How To Paint A Metal Exterior Door

Is it that time again for you to freshen up your home with some new paint, then why not start by painting your metal exterior front door? After all, it’s the first thing your visitors see before entering your home.

Whether you’re touching up or repainting your metal exterior door your success depends on your prep and the materials you use. One product we recommend using is called “Grand Entrance” and it is a Benjamin Moore paint. It is very easy to work with and self-leveling which almost guarantees a successful paint job.

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What paint to use on a metal exterior door?

When it comes to painting there are so many options you can choose from. 

With all the different brands and manufacturers, it can be a little scary sometimes. 

Let me share with you some of the best products that I’ve used throughout the years. 

These are all easy to work with and forgiving. 

This means that even if you are a novice painter or a do-it-yourselfer, you will most likely achieve the results that you’re looking for.

The first thing about the paint you need to understand is that you really get what you pay for. 

So if you are trying to get great results and have it look like a professional did it, you will have to be willing to spend a little more.

Now I am going to assume that you will not the using a professional sprayer to paint your metal exterior door.

My personal favorite is Benjamin Moore’s Grand Entrance. 

It is easy to work with and self-leveling. 

In addition, it has great coverage and great hide. 

Great hide means that it covers up the previous colors very well. 

A little bit goes a long way. 

A quart of paint is usually enough for an entire door. 

The only downside to this paint is that it has a recoat time of 14 to 24 hours depending on the environment. 

If it’s humid outside it will take up to 24 hours to dry and to be able to recoat.

My second favorite would be Benjamin Moore’s exterior Aura paint

This paint is also easy to work with and has great coverage also. 

It almost hides as well as the grand entrance and costs a little bit less in comparison. 

What I like about this paint is that you can recoat within 2 to 4 hours depending on the environment.

A little bit goes a long way and a court will usually last you for an entire door.

Keep in mind that if you are doing a drastic color change you will have to take extra steps. 

So if you have a green door and would like to paint it red I will suggest that you prime it first. 

You don’t necessarily have to prime it for adhesion purposes but whenever you do drastic color changes you might end up doing extra coats. 

Usually, two coats are enough but in those cases, it might take you three to four.

Where can I find Benjamin Moore products to paint a metal exterior door?

Depending on your location you might not have a Benjamin Moore retailer near you. 

But if you have a local hardware store such as Ace Hardware, for example, chances are that they will carry Benjamin Moore products. 

I suggest you Google “Benjamin Moore Products” near me or “Benjamin Moore paint near me”.

You could also head over to their website at Benjamin Moore and order from them directly. 

You can match any color pretty much even if it’s by a different manufacturer.

Do I use a brush or a roller to paint a metal exterior door?

The answer is both, you want to use a brush to cut in and a roller to paint the metal exterior doors. 

I prefer using a 2 1/2 inch angled sash brush to cut in around the edges. 

Then to paint the door I prefer using a 3/8 inch microfiber roller nap. Usually about 4 in Long. 

I’m used to working with a 3/8 inch microfiber nap but if you want to get a finish that is similar to a sprayer then you might be better off using a mohair roller. 

You can get those in any paint store or your retail hardware store.

Another thing you want to do is de-lint your roller before using it.

Just use your masking tape and run a few passes over it with your roller. 

This will remove all loose hairs and lint so that it won’t end up in your finish.

How to paint a front door without removing it?

You don’t necessarily have to remove your metal exterior door to paint it. 

The first thing you want to do is can your service and make sure it’s clear of any debris or dirt. you can use some soapy water and a sponge for this. Regular dish soap works great.

Just take a little extra time to tape anything you don’t want the paint to get on. You can use 3M painters tape for this.

For the hinges, you can use a Carpenter’s knife or any sharp blade away from any access tape. 

Be aware that anytime you get paid on your tape you might have to use a blade two separate the tape from your paint before removing the tape. 

A little bit of paint will get on the tape and if you’re not careful you will lift the paint while removing the tape.

How to fix paint runs on a metal exterior door?

If you are not careful sometimes you will get runs on your metal exterior door when painting it. 

Usually, this happens right in the corners underneath a window for any crevice that the door might have because of a decorative design. 

Paint accumulates in a crease and will start to run. If you see this happening don’t panic.

1. Let it run and as it dries use a damp rag and gently dab on it. 
2. You will not be able to fix it perfectly at first but the smaller the run the less you have to sand it later.
3. Let the paint dry completely then use some 220 grit sandpaper. 
4. Dip your sandpaper in some water and gently sand over your run. 
5. Sand until it’s even with the rest of the surface. 

In most cases, a touch-up will do but I suggest painting the entire door or if it’s a section paint the entire section again. 

I know it sucks but that’s why it is important to pay attention when applying your paint especially in any Corners ant underneath hinges etcetera.

Related article What Exterior Paint Lasts The Longest?

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