Scratch and Dent Repair
To remove scratches, first feather the scratch to bare metal with #300 emery cloth. Prime and paint as discussed below. To repair dents, sand the surface in and around the dent with #80 emery cloth. Apply automotive body filler according to the directions on the container, figure 9. After the filler has thoroughly cured, sand until smooth and flush with the original door surface using #100 - 120 emery cloth. Use an orbital finishing sander held flat against the door surface for best results, figure 10.

Priming
If any rust was sanded off, or if any part of the door was sanded to bare metal in repairing a dent or removing scratches, it will be necessary to apply a coat of primer. Zinc Chromate primer (available at most paint and hardware stores) is recommended. A good quality automotive primer can also be used. Always follow paint manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Painting
If properly prepared, good quality water base exterior paints will work well. Still, an oil base paint is even better, but keep in mind that oil paints require much longer drying times. This is important because it is critical that the weatherstripping not be allowed to come in contact with a newly painted door. If this happens before the paint is thoroughly dry, the weatherstrip will stick to the paint, ruining both the weatherstrip and the paint job, figure 11. A medium or low gloss paint is recommended. Apply paint with a sprayer if practical. If not, a medium nap roller will produce the next best results. As always, be sure to follow the paint manufacturer's instructions.