Painting Metal Door

[amadago]

Hi -

I have a question about painting a metal exterior door. We ordered a new door and it came primed. Yesterday I painted it, and it's easily scratchable. While I know it'll take a full 24hrs to cure, my fear is it'll still be easily scratched when it's done. I did some digging, and am wondering if it should have been primed first (despite the door coming from the factory as primed). Now that it has paint on it, what's the best thing to do?

 

[havasu]

If I were you, I'd let the door cure for a day or two, then do a light sanding, just to rough up the surface, and give it another coat. After curing, the door paint should be rock solid.

 

[Snoonyb]

Also, there clear-coat products, similar to those used in automotive, available for homeowner application.

 

[amadago]

Thanks so much for the replies. Super helpful. I put it outside in the sun to help the curing (it's only 70 or so). Love the rough sand / clear coat idea - I was thinking clear coat as well, so I'm glad you validated that.