How to Paint an Exterior Factory-Primed Steel Door
- 1). Clean the surface of the door. Though the door surface is primed, it may have become dirty or oily during shipment and installation. Use a small amount of soap and water to wipe down the surface. Make sure the door is completely dry before you paint.
- 2). Protect the floor and other surfaces near the door. Cover the floor beneath the door with a drop cloth or old newspapers to protect the floor from drips or spills.
- 3). Stir the paint. Use a good-quality, latex paint formulated for exterior use, and stir it thoroughly with a stir stick to make sure the paint is completely mixed.
- 4). Use a brush to apply the paint to the door, using long, even strokes. It is best to apply the paint from the top of the door down to the bottom, so any drips are painted over as you work.
- 5). If the door has smaller rectangular areas that simulate panels, paint those first. Then paint the remaining horizontal areas of the door, and finally the vertical areas. Check for drips in the corners of the panels as you work and brush them away.
- 6). When you're finished, clean your brush with soap and water. Let the door surface dry for several hours before closing the door.
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