior paint. 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. Copyrights (©) 2021 GetRit.Com   All Rights Reserved, ☞ How To Care For Acacia Wood Outdoor Furniture, ☞ How To Clean Acacia Wood Patio Furniture, ☞ How To Restore Acacia Outdoor Furniture, ☞ How To Paint A Metal Door Without Brush Marks, ☞ How To Paint A Door Without Removing It. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you use a Direct-To-Metal paint, you can begin applying it without applying primer to the door first. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 579,770 times. Inspect an older wood door for any cracks. fearful. Steel doors are wonderful at keeping the wind and weather out of our homes, and they’re remarkably durable—they can last a lifetime. A former architect, Sam is now a full-service contractor, specializing in residential remodels and additions. 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. Doors & Windows. Steel Doors. Step 1 Clean the surface of the door. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Heat guns and similar tools might help the paint dry faster, but won't dry it evenly and could even damage the paint if it is too intense. You can find the basic cleaning and painting tools that you'll need for the job at a local hardware store. Yes. It’s an additive that helps stop streaks and roller/brush marks. If the steel door that is getting painted is in direct sunlight, then it is advisable to paint early in the morning before the steel door has heated up. How Much Paint Do I Need? x 80 in. Then prime and paint as usual. Lightly sand the door with 400-grit sandpaper. By knowing how to clean and prepare your door for painting and which products to use, you can have your steel door looking brand new for years to come. Make sure the primer you are using is compatible with your chosen paint. Save money by painting your new front door yourself. Using the cheap paint or paint which has been thinned will result in protecting the surface poorly, so use the best quality prime. To determine ideal wood shades, examine an image or an actual piece of your favorite type of wood. You want to protect that steel from moisture as soon as possible. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The doors are constructed from steel, fiberglass, vinyl and solid wood. Another possible cause is applying water based paint over an existing oil based paint. Approved. Press a nail to the base of the hinge pin, which will be right on the point where the door pivots open and closed. 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! However, I may have a paint contractor do the job both sides as there is way more than I can do! ", "Explained every step very well, I feel I can do it.". Do I need to use a special paint on a metal door that gets really hot? This article was co-authored by Sam Adams. Get free shipping on qualified Primed, Exterior Prehung Steel Doors or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Doors & Windows Department. Dark colors fade and need repainting more frequently. Paint; Plumbing; Storage & Organization; Tools; Back Back Home. First things first, like with any surface that you’d like to paint you’re going to need to clean it up. Priming all sides will help ensure the durability of 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":"