When painting metal always use exterior latex paint.
Best type of paint for steel front door.
Latex paint is acrylic paint mixed with a binding agent that completely covers the surface staying with it no matter what.
To paint a steel door you ll need exterior paint and an oil based primer designed specifically for metal.
The type of primer you use also needs to match the type of paint you use latex or oil based.
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.
Prep work for painting you can paint your door in place or remove it from the hinges if you have a storm or glass door to protect your home and keep bugs and debris from floating into your home.
Doors may be wood metal or fiberglass.
Oil based paints are better than water based at preventing rust on metal doors such as steel storm doors.
Fiberglass doors are good candidates for water based paint.
Paint the door with at least two coats of exterior satin or semi gloss paint following the same process you did for the primer and being sure to leave the recommended amount of drying time between.
The same goes for exterior trim.
Oil based paints work better on stained surfaces bleeding woods that drip sap or tannin such as cedar cypress or redwood.
And they require regular painting or varnishing to look their best.
If painting light to moderately used indoor metal surfaces think wall sconces bed frames or guest room night tables go with water based acrylic paint a cheaper 15 to 40 per gallon.
It s got to be semigloss.
For metal doors such as a steel storm door work with oil based paint to stave off the formation of rust.
Entry door features manufacturers offer dozens of options for panel and glass designs grille patterns sidelights and transoms.
Supplies needed glidden primer white or grey depending on your chosen paint color glidden premium exterior paint in a semi gloss finish foam paint roller roller cover roller tray 2 angled brush paint stirrer paint stripper if you are painting over a metal door that is cracking or peeling paint stripping gloves sandpaper recommend 150 to 180 grit scraper drop cloths i cut up boxes instead of using an actual drop cloth special notes for if you re painting your door in place on.
For fiberglass doors apply a water based paint as its thinner and less sticky composition.