Paint a Steel Door

Q: I’m painting a steel door and want to avoid bristle marks on the paint surface. Is using a foam brush the best way to get a smooth finish?

A: We recommend skipping the foam brush for a door. Foam brushes are cheap, and the larger they are, the more likely the head will break off the handle. And, you’ll want a broad brush for something the size of a door. You have two superior alternatives: An HVLP sprayer or a foam roller. An HVLP sprayer is a great way to achieve a beautiful, even finish for small to medium size painting projects. If you do a lot of painting, such a sprayer is worth the investment. The more economical option is to use a foam roller. The 6-inch dense foam roller has no bristles or nap, which results in a smooth finish with no brush marks. You’ll still need to brush-paint the small bevels along the door panels.