# How to Paint a Steel Basement Bulkhead
Basement bulkhead doors lead directly outside instead of into your home. Steel bulkhead doors are sturdy and protect against tornados and other natural disasters. However, the doors are also exposed to the elements on a regular basis, like rain, snow and wind. Painting the doors with an oil-based paint and a rust-proof primer will keep them looking new for years to come. Before you paint the doors, clean and sand them.
Things You'll Need
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Sander
- Cloth
- Water
- Bleach
- Spray bottle
- Drop cloth
- Rust-proof primer
- Paintbrush
- Oil-based exterior paint
Instructions
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1
Sand any paint or rust from the steel bulkhead doors with the sander. Sand the doors until smooth. Wipe the doors down a damp cloth to remove any particles.
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2
Spray the doors with a mixture of two parts water and one part bleach. Allow the mixture to sit on the doors for five minutes and rinse it off. Allow the doors to dry.
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3
Place a drop cloth around the bulkhead doors to prevent paint spills and splatters.
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4
Apply the primer to the doors with the paintbrush. Coat the door with primer and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
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5
Apply an even layer of paint to the bulkhead doors. Press the paintbrush into the door so it penetrates the surface of the door. Allow the paint to dry for 12 to 15 hours and paint a second coat.
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1
Exterior Remodeling
- How to Paint a CMU Basement Wall
- How to Replace a Basement Bulkhead
- How to Install Bilco Doors in a Basement
- How to Paint Panel Bi-fold Doors
- How to Paint Wood Doors White
- How to Distress Cabinet Doors
- How to Paint Steel French Doors
- How to Paint High-Gloss Doors
- How to Paint a Damp Basement
- How to Paint Thermafoil Doors
- How to Paint Steel Doors With Latex Paint
- How to Paint a Bulkhead
