How to paint a metal door without taking it down

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How to paint a metal door without taking it down, along with what type of paint we used. Curb appeal makeover.

Just like any other couple looking to purchase a home, we looked at a ton! Um, online. We actually didn’t set foot in any house we were interested in. We were stationed overseas and did our entire experience shopping online!

That is, with a great realtor.

But before we asked for a virtual tour, we did what any couple would do. We judged a book by its cover. In our case, by its photos. In fact we passed by this one for a few months!

The mustard yellow living room, and ketchup red dinning room were just to much. And we were the ones yelling at the couples on HGTV saying “you can paint that! The location is perfect!”

Nothing from the front said welcome and everything on the inside screamed hot dog.

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Not only did this house not impress me, it was put up against all this brand new construction!

Normal paint colors, beautiful counter tops, perfect light fixtures. But what does it always come back to? Location, school district and the lifestyle you want. The yard and privacy won, and we were determined to get rid of the hot dog-ness inside.

Before taking on the bigger projects, we wanted to start with the front metal door.

I’m not sure it gets any more sad and unwelcoming than that.

The bench is sad, the flowers need help, the doormat looks like someone walked all over it. And the door is a boring, no personality, metal cream colored door.

This entire door says go away. Literally, no soliciting.

How much impact can a bottle of paint have anyway?

HOW TO PAINT A METAL DOOR WITHOUT TAKING IT DOWN

Materials

DecoArt Americana Decor Curb Appeal in your favorite color
Paint brush
Cloth, soap, water
Light grit sandpaper
Painters tape

Start by choosing a nice day that you won’t mind keeping the door open.

Take off the hardware to include the knob and locks. (leave the hinges)

Completely wash and dry the surface of the door.

Lightly sand the door.

Remove dust.

Take a smaller paint brush and paint the square and rectangle insets. Followed by the vertical center of the door. Next, do the top and middle horizontal portions. Lastly the vertical sides of the door.

This entire project took a little over an hour to complete and longer for the door to dry. The heat and/or humidity may change drying times.

Once the door is completely dry, attach the hardware.

The trouble came when we couldn’t decided if we should paint the surrounding sides of the windows, or leave them white. Ultimately, we decided to paint the sides but to leave the trimming white to add some contrast.

By painting the surrounding windows it’s more cohesive, bold and purposeful.

The brand we used has so many gorgeous colors to choose from! But for this project we used DecoArt Curb Appeal in Hampton Blue.

It has been 3 years since we did this project and I’m so happy we did. The paint is holding up beautifully and every time we walk up the pathway it puts a smile on our faces.