Content

• To step
• Tips
• Necessities

If you paint a steel door, it will not only look better, but you will also prevent the door from rusting or damage to the surface. Removing the hinges and locks from the door, cleaning the door properly and repairing holes are all parts of the process if you want to paint a steel door. Use the tips below when painting a steel door.

To step

1. Choose acrylic paint for your job. Acrylic paint is more resistant to sunlight than oil-based paint. You can also clean up paint splatters that you spill more easily with soap and water.
2. Remove all hinges and locks from the steel door.
   • Use an (electric) screwdriver to remove the doorknob and strike plate.
   • Remove other accessories from the door, such as a kickboard or door knocker.
3. Remove the door from the frame and hinges. Use an electric screwdriver to unscrew the screws from the hinges.
4. Clean the door. Use rubbing alcohol and a rag to clean the entire door. Clean areas with visible dirt, grease or dust extra thoroughly.
5. Cover areas that should not be painted with masking tape. Use painter's tape to cover windows, edges, or other areas you don't want to paint.
6. Fix holes in the door. Use metal filler to fill holes or cracks. Then sand the filled areas so that the surface is flush with the rest of the door. Start with 100 grit sandpaper and then move on to 150 grit to make it even smoother.
7. Sand the entire door with 150 grit. If you are sanding the door, prepare the surface for the paint to adhere properly.
8. Prime the door if it is new steel. Apply 1 coat of quick-drying oil-based primer with a roller or brush. Let the primer dry for at least 24 hours.
9. Paint the steel door with 2 coats of paint. Let the first coat dry before applying the next.
   • Use a brush to apply the paint. If you use a brush to apply the paint, you can easily get into all the edges and corners. Avoid brush strokes when applying the paint.
   • Roll out the paint. Be careful and clean up any drips or uneven areas of the roller before the paint dries. Use a smaller roller for the edges around the door panels.
   • Use spray paint to paint a steel door. Getting a smooth finish with spray paint requires some experience. However, if you have experience with spray paint, this is the best way to paint your door.
10. Clean up when the paint is completely dry.
    • Replace the hinges and locks using an (electric) screwdriver.
    • Remove the masking tape you used to protect areas that should not be painted.
    • Hang the door back onto the hinges the same way you took it out.

Tips

• Choose a lighter color if the steel door is exposed to a lot of sunlight. Dark colors fade more quickly and need to be repainted more often.

Necessities

• (Electrical screwdriver
• Tape
• Cleaning alcohol
• Cloth
• Metal filler
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Rollers and brushes
• Spray paint