How to Paint Factory-Primed Metal Doors

Painting factory-primed metal doors successfully depends on two factors: preparation and the choice of painting method. Many poorly informed homeowners tackle the job the wrong way. By skimping on preparation and using inappropriate materials and techniques, they often wind up with an unsightly brush-stroke-marred finish followed by by flaking and peeling paint. These problems are avoidable. With the correct approach, any homeowner can produce a smooth, blemish-free finish that will last for many maintenance-free years..

Single straight-edged razor blade
Denatured alcohol
80-grit emery paper
Auto body filler
Zinc chromate aerosol primer
120-grit emery paper
Newspaper and masking tape
4-inch short nap lamb's wool roller
Airless sprayer
Automotive base coat/clear-coat paint
Car wax
Cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the factory-primed door on a workbench or a pair of trestles. Remove all locking hardware, strike plates and removable weatherstripping.
- 2
  Remove excess caulking material or glazing compound if the door is fitted with inset windows. Use a single-edge razor blade and take care not to damage the window frames.
- 3
  Clean both sides of the door with a soft cloth soaked in denatured alcohol. Pay particular attention to sticky glazing compound and greasy fingerprints.
- 4
  Sand any deep scratches and dents with 80-grit emery paper. Fill blemishes with auto body filler, sand smooth and spray the area with zinc chromate aerosol primer.
- 5
  Roughen the entire surface with 120-grit emery paper; use a light touch and avoid causing deep scratches or abrading down to bare metal--if this happens, touch up with zinc chromate. Wipe both sides down with a soft cloth saturated with denatured alcohol.
- 6
  Mask off windows and non-removable weatherstripping with newspaper if necessary.
- 7
  Lay the door flat and paint one side with your choice of automotive paint, using the lamb's wool roller or airless sprayer. Allow four hours drying time. Flip the door and paint the other side; allow to dry. Seal with two coats of clear finish and let stand for 12 hours.
- 8
  Remove the masking and replace the hardware. Apply car wax with a cloth.

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