Repairing Dents in Steel Entry Doors

Accidents happen. Even steel doors can be dented with normal traffic in entrance areas, especially when moving furniture in and out. Here are a few simple steps for repairing those dents.
 

Step 1

With any project safety comes first. Since the process of sanding involves the removal of material it creates airborne dust. We recommend safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, a work apron or close fitting clothing and an approved dust/mist respirator. Always unplug the tool when not in use or when changing sandpaper.



 

Step 2

Sand the area of the dent to remove all paint. Start with coarse 60 grit for quick paint removal. (TIP: Cut the 9 x 11 sandpaper sheets into 4 pieces 9” long by 2-3/4” wide. You’ll get 4 pieces out of a 9” x 11” sheet that will fit any rubber sanding block.) Finish sand to bare metal with medium 100 grit and to remove the coarse 60 grit scratches. Sand an area approximately two times larger than the damaged area to allow for the body filler to be spread beyond the dent.



 

Step 3

Clean the door with solvent and let it dry.

 

Step 4

Mix the auto body filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply filler to the dent, feathering it out about an inch beyond the area of the dent. (TIP: Make sure the body filler is only applied to a clean, sanded, bare metal surface and not the undamaged painted surface. The body filler may not adhere to previously painted surfaces and could chip off.)



 

Step 5

After body filler has dried for about 15 – 20 minutes. Sand the area smooth using the medium 100 grit sandpaper and check for an even flat surface. Apply more body filler if necessary to fill low spots, let it dry and sand again. Sand the entire surface smooth with fine 180 grit sandpaper, feathering the edge of the repaired area with the surrounding bare metal surface. (Feather Edging makes the repaired area invisible after painting.)



 

Step 6

Apply exterior metal primer over the repaired area and any exposed bare metal surfaces. Let it dry and then lightly sand using the Synthetic Steel Wool or Between Coats Finishing Pads. Apply a second coat of primer and lightly sand again.

 

Step 7

Apply matching paint and let it dry.