Painting A Metal Door Any Color And How To Easily Do It

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Painting a metal door is super easy. With these tips, you can learn how to paint a metal door any color you want in no time! 

The outside of our home is very tan and I knew I wanted to paint the front door right away after moving in. 

The before paint color on our front door isn’t horrible but it’s pretty outdated. 

I knew I wanted to get some metal door paint and splash it on as soon as possible! I definitely wanted a shade of blue, preferably a bright turquoise color.

Upon searching the internet, I found Valspar Retro Chic and fell in love. It’s the perfect bright teal metal door paint.

Supplies

• 1 quart exterior paint
• 1 quart metal paint primer
• Paint foam roller
• Angled paint brush
• Painter’s tape
• Razor blade scraper
• All-purpose cleaner & paper towels

Tips For Painting A Metal Door

Steps

1. Using an all-purpose cleaner, wipe down the front door to get it as clean as possible.
2. Tape off around the door, any glass, and around the handle and lock. 
3. Using the paint brush, paint the primer in any indents and then foam roll the entire door. Depending on how dark your metal front door was before, you may need to do two coats. I only did one. Let it dry according to the instructions on the primer. 
4. Using the paint color of your choice for an exterior metal door, start with the paint brush and paint the indents and then foam roll the entire door. I used a quart of Valspar Retro Chic Exterior Paint for the outside and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Semi-Gloss for the interior.
5. Let the first coat dry and then do a second coat. I only did two coats but you may need to do more or less depending on the color of paint you choose. Be sure to get all of the trim and the hinges as well. Our hinges were pretty rusty so I just painted right over them.
6. Remove all the tape and then use a razor blade to scrape away paint on any windows. It’s easier to scrape it over trying to wipe it off. 

I wasn’t originally planning on priming the front door but when I was buying the exterior paint, the lady at the store recommended I get a primer since our front door is metal.

To paint steel doors, a primer is pretty much essential since it needs something to stick to. A primer specifically made for painting a metal door is key.

Using a foam roller allows for a completely flat finish. You don’t want any nap or else there will be texture showing through the metal door paint.

Another tip if you live in a hot climate is to paint at night. Trust me, you don’t want to be painting a steel door in the hot sun, it really takes it out of you.

Painting a front door is extremely easy and you’ll be able to do it in a day or two, depending on how long you choose to let the metal door paint sit in-between coats.

Featured: DIY Painted Doormat

In addition to painting the front door, I went ahead and painted the floorboards. I can thank my dog for stepping on the paint can lid and tracking it all over the porch. I probably wouldn’t have painted it white otherwise but I’m glad I did.

I used Amy Howard One Step Paint in Bauhaus Buff. I had extra leftover from painting my kitchen cabinets. I sealed it with her Matte Sealer too.

The basket is from Target and the ducks are a score from T.J. Maxx. 

We got the door handle and lock from Home Depot. It was the first thing we did upon move-in. Changing the locks with smart locks so that we don’t have to carry around keys is a life-saver. No more getting locked out. Plus, we can have friends or family check-up on the dogs while we are away if needed without leaving a hide-a-key.

I definitely recommend smart locks!

Choosing Metal Door Paint

Choosing a paint color for our front door was not easy. I went back and forth to Ace Hardware, getting new paint chips each time. I was set on the shade Deep in the Ice Cap but wanted something a little brighter and so I found Retro Chic. 

It helps to google the paint color you’re thinking of to see how it looks in real life. Doing this made me confidant that Retro Chic was the color I wanted once I saw examples.

I believe a pop of color on the front door is always a good idea! Go for it!

I’m so glad we decided on white for the inside of the front door. I wanted to do the turquoise but my husband thought it would be way too much and I think he’s right. 

I painted it Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore in semi-gloss, the color we used to do all the trim. We painted all the walls the same color but in a flat finish. It’s such a pretty pure white. 

I finished off the look with a seashell door knocker that I painted silver to match the door handle and lock.

I believe a front door entryway can set the tone for your entire home. You want it to be inviting yet comforting.

Make it something you enjoy looking at because it will be something you look at every time you enter your home!

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