Paint steel entrance door ?

[Bad Sniper]

What preparations do I need to do to a steel entrance door before repainting it ? I'm using an automotive type spray gun to paint it. I heard something about roughing up the surface before painting ? Any ideas on the best way to do this ?

[littlebaker]

You have to prep the suface
sand all if any rust off
clean steel with a solvent cleaner
put two coats of metal/steel primer (grey works best)
put 2 coats of whatever color your using for best results use metal/steel paint.
check out what your nearest auto supply store has for paint!

[thomascollinspainting]

Sand, 1 coat of oil based primer 2 or 3 coats of oil not latex paint. I would like to suggest a particular type of paint.
www.finepaintsofeurope.com this is the best paint it is more costly than domestic paint but the benefits out way the cost.
domestic paint you might get 3 years then you have to repaint with this paint if applied properly you are looking at 10 or better depending on the abuse you give your door. I have been painting for over 16 years and this is the best paint i have every used in my life. if you follow the directions to the letter then you will have the best looking door in your neighborhood hands down

[James M]

Since you already have the Auto Spray Gun its a great finish if you use Automotive Polyurethane Paint as it will look just outstanding your job. NAPA sells the stuff for about $16 a quart and that is more than enough for a door. This paint will last literally forever on a door, unlike the soft enamel such as Rustoleum which is really " junk " compared to an auto paint. Tough, Strong, and Sun Resistant is Auto Paint.

Take a vibrating sander to the door using about a 400 grit paper and clean it up good, tack it down then remove the door and paint.