What Paint Should You Use on Metal Doors? A Guide from Graystone Painting & Refinishing
Painting a metal door is a great way to refresh the look of your home’s exterior while protecting the surface from rust, moisture, and wear. However, painting metal isn’t quite the same as painting wood or drywall—it requires specific prep and products designed to adhere properly and stand up to the elements.
At Graystone Painting & Refinishing, we’ve painted countless metal doors throughout Topeka, Lawrence, Eudora, and surrounding Northeast Kansas communities. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to choosing the right paint for your metal door—and which products from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore we recommend.
✅ Start with Proper Preparation
Before any paint touches the surface, prep is key. The door must be clean, dry, and free of dust, oils, and old flaking paint. Light sanding and the use of a degreaser or cleaner is often required. If rust is present, it must be sanded off and treated. Then, a bonding primer made specifically for metal is applied to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
🎨 Best Sherwin-Williams Products for Metal Doors
Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial DTM Acrylic
This is a direct-to-metal (DTM) water-based acrylic paint that offers outstanding adhesion, corrosion resistance, and durability. Ideal for both interior and exterior metal doors, it dries quickly and is available in multiple finishes.Sherwin-Williams All Surface Enamel
This is a solid choice when painting metal surfaces in residential applications. It provides smooth coverage and a durable finish and can be used with a metal primer for extra protection.Recommended Primer: Sherwin-Williams DTM Bonding Primer – specifically designed to prepare metal surfaces for paint and prevent rust.
🎨 Best Benjamin Moore Products for Metal Doors
Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec® DTM Acrylic Enamel
This waterborne enamel is formulated for superior adhesion and corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for both commercial and residential projects where a smooth, tough finish is required.Benjamin Moore Aura® Grand Entrance
For a bold and beautiful front door, this paint is specially made to create rich, vibrant color and durability. While more aesthetic-focused, it still holds up well when applied over the appropriate metal primer.Recommended Primer: Benjamin Moore Super Spec HP DTM Alkyd Primer – a durable, rust-inhibiting primer for bare or previously painted metal.
🏆 What We Use at Graystone Painting & Refinishing
Our expert painters take the guesswork out of the process. We assess each metal surface’s condition and choose the best products from Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore, depending on your project’s needs and desired look. Whether it's a garage door, entry door, or metal railing, we ensure long-lasting results through careful preparation, proper priming, and expert application.
