How should I paint the entry door to my house?
June 9th, 2008 | by door |
j asked:
I want to paint my new entry door. It is white right now and I do not think it is primed. It is steel. I don’t want high-shine on the finish but I want it to be durable too. Should I use exterior latex? If so, are there different finishes (semi-gloss, eggshell, etc) like there are in the interior options? I need something durable but it doens’t have to be like armor because there is a storm door in front of the entry door. Taking it off the hinges is not an option. Should I remove the knob/hardware or is it OK just to tape it to protect it from getting paint on it?
ARRON
I want to paint my new entry door. It is white right now and I do not think it is primed. It is steel. I don’t want high-shine on the finish but I want it to be durable too. Should I use exterior latex? If so, are there different finishes (semi-gloss, eggshell, etc) like there are in the interior options? I need something durable but it doens’t have to be like armor because there is a storm door in front of the entry door. Taking it off the hinges is not an option. Should I remove the knob/hardware or is it OK just to tape it to protect it from getting paint on it?
ARRON
7 Responses to “How should I paint the entry door to my house?”
By Jake on Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
exterior flat, I would use. Mask the hinges…pretty simple.
By puzzleraspie on Jun 13, 2008 | Reply
Taping it should be fine, just be careful of where your brush lands. There should be different finishes for exterior paint. The best bet is to go to your local hardware store, whether it’s Lowes or Depot or the corner store, and ask someone who works in the paint area. Always prime before you paint anything, as this helps the paint to adhere to the surface.
By Sandyspacecase on Jun 16, 2008 | Reply
Because it is outside, I would suggest using an oil base good quality exterior paint. They come in ,Gloss,Simi-gloss,Satin, Eggshell, and Flat. Depends on what you prefer the finish to look like,shiny or not. I would take off the knob, but I would mask off the hinges. If your new door is shiny, than you’ll need to degloss it. paint wont adheare to a slick surface.get a good natural bristle brush, and using oilbase,you shouldn’t have any brushmarkes when your finished. P.S. (I like candyapple red)
By Rich Z on Jun 16, 2008 | Reply
There are very durable enamels, like the new kitchen enamels that come in semigloss and satin shines and can be tinted any color. They are designed to resist wear and scrubbing. There are also epoxy paints that are costly and very durable . But for something as small as a door they should be affordable.
We have had steel door problems exactly because of the storm door. The sun’s heat builds up between the two in the summertime and the door expands causing the paint on it to crack and peel. The new enamel should be better at that but we changed from a steel door before I had a chance to check that out.
I would not bother to take the door off. Just do a lot of taping and make sure the tape is pressed down hard so that paint doesn’t creep underneath the tape.
By unica_hija77 on Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
With paint remover, scrape to metal and check if the surface is roughed up enough. If not, the hardware store people will know what type of sandpaper (for metal) to use. Starting with the side facing out, prime with an oil-based primer, usually rustproofing unless your door is stainless metal. The exterior finish should be oilbased, too and semi-gloss. Gloss is not as durable as flat or matte, but the latter holds dirt and stains tight. If there are no premix semiglosses, mix flat and gloss in equal parts and test dry after thinning. The hardware may be taped.
By Steven W on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply
No worries,,,take a breath,,,smiles.
Without reading any other answers, I suggest IT IS PRIMED, and can be painted over,,, once clean, using a quality Latex exterior, and/or Oil based paint. I’ve applied thousands of gallons of paint, and suggest the BEST in a low sheen finish is exterior SATIN. It has more “agents” in it than flat, causing it to be less porous, and have more “cleanability” It also drys faster than OIL, and is nearly as durable, depending on environmental conditions.
Finally, and through experience and research,,, A RED door, in any variation, INVITES people, and is a sign of COMFORT in it’s invitation.
Rev. Steven
By Kelly on Jun 24, 2008 | Reply
No, don’t use flat, gets dirty easier. Use a eggshell finish, yes, outdoor latex is great. mask around handles makes it easier, and put a cloth under the door to prevent dripping. The steel door you mention is like mine, and already has a primer coat on it so its ready to paint.