How to Paint a Rusty Aluminum Door

Remove the aluminum door from its hinges with a screwdriver. Use a rubber mallet if the door attaches to the hinges with pins. Hit the bottom of each pin firmly to push the pin up and out of the hinge.

Protect a sturdy work surface with a tarp or old sheet. Lay the aluminum door flat on top of the work surface.

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Give the water a swish with your hand to disperse the suds. Dip a clean cloth in the soapy water. Wipe down the aluminum door to remove any dirt or debris.

Slip on a pair of work gloves to protect your hands. Scrub the oxidized area of the aluminum with a nylon scrubber, removing as much of the corrosion as possible. Buff the aluminum door dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Apply a layer of 100-percent acrylic paint. Brush the first layer of paint onto the aluminum door using long, even strokes. Allow the first layer of paint to dry for approximately one hour. Brush on a second coat if necessary. Allow the aluminum door to dry for 24 hours, then rehang it.