How To Paint a Metal Front Door
Refreshing your home's exterior is a fantastic way to boost curb appeal and make a welcoming first impression. One effective update is repainting your metal front door. Following a trusted process and using high-quality exterior paint ensures a flawless result. This guide will walk you through how to paint a metal front door using the best paint for metal doors, ensuring professional results. With just a few expert tips and the right products, your front door can transform into a vibrant statement piece that stands out on your block.

Our Best Exterior Door Paint Guide
Follow these steps to paint your exterior metal doors:
Choose the Right Paint and Primer
- Prime: Start with a high-quality primer designed for metal surfaces. We love Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® Multi-Purpose Latex Primer, which provides excellent adhesion and is perfect for smoothing any imperfections on your door.
- Paint: We suggest a
specialized exterior door paint like Benjamin Moore Aura® Grand Entrance®, known for its rich, lustrous finish that remarkably withstands the elements
Prepare the Door
- Remove the door from the hinges and remove any hardware.
- Use a degreaser to clean the door thoroughly to remove dirt and grease. This ensures the primer and paint adhere properly.
- Lightly sand the door with fine-grit sandpaper to roughen the existing paint for a stronger bond. Wipe down with a cloth to remove dust.
Apply Primer
- Use a high-quality brush or a roller designed for metal surfaces to apply an even coat of primer. This step is crucial for longevity and overall finish.
- Allow the primer to dry completely, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Paint the Door
- Apply the first coat of exterior door paint using a clean brush or roller. Use a brush for panel details to ensure coverage in crevices and corners for the best results.
- Allow the first coat to dry completely. Then, apply a second coat to achieve a uniform and polished look.
Reassemble and Cure
- Once the final coat is completely dry, reattach the hardware and hang the door.
- To avoid sticking, allow the paint to cure for the entire time recommended by the paint manufacturer before closing the door completely.
Apply Finishing Touches
Consider updating hardware such as handles, knockers, or locks to complement your freshly painted door!
Why Choose Benjamin Moore Paint for Your Door?
Using the best paint for metal doors enhances your home's curb appeal and protects against rust and weather. Benjamin Moore's Aura® Grand Entrance® offers superior durability and color retention, ensuring your door stays beautiful for years. This product line is engineered for exterior use, guaranteeing it can handle dramatic temperature shifts and extreme weather.
Visit Us at John Paul's Paint & Decor for Your Metal Door Paint
Located in Bourbonnais, Illinois, John Paul's Paint & Decor serves the Bradley Metro Region and more. Our expert staff is always ready to help you select the perfect product or confidently tackle any DIY project.
We invite you to visit our showroom to explore our range of Benjamin Moore paints and get personalized advice tailored to your project needs. Our commitment to top-quality products and customer satisfaction ensures you leave ready to transform your home with the best solutions available.
For more information, call (815) 614-3842 or contact us online. Your beautiful home starts with a stunning front door. Stop by John Paul's Paint & Decor today and make that first impression count!