How to Paint a Metal Door to Look Like Wood
Upgrade your exterior metal garage or front door to look and feel like real wood with this simple and budget friendly method
Anyone else want expensive things but don’t want to pay for expensive things…
Cue the back deck exterior door that I really want to look like real wood but also:
- Don’t want to actually replace
- Don’t want to spend wood door prices
When you want expensive things but don’t have money for expensive things you have to get creative!
I completely transformed our exterior metal door with just a little paint and one very special tool.
This project might even be the easiest DIY I have ever done and really looks and feels like real wood!
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Faux Wood Door Supplies:
–Primer
–Wood Grain Tool
–Stain
-Top Coat (optional)
How to Paint a Metal Door to Look Like Wood
I started by cleaning the door with a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and water.
Normal household cleaners will leave a residue that you don’t want.
After the door was clean I lighting sanded it with 120 grit sandpaper & taped off the glass.
After I scuffed up the door with the sandpaper I applied a layer of exterior primer.
Any primer will work but this is the one I used.
After the primer dried I applied a layer of stain to the entire door.
I went with a black stain but you can choose whatever color stain you want for your door.
You can find some door color inspiration here!
After the entire door had a light layer of stain I went back over it with primer.
While the primer was still wet I dragged the graining tool through it.
Only apply the primer in small sections because you don’t want it drying before you grain it.
Let the grain layer dry completely before going back over it with the stain.
You can apply as many coats of stain necessary, the more coats = darker the color will be.
Once you are happy with the color, apply a layer of topcoat if you are wanting a certain finish or just extra protection.
Faux Wood Door Reveal
That’s it, easiest door makeover in the history of ever!
I am deeply impressed with how realistic the wood graining looks and feels.
This door looks so custom and expensive it shocks me how easy it was to do.
Plus I really love how the black pairs with our newly painted deck!
We are moving right along with this backyard makeover, but we still need to add outdoor curtains and install new light fixtures.
Let me know what you think of our new “wood” door and if you would try this technique.
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