Things You'll Need
Screwdriver
Water-based degreaser
Coarse sponge
Water hose
Fabric drop cloths
Blue painter's tape
Galvanized-metal-etching spray primer
Oil-based spray enamel
Masking paper
If your security screen door stands out from the rest of your home, you can help it blend in better by finishing it with a coat of paint. Because security doors are composed of metal, they are not suited for paint adhesion. You can enhance adhesion by applying a special type of primer, capable of etching metallic surfaces to provide a tooth for the paint to latch onto. In addition, you should choose the appropriate type of paint or you may end up with a finish that will eventually chip and peel.
Step 1
Use a screwdriver to remove the security screen door.
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Step 2
Wash the door with a water-based degreasing agent, using a coarse sponge. Rinse the screen door, using a water hose. Wait one to three hours for the door to dry.
Step 3
Lay the clean security screen door on a fabric drop cloth.
Step 4
Apply painter's tape to portions of the security door you do not want painted.
Step 5
Apply galvanized-metal-etching spray primer to the clean screen door. Apply the paint in a side-to-side motion. Hold the can about 8 inches from the door. Wait two hours for the primed security door to dry. Flip the door over and prime the unfinished side. Wait four hours for the primer to dry.
Step 6
Apply oil-based spray enamel to the primed security door. Apply the paint the same way you did the primer. Wait two hours for the painted side to dry. Flip the door over and paint the other side. Wait six hours before reattaching the door.
Tip
Cover the wire mesh with masking paper if you'd like it to remain unpainted.
Warning
Don't paint over a dirty security screen door, or you may not be able to achieve adequate adhesion. Don't paint over a bare security door, or the paint will peel. Don't use a standard acrylic latex or oil-based primer, or the finish will fail.
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