Our front door is galvanized metal and the paint is popping off. What is the correct way to remove the old paint and repaint it?

– Byrnes

Hi Byrnes,

If the door is peeling badly, you may need to use a stripper to remove all the paint. If only a few places are causing problems, you can probably get by scraping and lightly sanding the door to remove any loose or peeling paint.

Next, wipe down any bare metal with white vinegar to etch the surface and improve adhesion. You may also need to clean the door with a degreaser if the metal is oily as discussed in our article on How to Paint Galvanized Metal.

Next, prime any bare spots with a latex primer designed for use on galvanized metal, then topcoat the door with a high quality, exterior acrylic latex paint. Since darker colors absorb more heat, which can lead to peeling, you might want to stick with a lighter shade.

Good luck with your project,


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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