Tools and Materials
How to Paint a Storm Door
Your home's curb appeal can improved with a painted storm door. By adequately preparing and using the correct materials, you can achieve a good-looking finish. Here are simple steps outlining the best way to paint a storm door.
The best way to paint a storm door is to remove it from its hinges. This allows you to paint more thoroughly and avoid drips. Disconnect the closer chain. Use a screwdriver to detach the door. We recommend asking a helper to help support the door. Place the door on flat surface with a drop cloth underneath.
You may want to remove any smaller hardware like doorknobs to avoid any pain from spilling on them.
The next step is to clean the door thoroughly with a mild detergent to remove dirt and grease. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse and allow it to dry completely. This step ensures the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
Gently sand the door using fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to create a smooth surface and enhance primer adhesion. Lightly sand the entire door, including edges and corners, using even pressure to avoid gouging the surface. Once done, use a damp cloth to wipe away the sanding dust from the door’s surface.
Always wear a respirator and safety glasses when sanding to protect yourself from inhaling dust particles and to prevent eye irritation.
Mask off areas you don’t want to paint, like glass panes, handles and hinges, using painters tape. This ensures clean edges and protects the hardware from accidental paint splatters. Inspect the masked areas to ensure all parts that need protection are covered. Adjust the tape if necessary to make sure no gaps are left uncovered.
If you want to know how to paint a metal storm door well, primer is always the first step. We suggest using a rust-inhibiting primer. Apply a coat of primer suitable for your door’s material. Use a paint brush for detailed areas and a roller for broader surfaces. Allow the primer to dry completely. This usually takes a few hours but can vary based on the product and environmental conditions.
Before you start painting, make sure to stir the paint thoroughly to ensures an even color and consistency. Choose a high-quality exterior latex paint for storm doors. However, we recommended double-checking the compatibility of the type of paint with the material of the door.
Put on the first coat of paint just like you did the primer. Use a brush for corners and small areas and a roller for the big areas. Paint in long, smooth strokes to avoid bumps and drips.
Let the first coat of paint dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before you put on another. It can take a few hours, depending on the kind of paint and weather conditions. Once the first coat feels dry to the touch, you can add another coat of paint for an extra smooth and long-lasting finish. This helps ensure even coverage and a rich color.
After your paint is dry to the touch, here's how to finish the job:
- Gently peel off the painter's tape at an angle for clean lines.
- If you took off any hardware like doorknobs, put them back on now and make sure they're tight and work smoothly.
- If you removed the door from its hinges, carefully reinstall it, lining up the hinges and checking that the door swings and closes easily.
- Finally, make any adjustments to the hardware as needed so the door operates properly, is level and everything moves freely.