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What You Should Know About Painting Exterior Steel Doors

Fri 02 Mar 2007 - 15:36

What You Should Know About Painting Exterior Steel Doors
By Gregg Hicks

Painting exterior steel doors is a very manageable home remodeling project for most homeowners. You do not need any special tools or equipment, just some basic knowledge of how to select paint, how to prepare the surface, and how to actually do the physical painting. None of this is terribly complicated or difficult, so you can even make it a chore for a parent and a child to work on together.

When painting exterior steel doors, your first consideration is paint. Do not just head straight to the paint store, because the type of paint you need to use will depend on the type of paint already on the door. You can apply latex paint over the top of existing latex or oil-based paint but you cannot apply oil-based paint over existing latex paint. If you are not sure what kind of paint is currently on the door, then opt for the highest quality 100% acrylic latex paint (gloss, semi-gloss, or flat). Think also about the color you choose, especially if the door is subject to direct sunlight, rain, or wind. Bright colors look terrific at the start but tend to fade more noticeably over time, requiring more frequent repainting.

Painting Exterior Steel Doors

Preparing the surface and doing the physical painting are next to consider. The surface must be free of dirt, debris, and flaking paint. It should also be thoroughly rough sanded to ensure the new paint will adhere properly. Many people choose to do the surface preparation and painting with the door still installed, but this makes the job much harder.

A better way to do it is to remove the door and take it into a sheltered area such as a garage or covered porch. Lay the door on a pair of sawhorses so it is easier to work on it. The sanding will be easier and the painting will be easier as well. Painting on a flat surface makes it possible to apply a heavier (more durable) coating of paint without the problem of runs or drips. If you follow these simple guidelines, your project of painting exterior steel doors will be both fun and easy.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

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