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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