Steel storm doors are typically hollow-core steel around a foam core. The steel provides strength and durability, while the foam core has insulating properties for energy efficiency. They usually come pre-primed from the factory, needing little preparation for painting. But previously painted steel storm doors with decorative windows may require a little more work.
Preparing a Steel Door
Go to an auto parts store and buy some Bondo automotive filler for repairing any dents and deep scratches in a steel storm door. Avoid using spackle or any household filler designed for filling holes in wood or drywall: it will crack and fall out.
Any weather-sealing caulking around decorative windows and sidelights needs to be removed prior to painting. Use a sharp utility knife and carefully trim away the excess.
If it is easy to remove the door hardware and weather-stripping before painting, do so. Otherwise, use painters' blue tape to tape it off--unless you have a very steady and practiced hand with a brush.
Steel storm doors are available in a wide range of styles, from ornate with decorative windows and sidelights, to heavy, utilitarian doors typically used in commercial buildings. When purchased new, steel doors are primed with white or gray rust-inhibiting primer and need no further priming. New doors should be sanded lightly and wiped down before painting.
Priming a Steel Door
A previously painted steel door will need to be sanded and cleaned. If the existing paint is in good shape, no priming is necessary. However, if there are spots of rust or bare metal, these need to be cleaned and primed. Unless the entire door is down to bare metal, the easiest way is with spray cans of metal primer. For heavily rusted areas, use "rust reformer," which renders rust inert so it won't rust further. Wait 24 hours before painting after priming.
Painting a Steel Door
Steel doors can be painted with either latex (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based) paint over any primer. For ease of painting, the low-odor, faster drying-time and water clean-up of latex paints makes this a better choice for residential applications. If the door is exposed to the elements, the best choice is 100 percent acrylic (latex) paint. Bear in mind that metal gets hot in sunlight. Painting a steel storm door a dark color not only negates some of the energy-efficiency, but will cause the paint to fade and peel sooner.
If the storm door has decorative vinyl windows or sidelights (the narrow decorative windows often installed on either side of a front door), the vinyl may be painted without any special treatment or priming.
Unless you want to go to the expense of obtaining a sprayer and masking the entire area, the best bet for obtaining a smooth, professional finish is to use a brush and a small 3-inch to 6-inch foam or mohair roller. First brush around all the edges, then roll the door. Doing two or three thin, even coats of paint will result in a better-looking finish than painting one or two heavy coats.
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