PROJECTS ONLINE: REFINISHING SURFACE DAMAGE ON A METAL DOOR
Project Difficulty:
Easy Estimated
Project Time: 1 hour, not including drying time
Tools and Materials:
Sanding block
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Auto-body filler
Spray paint and primer, or primer, paint, and a brush
NIOSH-approved respirator (if using spray paint)
Safety goggles (if using spray paint)
Masking tape, drop cloth, plastic wrap (to protect adjacent areas from spray paint)
Though metal doors are notoriously tough, they're not invincible. And since metal doors often are chosen to guard a home's entrance, they're subject to things like bouncing basketballs, harsh weather, and the impatient kicks of homeowners carrying heavy bags of groceries. But if your metal door suffers from dents or rust, the steps below will help you restore it to its former glory with little time or trouble.
1.
Sand and Fill
To repair surface damage on metal-clad doors, lightly sand the area and also remove any rust or damaged paint. Then fill the area with auto-body filler. (Fig. 1)
2.
Smooth
When the compound cures, smooth the finish using fine sandpaper. Wrap the sandpaper around a block to keep the repair flush. (Fig. 2)
3.
Prime and Paint
Though you can prime and paint the area with a brush, a sprayed finish will more closely match the original, factory-painted finish. Rather than spraying one heavy coat, which can cause drips that run down the door, spray on several light coats, allowing each coat to dry. (Fig. 3)
Before spraying, cover the areas you don't want painted (such as the doorknob, doorjamb, and floor), and be sure to wear safety goggles and a NIOSH-approved respirator.
