Don’t slam the door on these metal paint options
If your front or back door is made of metal, you may be wondering if you can paint it the same way you would any other entrance. Metal is a bit more finicky than classic door materials like wood and vinyl, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep it as is forever.
The best paint for metal doors will open up a world of ways to make your door shine, whether you want to keep it neutral but add a different finish or turn up the heat with a bright, bold color. Find out what metal door paints will get you to the door of your dreams below.
When it comes to which type of paint to use on a metal door, there are only a few options to consider: water-based paints like acrylic and latex paint and oil-based paint. Keep reading to discover the upsides and downsides of using each of these so that you’re one step closer to knowing how to paint on metal for a long-lasting result.
Acrylic is a water-based paint that contains chemicals like silicone oils and stabilizers that allow it to dry faster, adhere more easily to substances like metal, and give it protection from the elements. But it does come with a handful of cons, like the fact that it’s more likely to develop rust with time.
Speedy dry time: Depending on weather conditions, exterior acrylic paint will take between just 20 and 30 minutes to dry before you can apply the next coat.
Less likely to chip or peel over time: Acrylic paint better adjusts to temperature fluctuations than other types of exterior paint, expanding with heat and shrinking in the cold.
Waterproof and UV resistant: Although acrylic paint dries quickly to the touch, it needs about a month to cure completely. After that, it won’t be affected by water or the sun’s rays, and it won’t change color or develop mold over time.
Strong adherence: Acrylic paint adheres more easily to unusual surfaces, making it ideal for everything from wood to metal doors.
Contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Though not as harmful to work with as oil paint, you should still wear a mask and gloves when working with acrylic paint.
Not available in as many finishes: While it’s possible to find latex paint in almost any finish, the options for acrylic paint are fewer and farther between.
Not rust-resistant: Keep in mind that the water in this water-based paint may eventually cause rusting on metal features of any kind, including doors.
Latex paint is also water based and is a good option for beginners who are just learning how to paint a door because it’s among the easiest paints to apply. However, if you’d rather not have to deal with applying a primer coat or waiting through a lengthy drying period, you might be better off with another option.
Easy to clean and fix: Latex is great for those just starting out because spills and splatters do not spell doom. You can easily clean them up with a bit of soap and hot water or hide mistakes with another coat of paint.
Easy application: This water-based paint rolls on a bit more easily than acrylic paint, so it’s less of an arm workout to apply.
Fewer VOCs: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), latex paint contains the least amount of chemicals of the options on our list of best paints for metal doors.
Slower dry time: Latex paint takes about an hour to dry and needs a full four to five hours to cure completely between coats.
More likely to crack and peel: Latex paint doesn’t acclimate as well as acrylic to shifts in temperature or humidity levels, so it’s more likely to crack and peel in rapidly shifting climates.
Will require primer: You’ll almost always need to add a layer of primer before a topcoat of latex paint, no matter if you’re working on metal, wood, or vinyl. Otherwise, brush marks, old colors, and flaws are more likely to show through.
Not rust-resistant: Once again, the water in this water-based paint may lead to rusting on metal doors down the line.
Oil-based paint may be the best paint for metal doors because it’s completely rust resistant. However, it takes a long time to dry and contains more harmful chemicals than the other options, so there are still reasons you might want to opt for another paint type.
Rust resistant: Unlike acrylic and latex paints, oil-based paint doesn’t contain any water, so it won’t cause any of your metal to rust.
Durable: Oil-based paint is thicker than water-based alternatives and provides a protective seal to metal doors that prevents chipping, denting, and scratching.
Fewer coats necessary: In general, you’ll only need to use one coat of oil-based paint to achieve even coverage on metal doors.
Prone to fading and color change: You may want to avoid using oil paint if your door is exposed to the sun most of the day because all that light can change or fade the color of oil-based paint over time.
High concentration of VOCs: Oil-based paints are much more hazardous to work with than other options. As such, you’ll need to wear an air-filtering mask and make sure to work in well-ventilated conditions if you choose this paint.
Longest dry time: Oil paint takes a whopping six to eight hours to dry to the touch, so it might not be ideal if you need to use your door right away—which, if it’s your front door, you probably do.
