Best Paint For Metal Door

As homeowners, we usually focus on the exterior walls and the interior of our homes, but do we pay attention to the metal doora? These doors do not only provide security, but they also improve the overall exterior look of the house from the road.

Now, metal doors are quite different than our usual paintable surfaces and not all types of paint will stick to it and painting metal doors can be quite a difficult task.  

To paint the metal doors of your home, you will have to use a special or durable paint that will adhere to the surface easily and last for a long time without chipping off. But, finding the best paint for metal doors is not easy with hundreds of different types and paints available in the market.

We have decided to make things easier and help you to paint your metal doors without any hassle. Therefore, in this guide we will discuss some of the outdoor metal door paint colors and factors associated with it.

Comparison Chart

Best Paint For Metal doors

1. Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint

Rust-Oleum is one of the leading paint manufacturers in the industry, primarily known for its outstanding quality and durability. And the Rust-Oleum 1979502 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint is a perfect representation of the standard provided by the brand. 

Manufactured with a topnotch formulation, this enamel paint easily adheres to surfaces such as metal, wood, plastic, and many more. It has the ability to prevent your metal door from rusting and will provide a long lasting performance without fading or chipping away. You can also paint over rusted doors to give them a new and eye-catching look. 

Due to the water-acrylic base of the paint, it dries quickly in less than half an hour and has a very mild odor which allows you to paint the metal doors without any irritation or discomfort. Once the paint is dry to the touch, you can apply a second layer easily to ensure a glossy and smooth finish. 

You can choose from a wide range of colors and each can contains 32 Fl oz of paint. It has the ability to adequately cover 120 square feet and ensure a beautiful finish with each stroke. 

If we take a look at the pricing of the product, it is available at an affordable price. However, the only downside of this otherwise fantastic paint is that you will have to prepare the surface by sanding it with 180 or 200 grit sandpaper before painting. 

Pros:

• Outstanding formulation 
• Dries quickly 
• Mild odor 
• Reasonable pricing 

Cons:

• Requires surface sanding before painting

Product Specialty:

Even though you have to sand the metal doors, this paint will last on the surface for several years and will keep the eye-catching look of your door intact. The affordable price and great finish make it an absolute favorite to homeowners.

2. Krylon K05583007 COLORmaxx Primer Spray Paint

Are you looking for the best spray paint for metal doors that will significantly improve the exterior look of your house? If yes, then The Krylon K05583007 COLORmaxx Primer Spray Paint is an ideal choice for you.

It is a superb all-purpose spray paint that will not only make your metal doors look shiny and beautiful, but will also work on several surfaces and furniture both inside and outside your home. Compared to various other spray paints available in the market, it provides a better finish along with a proper adhesion to the surface that lasts for as long as you can think of.

Due to the aerosol packaging of the paint and the push button on the tip of the can, painting the doors or any furniture is now super easy. You do not have to go through the hassle of picking, carrying, or cleaning brushes, and you can enjoy a mess free painting experience.

With a metallic finish, this paint is dry to touch in less than 10 minutes. This allows you to work on your projects easily and you do not have to wait hours for the paint to dry. Pricing of the item is not an issue as it highly reasonable and each unit can fully paint up to 25 square feet.

However, if the metal door has been previously painted, then you will have to apply a second coating after the first one dries.

Pros:

• Works on both indoor and outdoor projects
• Dries in less than 10 minutes
• Provides a metallic finish
• Easy to use and mess free experience

Cons:

• Second coating is required to cover the previous paint stains

Product Specialty:

Painting the exterior of a house has never been easier, all thanks to this Krylon spray paint. It offers an amazing performance and experience, and will last for years without chipping away. This spray paint is an affordable and simple solution of making your exterior look beautiful.

3. Rust-Oleum 7780502 Protective Enamel Paint

Next on our list is another extraordinary paint manufactured by Rust-Oleum. The Rust-Oleum 7780502 Protective Enamel Paint is, without any doubt, one of the top paint choices, suitable for rusted metal door.

This topnotch enamel paint formulation provides an even and glossy finish on metal, wood, concrete along with many other materials. Due to the oil based formula, it is a great choice painting over bare or painted metal doors, offering a protective layer and a sophisticated look.  

Not only that, but it prevents rusting and provides resistance against corrosion or weather damage, lasting for a long time without any trouble. It also provides an outstanding finish even if the door is slightly rusted, making sure that you do not have to spend time preparing the surface.

Each bottle contains 32 Fl oz. and has the ability to cover up to 90 square feet, but the drying time of the product is about 2 to 4 hours. This means that you have to wait for quite a while before applying a second coat if required.

If we take a look at the cost of the paint, it is affordable and will not put a dent in our wallet.

Pros:

• Reasonable price
• Even glossy finish
• Prevents rusting, corrosion, weather damage
• Durable and does not require surface preparation

Cons:

• Drying time is 2 to 4 hours

Product Specialty:

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects, it is a top quality paint that ensures a durable and impressive look on your metal doors. Even though the drying time is a bit high compared to similar options in the market, the cost, finish, and other qualities make it worth the money.

4. Hammerite 5084889 Direct to Rust Metal Paint

Last but not least, we will talk about the Hammerite 5084889 Direct To Rust Metal Paint available in the industry. If you are new to painting metal doors, then it is one of the best paint for wrought iron doors you will find.

This excellent paint includes a 3-in-1 formulation and is manufactured with industry leading components that ensure a superb performance. It protects your metal doors from rusting and corrosion, and makes sure that the paint remains intact under any weather condition.

Not only that, but it also helps you to save time when it comes to priming or preparing the surface as you do not have to prime or apply undercoat with this product. The smooth glossy finish provided by the paint makes both the exterior and interior of your home look amazing.

It dries to touch quickly within a few minutes of application and you can go for a second coating if deemed necessary. You will find this paint in three alluring colors that will increase the beauty of your metal door.

The paint is available in 250ml cans that provide a decent coverage area. However, the price of this paint is slightly expensive compared to those available right now.

Pros:

• Dries quickly
• Does not require surface preparation or priming
• Suitable for both interior and exterior projects
• Prevents rusting and corrosion

Cons:

• Slightly expensive compared to similar items

Product Specialty:

This paint is suitable for both DIY painters and professionals. You can enjoy a clean and mess free painting experience with this product while making sure that your metal door is well protected.

How To Choose Best Paint For Metal doors?

Choosing the right paint for metal doors is not an easy task, but there are a few factors that can make the work easier for you. Here, we will discuss the factors that you need to consider before purchasing a paint for your metal doors.

– Type Of Paint

Going for the costly or industry-leading paint for your metal doors will not provide you with the expected results if you do not choose the right type of paint. It is highly important to choose a metal door paint that will provide the right adhesion along with a long lasting performance.

We typically recommend the use of enamel or oil based acrylics to paint metal doors due to the longevity and protection it offers. Not only that, but the use of spray paint is also a reliable and great choice.

– Durability

One of the most important features to consider when it comes to outdoor metal door paint is the durability. Metal doors are part of the house exterior and are exposed to all types of weather. The durability of the paint will make sure that the weather conditions do not fade or chip it away, allowing it to last easily for several years without requiring repaint or additional touches.

– Rust Resistance

A big problem that we commonly face with metal doors is they rust or corrode easily. To make sure that the doors are well protected, it is essential to choose a paint that has the ability to prevent rusting and corrosion. This rust prevention will allow your door to hold a beautiful and sophisticated look while protecting it for a long time.

– Drying Time

The process of painting metal doors, walls, or any project consumes a significant amount of time. The task becomes more time consuming if you choose a paint that takes a significant amount of time to dry and you require a second coating.

Not many people have the time and patience to wait for hours or days to allow the paint to dry before applying another layer. To make the best use of our time, we typically recommend paint that has a drying time of a few minutes to a few hours.

Water based paints are a great choice if you are short on time and in search of a paint that dries within a few minutes of application.

– Application Style

Paints available in the industry are typically available in two application styles: brush and spray. Before purchasing the paint, you will have to choose the application style and make a final decision based on that.

We usually recommend the use of spray paint while painting metal doors as it is mess free and can reach the narrow gaps that brushes cannot usually reach. Not only that, but it is also easy to use and you do not have to carry any additional items.

– Price

Home renovation or painting works not only require time but are costly as well. Paints suitable for metal doors are available at a wide range of price depending on several factors, including brand, type, application, and so on.

As we discussed earlier, purchasing the costly paint will not ensure the protection or durability of it. Paint prices for a 12 Fl oz. units can be as low as $8 and go up to $20 or more, depending on the features. If you research the market properly, you will find various options available for you at a price that is suitable to your budget.

How To Remove Paint From Metal door?

Removing paint from metal door is an easy process but you will have to be careful and need a few items. Let us discuss the steps on how to remove paint from metal door.

• Clean the door with water to remove the extra dust, dirt, and so on, and prepare the area surrounding the door.
• Put on protective eyewear, respiratory mask, and gloves.
• Apply paint stripper to the door properly and let it sit for a while for the paint to soften.
• Take a scrubbing brush and remove all the paint from the surface of the metal door.
• Once all the paint comes off entire, it is now time to apply mineral spirits.
• Clean the metal door properly after allowing the mineral spirits to sit for some time.

How To Remove Rust From Painted Metal?

Painting metal surfaces does not guarantee protection against rust as not all paint is formulated to prevent rusting and corrosion. There are quite a few ways in which you can remove from painted metal easily and these are:

•  Baking soda and white vinegar. This is a common household solution of getting rust off from painted metal surfaces. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the rust and gently scrub it with a soft brush or sponge after dipping it into white vinegar.
•   Lemon juice also works wonders when it comes to removing rust from metal. Apply a small amount of lemon juice to the affected area and scrub it gently until the rust comes off. Make sure that you do not scrub it aggressively, otherwise the paint will come off.
•  If you are not into using household solutions, a rust remover liquid will do the job for you. Purchase a rust remover from your local store and apply it over the rusted metal. Brush the area lightly and the rust will come off easily.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

1. Can You Paint Over Rusted Metal?

Yes, it is possible to paint over rusted metal and it will also stop the rusting from spreading further as well. Before painting a rusted metal, you will have to remove the excess and properly prime the surface. Once it is perfectly primed, you can paint over the rusted metal and make it look good as new.

2. What Kind Of Paint To Use On Metal?

Finding the right kind of paint for metal is not an easy task when there are so many different types available in the market. However, experts typically recommend the use of oil based and spray paint as it sticks adhesively to metal along with several other surfaces and lasts for a long time without any trouble.

3. Should I Pressure Wash My Outdoor Metal doors Or Fences Before Painting?

Yes, pressure washing the outdoor metal doors or fences before painting is a very good idea. This process will remove all the excess dirt, debris, bird droppings, and so on from the door, allowing you to paint over the smooth and clean surface. Not only that, but painting over a dirty door will seal the dirt under the paint as well.

4. Is Acrylic Paint Good For Metal doors?

Yes, acrylic paint for metal doors is a good choice but you will have to properly prepare and prime the surface before applying the paint. Not only that, but you will have to let the paint dry properly to touch first before applying a second coat. You will need to apply multiple coats depending on the thickness of the acrylic paint.

5. Can You Paint Galvanized Metal?

No, you cannot paint galvanized metal as the paint will not stick to it like it does to other metal surfaces. The reason behind is that galvanized metal has a layer of zinc over it which cause the paint to peel off once it is dry.

6. What Happens If It Rains On Fresh Paint?

If rain or water falls on the paint before it dries properly, the paint will wash off as it will not stick to a wet surface. To prevent this from happening, it is advised to paint the metal doors on sunny days. You must avoid the idea or plan of painting the exterior surfaces in case there is forecast about rain.

7. How To Repaint Metal door?

To repaint the metal door, you will first have to clean it properly and get rid of all the rust and scrub off the old paint present on the door. Once it is perfectly clean, you will have to prime the surface and paint it.

Cleaning the old paint and rust is specifically important to achieve a smooth and perfect repainting finish.

Final Words

Painting metal doors is a great way of uplifting the exterior look of your home. While the process of preparing the surface and painting it is easy, finding the perfect paint is often a difficult task to do.

The products we have mentioned above are some of the best paint for metal doors available in the market right now. These paints are known for their quality, finish, and outstanding durability. However, make sure that you properly consider all the buying factors and product details before choosing a metal door paint.