Paint for metal doors is available in several types; accordingly, it may have different technical characteristics. The best material for making an entrance door is metal. It is strong, durable, reliable and provides adequate protection for your home. But these are not all the qualities that a front door should have. It is equally important that it looks aesthetically pleasing, which is why so much attention is paid to the issue of painting.
Features of painting a metal entrance door
Painting a door made of metal is a standard way of finishing the material. Iron, although durable, does not withstand many environmental influences, and painting allows you to correct this situation, guaranteeing additional protection.
To make canvases, a wide variety of alloys are used, the difference between which is both in properties and in appearance. Stainless steel, for example, does not need to be painted, but if you want to change the look, decor will become an important component.
Painting adds the following characteristics to the metal:
- creates moisture protection;
- corrects surface defects;
- fills voids in the material;
- protects against corrosion;
- improves visual performance.
Important!
Choosing the optimal composition and correct application is the key to fulfilling these points. Painting is called high-quality only if the end result is a flat, smooth and uniform surface, without smudges or other external defects.
It doesn’t matter what tool you use to paint the door: a roller, a spray gun or a brush. There should be no transitions or omissions. A high-quality result will be obtained with uniform layers of equal thickness.
Advice! Metal doors are usually painted in 3 layers using powder or other paint. It happens that after work, smudges are visible on the surface - they are removed with sandpaper, and only after the paint has completely dried.
To paint a metal entrance door with high quality, you should start by processing small parts. The canvas is painted only after these elements have completely dried. Sometimes the doors are initially coated with a different paint - this needs to be removed by sanding. If severe chips are noticeable on the surface, they are leveled with metal putty.
Before painting begins, the door is removed from its hinges and placed in a lying position. Otherwise, the work will bring a lot of inconvenience - smudges, accidental touching of paint that has not yet dried.
It is better to carry out the painting process indoors without drafts, dust or sudden temperature changes. A prerequisite is ventilation. It is highly undesirable to work in open air conditions. If toxic paints are chosen, you should protect yourself with protective equipment (gloves, respirators).
Hammer paint
Hammer paint has a specific texture. Visually, the colored finishing layer is similar to metal embossing done by hand using a forge hammer. The coating has a decorative effect with a steely sheen and roughness, making it suitable for armored structures.
The paint composition for use includes components that ensure viscosity and homogeneity of the mass with increased density and ductility - these are:
- acrylic material;
- alkyd-styrene polymers;
- epoxide.
The substance contains large quantities of fine aluminum powder and crushed glass. Their particles effectively penetrate into the small pores of the treated surface. The coating does not require fixation with additional fixatives.
The hammer product is characterized by increased resistance to corrosion, water resistance and resistance to negative external factors. It can be applied in any way. The best results are obtained by spraying with a spray bottle. The substance sets on the surface in 40 minutes and dries in 2-3 hours, forming a high-quality and durable layer. The service life of metal doors reaches 8 years.
The result of painting with hammer paint.
How to paint a metal door
Different paints and varnishes are used for different metal alloys. They don’t use regular paint; it’s not suitable for this type of work. The choice of paint for an iron door is one of the most important points, guaranteeing a high-quality result, on which the appearance will depend.
Powder paints
Powder coating of metal doors is the most popular method. The substance used for the work is also called silverware because of its color. The paint is based on aluminum powder, which is ground to a powder state.
Powder grains can have different sizes, this affects the final texture. It can be bronze or shiny metallic if you add pigment to its composition. To paint, take powder and mix synthetic drying oil and bitumen varnish into it. Powder paint comes in two types, depending on the grain fractions: PAP-1 and PAP-2. If the material is thinned using a heat-resistant varnish, the resulting paint will be able to withstand high temperatures. For metal entrance doors, synthetic drying oil is sufficient.
The process of preparing paint includes diluting the powder and thoroughly mixing it. A wide selection of coloring compounds are available for painting, but silver confidently occupies a leading position.
Advantages of powder coating of metal doors:
- affordable price;
- versatility of the composition - suitable for different materials;
- adhesion - ensures reliable adhesion to metal;
- low level of toxicity;
- easy preparation and application process;
- the coating will last at least 7 years;
- characteristic metallic luster of the dried composition.
Drying time for silver is 4 to 5 hours. If you need to paint a metal door that has already been powder coated, it should be sanded to ensure the best adhesion to the selected composition.
Hammer paint
A metal door painted with hammer paint appears rough to the touch and visually gives off a metallic sheen. This composition is called so because of the similarity of the surface to the shine of a hammer.
It is much easier to buy this paint ready-made, since it consists of several components, which complicates its own preparation:
- aluminum ingredients - flakes are necessary to give the surface a characteristic texture, and the role of powder is to impart a metallic shine;
- crushed glass - changes the structure;
- alkyd and silicone resins - added to ensure adhesion of the composition and resistance to cracking;
- technical wax - gives metal doors a gloss and creates a protective film on their surface.
The dye is easy enough to apply to the surface, but you will need to get a spray bottle in advance. Along with the powder composition, the hammer one is suitable for painting any surfaces.
Among the positive qualities of hammer painting of metal doors are setting in 40 minutes and complete drying in 2 hours. Its service life is at least 8 years. Many mass-produced metal doors are coated with this particular composition. Containers for paint are: spray cans, buckets or tin cans.
Nitropaint
Nitro paint is also called nitro enamel and is often used due to its low price. The main advantage of the composition is quick drying, literally in 30 minutes. The paint is easy to apply to the canvas; as a result, the latter acquires an attractive shiny layer.
Nitro paint has a disadvantage - it is toxic, so when working with it, you must wear a protective mask. The elasticity of the composition is also low: the paint can easily be damaged if you hit an already painted door. In addition, it is short-lived - it will last 1-2 years at most, after which it should be re-painted.
Acrylic paint
These compositions are based on polyacrylates. Due to the elastic film formed, such a coating will last about 7 years without problems. Metal sheets will not be affected by atmospheric influences, and the paint itself is easy to work with.
Advantages:
- adhesion;
- resistance to mechanical stress;
- practically does not respond to temperature changes;
- resistant to UV rays;
- fireproof.
The acrylic composition does not contain harmful impurities, so it is applied both to the outer part of metal doors and to the inside. The only drawback is that it is problematic to prepare a composition of a rich shade.
Oil paint
This is one of the popular types of paint for metal entrance doors. Among the advantages are:
- affordable price;
- wide range of colors;
- ease of application;
- reliable protection against rust formation.
Such compositions are sold in a ready-to-use form; the choice can be made of both matte and glossy options. Oil paint creates a sealing layer on the surface of the canvas, providing protection from precipitation. But, since there is no gas exchange, over time the coating will become unusable. This explains the short service life - 12 months.
Alkyd enamel
The paint is recommended for doors exposed to constant influence of precipitation. This type of composition is made from highly toxic components: solvents, varnishes and other fillers.
Important! Alkyd enamel is a fire hazardous and toxic material, so you need to work with it while observing safety precautions.
Surfaces painted with alkyd enamel are characterized by a shiny surface. Key advantages include the ability of the composition to withstand different temperatures: from -50 to +60 degrees Celsius.
Alkyd based coatings
To protect an external metal door, it is necessary to use a coating that is as resistant to temperatures and moisture as possible, which is also not prone to fading. Otherwise, it will become unusable within a season.
For structures located outdoors, alkyd enamels are suitable: glypthal, melamine, pentaphthalic.
Such paints for steel doors are quite toxic, since in addition to pigments they contain solvents and antiseptics, and various fillers. In addition, they are flammable. Therefore, when painting, it is necessary to take into account safety rules. But after complete drying, the door will have a coating that is not afraid of temperature fluctuations from -50 to +60 degrees. It will reliably protect the metal from corrosion, will be rich in color and shiny.
Preparing the door for painting
Before you start painting an old metal door, you need to carefully prepare it. All work can be divided into several points:
- First of all, you need to dismantle all removable elements, that is, eyes, handles, locks, and so on. If there are areas that do not need to be painted, they are covered with masking tape.
- If greasy stains are visible on the door, they are removed using special solvents (acetone or white spirit).
- Next, the old layer of paint is removed from the metal structure. This can be done using special compounds or a regular metal brush.
- If there is rust on the canvas, it should also be removed with special compounds or using sandpaper.
- After the canvas has been thoroughly cleaned, it is recommended to “walk” over it again with sandpaper. This is done in order to ensure better adhesion of the paint to the metal.
- The door is degreased. Kerosene, white spirit or any other composition is suitable for this.
- If chips, cracks or other defects are noticeable on the surface, they are putty using regular automotive putty. After treatment, the surface is additionally “sanded” and moistened with a rag.
- Before painting, the canvas is primed (for example, using a special aerosol primer). This will increase the durability of the base for subsequent paint application.
Compliance with all these points guarantees a long service life of the updated product.
Choosing a painting tool
To understand how to paint an iron door, you need to have an idea of the tools used. The door leaf can be painted using the following tools:
- paint brush;
- roller with a container (tub) for the coloring composition;
- spray gun;
- aerosol can.
Please note: Stained glass painting: paints, stencils, brushes
Having chosen a processing method, one or another tool or a combination of them is used. Spraying with a spray gun or an aerosol can is a simple method suitable for large surfaces. The advantage will be uniformity, lack of drips and cost-effectiveness. Instead of a spray gun, you can use a roller. Using a roller it is easy to paint large flat surfaces. The bath helps control the amount of coloring composition consumed. But it is difficult to use a roller to treat raised and hard-to-reach areas of the door leaf. A paint brush is suitable for this. But the downside is that the brush is inconvenient to use for large surfaces. The tool leaves hairs and smudges and delays the painting of the product. It is convenient to apply an aerosol from a can, but it is not always possible to calculate the consumption. During operation, it is difficult to control the level of composition remaining in the cylinder.
Painting tools
How to paint an iron door at home
In order for the surface to be smooth, without smudges or visible defects, you need to understand how to paint the canvas.
If the painting procedure is performed with a brush, then its movement should be from top to bottom. If desired, use a spray bottle or roller (it all depends on the size of the door and the type of paint).
The whole process starts from the top - first they cover the panel, horizontal elements, and after that the vertical surfaces. Try not to brush over paint that is not yet dry. During painting, breaks or omissions should be avoided. There should be a uniform and thick layer.
Important! Apply the composition in several layers so that there are no light spots on the surface.
If a smudge has formed, you need to wait until it dries, then sand it with sandpaper. The second layer is applied only after the first has completely dried, after approximately 30 minutes. When painting metal doors with powder paint on site, the structure will completely dry in about 6 hours.
It is better to carry out all work after first removing the canvas from the hinges. You can use regular oilcloth as a backing.
An important nuance is that the surface of a metal door should be as smooth as possible, so due attention should be paid to processing.
What kind of paint should I use: hammer paint or another?
In order for the door leaf to look beautiful for a long time, you need to know how to choose the right paint. Main methods:
- Acrylic paint. Advantages: durability, quick drying. This material is non-toxic because it is water-based.
- Automotive paint , which is best applied with a spray or aerosol can. This painting looks expensive and stylish.
- Nitroenamel. It looks good, gives the product shine, and protects against corrosion. The downside is that the material is sensitive to chemical and thermal effects and will last a relatively short time, so it is better to use nitro enamel when you need to save money.
- Alkyd enamel. Whatever color an iron or other door is painted, thanks to the alkyd resins in its composition, the enamel does not lose it, and also dries quickly and retains its properties for 4 years. However, such enamel is not repairable. To give the canvas its original appearance, you will have to completely remove the old material, then paint it again.
- Hammer. Mainly applicable for armored door blocks. It can give the surface roughness and achieve a tone similar to the iron of a hammer. These doors look very original.
- Powder. It is used more often to cover the entrance doors of luxury homes, as it is a luxury material and is characterized by high strength and durability.
However, it is impossible to independently finish metal surfaces with powder paint - special equipment is required. The product is painted electrostatically, then placed in a special chamber with a heating temperature of about 200 degrees. The polymer powder melts and penetrates the metal structure. - Epoxy. Used for painting technical and industrial premises, very practical, paints any metal.
- Graphite. Advantages: protection of metal from corrosion, resistance to temperature changes.
Advice
The choice of paint should be based on its properties, ability to withstand adverse external factors and the type of room where the door leaf is located.
Tips and tricks
Before starting work, you should consider:
- iron surfaces should be painted in 2 - 3 layers, this solves the problem of color saturation;
- if you use cans or a spray gun, the process should start from top to bottom, so there will be practically no smudges;
- The final coating of the door in the form of varnish is of considerable importance;
- decorative elements in the form of handles, eyes and other equipment are installed only after the product has completely dried;
- If you use a spray can for painting, you need to shake it well before use, 30-60 seconds is enough.
- When painting a house, ensure good ventilation of the room.
The process itself is not complicated, the main thing is to pay attention to the preparatory work.
Surface preparation
Preparing the doors for painting turned out to be not as easy and quick as I thought. If we are talking about a new canvas that you want to refine with your own hands, then fine. But in my case, it was necessary to restore the canvas, which had already been damaged by rust.
Degreasing the door before painting
So, let's look at how the preparation for painting went in my case:
- In order not to paint small parts, I dismantled all the elements - a rim lock, a peephole and a door handle. I have seen more than once how people seal these areas with paint before painting, but I decided to put in the effort to ensure that the coloring was of high quality.
- Before painting, you need to clean the surface of old paint - a metal brush is also suitable for this purpose, but I used a special remover. I used a brush to clean the remaining areas that had resisted the chemical attack.
- In the end, despite this, I discovered a couple of greasy stains that I had heard about more than once from a friend and how negatively they can affect the quality and appearance of a painted door. First of all, I applied white spirit to them - for those who didn’t have such a thing on hand, acetone would do. If you are wondering how you can degrease a metal door before painting, then pay attention only to specialized compounds.
Important! Degreasing is mandatory. This is necessary for uniform color distribution and durability of the finish. You can degrease the door with white spirit or kerosene.
White Spirit solvent for degreasing surfaces
- Since the metal sheet was corroded in places, I also had to purchase a remover and then cleaned these places with sandpaper. I must say that the process turned out to be labor-intensive and in the end I noticed some irregularities that urgently needed to be masked. This is where putty comes in handy - it’s best to use automotive putty, as it is suitable for steel surfaces. When all the small dents were repaired, all that remained was to go over the door with sandpaper
- An important condition under which high-quality painting is performed is the use of a primer. I don't have a compressor with all the attachments that come with it, so I bought a can of aerosol primer. I want to say that priming the surface allows you not only to extend the service life of the coating, but also to delay the period of painting itself.
Important! The minimal porosity of the metal frame and doors does not allow for maximum adhesion. Sandpaper allows you to make the canvas rougher, which will allow the paint to adhere well to the surface.
Painting a metal door with your own hands (video)
Reasons for powder painting doors
Painting a steel front door is not just about covering the surface with your favorite paint color. There is a large selection of shades on the RAL scale, where you can choose the most suitable one from 250 options. You also have the opportunity to choose the texture of the coating, for example, make the surface shiny, matte, wood, bronze, marble, etc.
With the right type of coating, even the simplest door can look expensive. For this, two spraying technologies are used: antique and shagreen. In the first case, a non-uniform spraying is performed, characterized by a fine relief. In the second case, the coating is obtained by applying paint to a structured base of homogeneous powder and polyvinyl varnish. The door acquires a pleasant appearance, and the color makes it possible to hide dirt, which is especially important for entrance doors.
provides a wide range of services for the production of metal structures and painting. Our price and quality can satisfy even the most demanding customers, which is why both large processors of aluminum profiles and individuals work with us.
