Description: Reader responses to painting a metal door.

Q: I am preparing to move into my house in a few weeks. I'd like to see what you guys think about painting a steel/metal door. It has a fake woodgrain look, that is brown with a small window in it. Since the house is mint green and has white trim everywhere, I'd like to paint the door either white or whatever color I choose for shutters. I've painted a door white that was country blue and was metal. But, later when I bumped the door with something, the country blue came through. I didn't use a primer or base, I just painted it. I would like to do this one right. So, how should I handle it? Anyone have a similar experience?

A: May I suggest that before you buy any paint you contact a local Sherwin-Williams store. They are especially trained to help you pick out not only the best colors but the right type of paint to use and the proper preparation BEFORE you paint. This can save you time AND money in the long run. I personaly am an advocate of doors painted in red tones. It gives off a very warm, welcoming feel. And, instead of painting vines, you could actully try hot/cool glue and place a few on the door where you think you would want them (buy some inexpensive plastic vines at a Hobby Lobby, etc.) and see how they look. Again, you could save yourself some painting time. Hope it looks great when you are done!

A: We painted our door last year and discovered it was metal, covered in a vinly-like woodgrain look. It peeled away, and we peeled it all off, cleaned it (probably just a mild soap rub-down), and hubby put two coats on it. I think it needs another coat! I didn't see the process of cleaning or stripping, as the whole house was given the once over and we moved out temporarily. I'd like to paint the back of the door (which looks dirty compared to our fresh painted white walls), but am not sure how to do it either. I'd consult with a paint store (not a general do it yourself place). Good luck!

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