Your front door is your guests’ first impression of your home, and your exterior metal door is no exception. If your door is worn down or you just want a fresh pop of color, you may wonder what kind of paint and primer is best for exterior metal doors.
When purchasing paint and primer for your exterior metal door, look for options specifically designed for metal surfaces. An oil-based paint provides good durability and protection. Also, use a rust-inhibiting primer to help protect your door from corrosion and rusting over time.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 5 factors to consider when choosing paint for exterior metal door
- What finish is best
- What type of paint to use
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for exterior metal door
The 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Exterior Metal Door
1. Location and Climate
The first factor you must consider when choosing the paint for your exterior metal door is your location and climate. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, you should opt for water-resistant paint. If you live in a region with high humidity, you should choose a paint with an anti-mildew feature to prevent mildew formation.
2. Durability
When choosing paint for an exterior metal door, durability should be at the top of your list. Consider the weather conditions in your area and the frequency of traffic in and out of the door when selecting paint. A high-quality paint that resists chipping and peeling can make a huge difference in how quickly you need to repaint the door.
3. Type of Paint
There are different types of paint suitable for painting an exterior metal door. Oil-based paint is generally the best choice, providing a more durable finish and better adhesion than water-based latex paints. However, oil-based paints are not always ideal due to their strong odor and potential environmental hazards.
4. Finish
The finish of your paint affects the aesthetic appeal of your door and its durability. Remember that a glossier finish is more durable than a flat one. Washability also increases with a more glossy finish.
5. Brand and Quality
Lastly, the brand and quality of the paint play a significant role in the durability and long-lastingness of the paint.
Choose a reputable brand that offers high-quality paint resistant to peeling, fading, and wear. Do not opt for cheaper options because they might save you money in the short term but cost you more in the long run.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint is a popular choice for exterior metal doors due to its durability and resistance to weathering. This type of paint is made with a mixture of oil, solvents, pigments, and other additives. It provides a glossy, smooth finish that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
Pros
- Oil-based paint provides a durable finish that protects the metal door from moisture, rust, and other outdoor elements.
- It offers a smooth, hard finish that makes it easy to clean.
- It is resistant to chipping, scratching, and chemical damage.
- Oil-based paint dries slowly, making removing brush strokes and other imperfections easier.
Cons
- It emits strong fumes that can harm breathing and requires proper ventilation during application.
- It takes longer to dry than water-based paint, making it less convenient.
- It has more VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than water-based paint, which can contribute to air pollution.
Water-based Paint
When it comes to painting exterior metal doors, various types of paint are available in the market, with water-based paint being one of the most popular choices.
Water-based paint, also known as latex paint, comprises synthetic polymer emulsions, giving it its water-soluble properties.
Pros
- Dries quickly and is easy to clean up with soap and water
- Does not emit strong odors or harmful fumes
- Resistant to fading, cracking, and yellowing due to weather
- Provides a durable finish, which is ideal for high-traffic areas
- It can be used on various surfaces, including wood, plaster, and concrete
- Environmentally friendly due to low VOC content
Cons
- It may require extra prep work, such as sanding, to adhere properly to metal surfaces
- It can be prone to water damage if not applied correctly, which can lead to premature peeling or flaking
- It might not be suitable for extremely high or low temperatures, as it can affect curing time and finish quality
What Paint Finish Is Best?
When painting exterior metal doors, choosing the right paint finish is important. The right finish can help protect the metal and ensure that the door stays looking great for years to come.
A satin finish is popular for those who want a subtle shine and a smooth finish. This paint finish has a low sheen and is perfect for those who want a less reflective look. A satin finish is also great at hiding imperfections on the surface of the metal door.
A semi-gloss finish is more reflective than satin and offers a more noticeable shine. This finish is ideal for those who want their metal door to stand out.
It is also easy to clean and is moisture-resistant, which is perfect for areas with high humidity. A semi-gloss finish is also durable and can withstand exposure to the sun and wind.
A high-gloss finish is the most reflective and offers a high shine that is almost mirror-like. This finish is ideal for those who want to make a statement and want their door to be a focal point.
It is also very durable and resistant to scratches but requires a smooth surface to look its best. Any imperfections on the door’s surface will be magnified with this finish.
The Best Paint and Primer for an Exterior Metal Door
Best Paint
Rust-Oleum Door Paint has an oil-based formula that provides a superior, long-lasting protective coating that prevents rust and other corrosion from forming. This means that your doors will stay looking brand new for much longer than if you use any other paint.
In addition to its excellent rust prevention capabilities, Rust-Oleum Door Paint also has several other impressive features. It dries to the touch in 1-2 hours, so you can get your doors painted and back in use quickly.
What’s more, the paint offers excellent resistance to abrasion, fading, and chipping. This means that your doors will look their best for years, even in the harshest weather conditions.
Best Primer
Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer stands out as the clear choice when it comes to primer for exterior metal doors. This premium quality primer is designed to effectively bond with various surfaces.
The oil-based formula, specially designed for exterior use, offers unparalleled protection against rusting, corrosion, and degradation caused by harsh weather conditions.
With its durable protective coating, Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer ensures that your doors look as good as new for years to come.
Another standout feature of this primer is its rapid dry time. With only 2-4 hours needed to fully dry to the touch, you can return to your normal routine without worrying about leaving marks or damaging the primer. Plus, with a coverage of up to 90 sq. ft. (8m²), you can be sure that one can go a long way.