How to Paint a Security Door
Most security doors are made from steel due to the strength and fire resistance of the metal. Many homeowners are increasingly choosing metal security doors over wood and glass to secure their homes. Metal doors are prone to rust especially when exposed to the elements, but primer and paint protects the steel.
Tools:
- Oil Primer (spray is optimal)
- Bondo or other metal filler
- Screwdriver
- Two saw horses
- Rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner
- Paint scraper
- Razor blade
- Oil Paint
- Painters mask
- Rags and scrub pads
- Sand sponge
- Unscrew the door from the frame and remove hardware including the hinges, strike plates, weather stripping, and handles. Apply tape over hardware if you cannot remove hardware.
- Lay the door flat on the two saw horses to give you a workspace off of the ground.
- Use a paint scraper and a razor blade to remove excessive dirt and grime. Scrub away the dirt with alcohol and/or glass cleaner.
- Sand the entire door smooth to roughen up the original paint as this allows the primer to adhere. Use a clean dry rag to remove dust. Sand thoroughly in the dents and nicks, wash off grit, and apply Bondo according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Spray primer around the perimeter of the door, including the edges, and then spray primer to the front of the door and allow to dry. Flip the door over onto the other side on the sawhorses, and repeat primer spraying on the backside. Select a spray-paint primer for best results.
- Choose either oil based spray paint or 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 the back side. Applying primer and paint to the perimeter first reduces flashing and improves adherence.
- Paint the frame of the door for best results.
- Return all of the door hardware including weather stripping, and reaffix the door to the frame.