What is the best way to strip/remove paint from a steel front door?

Answer 1

If it is the original paint, not likely to come off. These paints are baked on. If you are just repainting it, lightly sand to roughen the surface and repaint. If you are changing the color radically, I would advise a primer first.

Answer 2

If the existing paint is smooth and sound, probably best to paint over without removing. If it is already peeling, or if it has a heavy texture, it probably should come off.

1) Remove the door from the frame - usually need to take the screws out of the hinges that hold them to the door. I would not try to strip it in the frame.

2) A chemical paint remover is your best bet. Look for a paste instead of a liquid.

3) If there is any rust, sand it to shiny metal and spot prime with a rust inhibitive primer. Prime the entire door after you spot prime.

If your door has glass, be careful of the frame that holds the glass in place. These are usually plastic and will not like the chemical remover. Gently scrape away any loose paint and sand smooth then prime. Avoid using dark colors on this part of the door.

Answer 3

Use some paint stripper, or a wire brush wheel in an electric drill.
If by chance it is an aluminium door which means, the enamel is baked on, and that is a devil of a stuff to remove.
Just sand down where the chips are and repaint.

Answer 4

i would just sand the door and paint over it. unless there is a reason you want to take off the original finish. then i would recommend a good quality paint stripper. paste type. if there is a big different in the color you want to paint it compared to the color it is now i would use a good primer first.

Answer 5

I don't know about priming, but on a metal door I'd use Rustoleum. It comes in lots of colors, and might have the color you're looking for.

Answer 6

Buy a liquid stripper from the local hardware. See the article I wrote about Ready Strip.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/255816/review_of_readystrip_paint_and_varnish.html