How to properly paint and maintain exterior Steel Doors?

Our metal front entryway has a few small scratches near the doorknob where the keys hit, and I noticed a tiny spot of rust starting to form. What is the proper step-by-step method for prepping and repainting an exterior metal door so the finish lasts?

Maintaining a metal entryway requires catching surface scratches early before moisture triggers rust formation beneath the paint. When refinishing exterior Steel Doors , start by lightly sanding the rusted spot with fine-grit sandpaper until you reach bare metal. Clean the area thoroughly with degreaser, apply a rust-inhibiting metal primer, and finish with two coats of high-quality exterior acrylic enamel. Using a self-leveling foam roller will give you a smooth, factory-like finish without leaving unsightly brush marks behind.

Using a good rust-inhibiting primer on the bare metal before applying the topcoat is absolutely mandatory. I skipped the primer step once and the rust bled right back through the fresh paint within six months.