Use a high end acylic paint. Another tip, put nails in each end and suspend it on saw horses

Go to a real paint store---Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, etc. Talk to the folks there, that store will still be around if there are problems.

For a perfect factory finish, have it professionally sprayed. Personally i like roller and brush marks and prefer wood over steel. Sprayed steel doors look a little too plastic for my tastes but thats my opinion and it also depends on the entry/ house.

I've also heard that people are having steel doors powder coated these days.

sierraeast, I, too, prefer wood over steel. But it's a pocket-book thing! Jeld-Wen's aluminum clad/wood patio door is over $3500 vs the steel primed available for around $500 and the steel factory painted in the $1000-$1200 range. If there were no budget to contend with would get the $3500 model.

You should be talking to the professional paint stores in your area!!!!

You guys realize this is a 12 year old post.....................................