Hey folks! So, I had a recent family visit and my dad wanted to help me paint my back door, just like he did with his last year. We used Rustoleum Ultra Cover because I loved the color he picked. Unfortunately, the results are really disappointing. After applying three coats, it looks all streaky and uneven, and I really can't understand why it's blending so poorly. I prepped the surface by cleaning and priming my steel security door with a multi-surface primer, but the paint is still a mess. I'm feeling pretty frustrated now that my dad has left. Do you think there's a way to fix this? Can I just paint over it with a different product? Maybe a light sanding with steel wool before I try again? I've got a link to some pics here: https://imgur.com/a/ZalbPUB. Or maybe I'm just being overly critical and it looks fine?
4 Answers
Honestly, that paint isn’t suitable for your door. You should be using an oil-based exterior paint for durability. For fixing, sand off as much of that Rustoleum as you can and then repaint with something more appropriate.
Rolling it on wasn’t the best choice, honestly. I’d suggest sanding it down well and trying again. If you can, take the door off and use a spray can or rent a sprayer for a smoother finish. If you decide to roll it again, make sure to apply a little twist on one end of the roller while you're going to help smooth it out. Also, consider using an acrylic or enamel paint instead of latex for an exterior door since it will hold up better.
No way, that looks awful! You really should’ve either hired a pro or done better research. Rustoleum works great for outdoor furniture but isn’t ideal for doors. If the first coat had brush marks, all the layers after that are just going to amplify those streaks. You might still be able to salvage it with sanding, but if it ends up looking worse, it could be better to hire someone to strip it down and start fresh, or even think about getting a new door installed.
I think it looks alright! Doors do tend to fade pretty quickly, so I’d say let it dry and try giving it a touch-up with a high-quality brush and a new paint. Also, using a paint stir attachment for your drill can help achieve a smoother mix.
Got it! So just rough sand it before I repaint, huh? Should I prime again or just use the right paint after sanding?