How to Repaint a Metal Security Screen Door
/When we were looking at this house over 5 years ago, we immediately said we wanted to replace our back metal screen door. Here we are 5 years later and that screen door still remains. So when I began our back stoop makeover last month, the discussion of the door came up. We had plans to replace it with a nice wood screen. However, over the course of time, we have gotten used to the "security" of it. Many suggested to remove the screen in its entirety. But we love having a screen. Being able to have our doors open 2 1/2 seasons out of the year, a screen lets the fresh air in while also keeping the dogs in and the bugs out.
Until we decide if we are going to change out the screen, I thought little mini makeover would be good in the meantime. Today, I am going to show you how we gave our old slightly rusty metal screen door an affordable makeover!
Materials:
Spray paint - our door took 3 cans
Spray paint handle - some spray paints have this tool embedded (but they cost more). If you are an avid spray painter, you need this
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Step 1: Clean with TSP
The most important and tedious (in my opinion) step is making sure the screen is ready. If needed, sand any areas with chipped paint or rust. There were a few areas that had a little rust, so I sanded those down to have a clean surface.
Then, clean the entire screen with TSP to remove any dirt, grime, and dirt. I love TSP, it is legit in the job that it does. But it is intense, so be careful by covering the surrounding area and wear gloves. I used both a cleaning brush and rag to ensure I got all the areas of the screen.
Step 2: Prep
I definitely lied in step 1, this is the most tedious step. If you have never worked with spray paint, I'll give you a couple of tips along the way. The first being there can be lots of residual from the overspray. Maybe I am just terrible with spray paint, but better to be safe than sorry, right?
Either remove or tape the door handles and tape the surrounding area. I found the plastic sheeting was easy to hang surrounding the door and it created a great barrier.
Step 3: Prime
Now the fun part! Apply primer to the metal screen door to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface. After all the prep work, I didn't want to take any chances so I decided to go with an oil based primer. I went with this oil based primer and used one can. I recommend using this spray paint handle for the ease or spray painting.
I got antsy and started testing out some colors after I primed :P
Step 4: Paint
Once the primer has dried, apply light coats of spray paint. Remember that the closer you get and the more direct you are, the more of a sheen you will have, creating blotchy spots (and possible dripage). I always forget this and went more direct on the bars...and it showed, so I had to redo it. Light, thin and even coats!
Allow the paint to dry completely and enjoy your freshly painted metal screen door with boosted curb appeal! All it takes is a few hours and some cans of spray paint to make a whole new space.
Let me know if you try it out! Thank you for being here. Mean it!
