Doors. Why do you have to let down your door? Because when you think about it; there are many ways to elevate your property’s entryway to make it more appealing and durable.
Over the years, your doorframe has taken a beating at the hands of visits, passes and the tumultuous weather—banged, scraped and rusted. These wears are not only eyesores but also a risk to your security.
Damages on your door frame need to be taken care of with a fresh paint.
However, painting metal door frames isn’t as easy as it may seem. Compared to concrete walls and wooden hatches, metal castings are intricate materials with various considerations.
So, get your painting job right, like a pro, with the help of our comprehensive dos and don’ts on painting a metal front door.
Preparation is Key
To ensure a successful paint project, preparation is key—just like any other area of your life.
Preparation will keep you from impending disasters that cost you time, money and energy. To avoid wasting your resources, invest in heeding the dos and don’ts of prep work.
Dos
Assess the Condition of Your Door Frame
Thoroughly check the condition of your metal door frame. Look for any rust, cracks or chips and take the time to treat the damaged areas. Otherwise, it will compromise the overall garb of your newly-painted door.
So, make sure to fix them before you carry on to your next painting step.
Clean the Surface
Painting on surfaces coated with dust and oil is the recipe for poor paint adhesion. Even with metals, paints don’t work well with dirt. They have to be properly cleaned before painting or the colours will have trouble sticking.
Remove Any Hardware
Any hardware pieces should be removed. It’s a lot easier to paint when you’re not trying to avoid painting on areas that should not be painted. You can use painter’s tape to create clean paint lines and mask off the surface.
Sand the Door Frame
Sand the metal door frame to ensure that the paint clings properly. Do use the right grit sandpaper, though, to create a smoother finish.
Don’ts
Don’t Skip Cleaning
You can’t achieve a perfect paint job painting over dirt. Contaminants can affect paint adhesion, dust or grime-coated surfaces will make it difficult for the paint to mesh.
If you insist on skipping cleaning, your new paint will look just as rough as initially was.
Don’t Use Coarse Sandpaper
There’s an appropriate grit number for your sandpaper to not cause damage on the surface. If it’s too coarse, it will leave deep scratches, making your surface too rough for painting.
For hard metals, the best sandpaper is aluminium oxide while silicon carbide is best for softer metals.
Choosing the Right Materials
Painting with the right materials is critical for any successful painting design. All the colour, sprays and the brushes can make or break the aesthetics and lastingness of your paint.
There are plenty of brands available that you can purchase that are not only cost-effective but of high-quality.
Dos
Select High-Quality Metal Paint
Choose quality standard paint and primer made specifically for metal door frames that can secure maximum adhesion. Some of the best paints for metal surfaces include Dulux and Krylon colour master.
These metal paints have phosphates which is a chemical that minimises corrosion and rust, a common metal problem. Both are perfect for internal and external use. These metal sealers don’t just look good but have better drying time and durability.
Use a Paint Sprayer
Consider using a paint sprayer, especially for larger frames. It’s a perfect time-saver. Plus, spray painting always delivers a smooth finish, covering spots that are harder to reach while preventing future rust.
Don’ts
Don’t Use Paint Not Designed for Metal
Your regular exterior paints are not formulated for metal surfaces and will not last long. It can cause chipping and peeling instead. There are metal paints that are better suited for this painting job.
Don’t Use Inferior Quality Brushes
Avoid cheap brushes or rollers that can leave streaks or lint. Low-quality brushes mostly have synthetic bristles. And if you spread them, they become narrower towards one end, causing a blunt end finish.
Moreover, inexpensive brushes can’t hold enough paint, resulting in an uneven paint job.
Application Techniques
Your style or technique in applying paint is just as important as choosing the right materials for your project.
Here are some useful tips for getting your metal door frame painting right:
Dos
Use a Primer and Allow Drying Time
After you’ve cleaned the surface, apply your primer. Then, allow it to dry completely before applying the top coat. It is highly necessary to let the primer sit to ensure a solid base for your next layer.
While you’re doing this, take into account the weather. If it’s warmer, the primer dries faster, making it textured and clumpy.
Apply Metal Paint Using a Spray Gun
Use a smooth roller or spray gun for even application. If you spray properly, you can have a nice even coat on your metal door. Also, apply in thin coats to achieve a beautiful finish.
Don’ts
Don’t Overload Your Brush
Overloading your brush with paint and then spreading it out is a big no! That’s how you ruin your finish, causing the paint to drip and build up around the area. Use a brush to smooth up the edges to prevent drips and runs.
Don’t Neglect the Weather
Avoid painting in humid or rainy weather. Humidity messes with the drying times of your paint. If it dries inappropriately because the air is so moist, the paint becomes uneven and won’t cling well to the surface.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches are perhaps the most critical aspect of completing your metal door frame painting venture. Then again, it also tends to be the most exciting because it’s the finalisation of your fresh paint design.
Dos
Check the Frame and Allow Appropriate Drying Time
Inspect the frame after the first coat. Touch up any missed spots to ensure that the colours are spread on the door thoroughly before applying additional coats. And only work one side at a time to prevent wet paint smudges.
Don’ts
Don’t Rush the Drying Process
Your metal door frame needs to cure, so the paint has enough time to sit in. Never rush the drying process, or you risk trapping the moisture between layers causing imperfections in the finish like peeling and cracking.
Don’t Touch Until Paint is Fully Cured
The drying period is necessary to let the paint solvents dissolve sufficiently, building the base for your next coat of paint.
Generally, it takes about one hour for the paint to be dry to the touch while safe recoating takes around four hours.
Conclusion
Aren’t the rules for painting metal door frames simple? Prepare the surface, choose the right materials, apply the primer using the right brush and allow drying time.
Yes, you can easily paint without looking like an amateur, just squarely heed these instructions.
A well-painted metal door frame won’t just be a beauty but an enduring hardware that could last for many years.
Take this time to be creative and enjoy the process for a professional-looking result! Or you could reach out to real pros, A One Korean Painting, and get specialized knowledge in metal door frame painting.
