How to Paint Rusted Metal-Louvered Doors

Remove the doors from the doorway by sliding the pins out of the hinges with the flat screwdriver, if possible. Spread the dropcloth on a flat work surface where you can spray the paint without overspray spreading onto other objects. Position the sawhorses on the dropcloth and lay the doors horizontally on the sawhorses.

Brush the surfaces of the door with the wire brush to remove all flaking rust. As you remove loose rust, scuff the surfaces of the metal door to help the primer and paint adhere effectively. Flip over the doors to brush the backsides, then turn them back over so the front sides face up.

Vacuum the doors with the nozzle attachment of the vacuum cleaner to remove loose rust and dust. Insert the nozzle into every crevice. Flip the doors over to vacuum the backsides and flip them back over again.

Fill the bucket with warm water and add dishwashing detergent to make sudsy water. Dip the scrub brush into the soapy water and wash the front and back of the door surfaces. Allow the doors to dry completely before you continue.

Shake the metal primer can vigorously for about three minutes. Hold the can 10 to 16 inches from the doors and spray the primer evenly over the surfaces. Direct the primer into the crevices of the louvered doors to coat them evenly. Continue shaking the primer can and spraying the primer until you cover the doors completely. Allow the first coat of primer to dry for about 10 minutes and flip the doors over to prime the backsides. Apply a second coat of primer to the fronts and backs of the doors after about 10 minutes. Allow the primer to dry for about 30 minutes.

Shake the metal spray paint for about three minutes. Apply the spray paint to the metal doors using the same technique as for the primer. Allow the first coat to dry for about 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for about two hours.

Rehang the doors in the doorway.