How to Paint a Metal Security Door
Metal doors are very popular because they are fire resistant and they secure a building better than wood or glass. Not only are metal doors used on only industrial buildings, homes and offices are increasingly using metal for their doors. Rust is unsightly on metal security doors, and degrades the door itself. Preventing rust prolongs the life of the door and improves the security of the building.
Tools:
- Oil Primer
- Oil Paint
- Painters mask
- Rags and scrub pads
- Sand sponge
- Bondo or other metal filler
- Screwdriver
- Two saw horses
- Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner
- Paint scraper
- Razor blade
- Painters blue tape
- Remove the door from the frame and remove any hardware including the hinges, weather stripping, strike plates, and handles. Apply tape over the hardware if unable to remove.
- Place the door flat on the sawhorses to clean the door thoroughly. Use a paint scraper and a razor blade to remove hardened dirt and grime. Remove excess dirt with alcohol or glass cleaner.
- Sand the entire door to allow the primer to adhere. Use a clean dry rag to remove dust. Sand the dents and nicks, wash off grit, and fill-in any dents with Bondo according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply primer around the perimeter of the door, including the edges then spray primer to the entire front of the door and allow to dry. Flip the door on the sawhorses and repeat on the back side. Painting the perimeter first reduces flashing and improves primer adherence. Select a spray primer for best results. It is helpful to sand the primed door between coats.
- Choose either an oil based spray paint or an oil based paint in a can. If using spray paint, wear a mask during painting. Apply paint around the perimeter of the door, then spray or brush the entire door to reduce flashing. Allow to dry and repeat on the backside.
- Paint the frame of the door, if desired.
- Replace all of the door hardware including weather stripping, and reattach the door to the frame.