Doors are one of the most fundamental features in homes and business premises. They are essential for providing much-needed security for what you consider most valuable.
However, this is not the only thing to acknowledge about doors. The first and the outermost impression as you approach a home is reflected by the type, design, and, most importantly, the paintwork done on the entrance.
Recently, metallic doors have gained popularity owing to the increased advocacy for eco-friendly lifestyle practices. In as much as wooden doors remain prevalent, metallic doors have more to offer from protection to durability.
Are you considering repainting your old tired-looking metal door or coating a completely new installation? It is not a complicated DIY job, but there’s probably this one question lingering in your mind.
What is the best paint for a metal door? Any paint that is durable, reasonably safe (non-toxic), and fade- and rust-resistant will work well for a metal door. Oil-based and water-based acrylic paints will be the most durable and useful options for this purpose.
Oil-based paints are arguably the most durable paint for large metal surfaces. Nonetheless, water-based acrylic paints, often referred to as latex paints, have useful features for the DIY handyman (or woman) and cannot be disregarded as an option.
By reading further, we’ll tell you what to consider when picking paint for your metal door by highlighting the highs and lows of each kind of paint. To assist you further in making a wise decision, we will also point you to five high-quality paints to liven up your home or storefront.
Metal Door Paints: Things To Consider
There are a lot of contrarian views on the subject of better paint for metal surfaces. We shall lay out the pros and cons of each based on factors you should consider when looking for the best paint for a metal door.
Safety
Water-based paint is no doubt the go-to paint for a myriad of projects in recent times due to its many advantages. For instance, emission of low levels of toxic vapor, unlike oil-based paint that releases heavy fumes as a result of high VOCs content.
Eco and health-conscious consumers that make a vast majority are wary about such details. In addition, oil-based paint is also highly flammable. Water-based paint is inflammable when wet.
Durability
It is no longer debatable as to which paint offers the strongest coating. When it comes to durability, oil-based paint is the best hands down.
It has outstanding bonding abilities to glossy surfaces like metal than their latex counterparts, which will chip faster and need more frequent repainting.
Drying Time
You may have to remove the metal door before painting it. Hence a fast-drying paint is of the essence to return the door to its original position for security purposes.
Water-based acrylic paints dry in a matter of hours. Oil-based paints take a much longer time. Complete curing may take days or weeks for underneath coats. They may not be a feasible option in instances of urgency.
Stability
Latex paint does not fade quickly in sunlight prone areas over time. It is built with resistance to ultraviolet rays allowing your metal door to retain its color newness over long periods.
Unfortunately, we can not say the same about oil-based paint. They dull faster, which could be a major deal-breaker, especially for an exterior door in the full glare of the sun and wind every day.
Rust Resistance
Latex paint is water-soluble but once dry, it becomes a hard, water-resistant plastic-like coating helping your metal doors to remain rust-free.
However, it is argued that the water-based solvents can actually trigger flash rusting in metal surfaces. Oil-based paint will assure you a rust-free surface, there’s no doubt about it.
Ease of Use
Water-based paints are generally easiest to use and clean up after and, therefore, a comfortable choice for beginners.
Oil-based paints are pretty demanding. They need to be thinned into the right consistency. You will also require special agents to clean the tools afterward. They are best handled by the experienced painter.
It is important to note that cutting edge technology has changed many of these paint characteristics, and some drawbacks may actually still be a problem only for low-quality paints.
High-quality latex paints, for example, have flash rust inhibitors while the best oil paints have UV resistance and even come in aerosol cans massively cutting back the painfully long drying time.
Top 5 Paints For a Metal Door
To help you zero in on the best from both sides, here’s our top 5 list of the best paint for a metal door.
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Modern Masters Front Door Paint | Fade-resistant, satin finish, versatile |
2. | Rust-Oleum Door Paint | Satin finish, quick dry, oil-based |
3. | Rust-Oleum Hammered Paint | 'Hammered' finish, durable, oil-based |
4. | Krylon Supermaxx All-In-One Spray | Satin finish, durable, versatile |
5. | Rust-Oleum Enamel Spray Paint | Industrial, gloss finish, oil-based |
We’ve also included a more thorough review of each below to help you make the best decision. So read on and enjoy your soon-to-be-lively front door!
1. Modern Masters Satin Front Door Paint
As modern as the name suggests, the Modern Masters Satin door paint meets the current demand for quality and appealing products. This water-based paint comes in a variety of 14 gorgeous shades and shimmers which you can even mix to fit your wildest desires.
With its never-fade technology, you can rest assured that your paint works won’t be fading anytime soon. Your door will wear the same beautiful look it has when you freshly paint it.
The pigments are so rich, two coats can do the job. It also needs just an hour to dry and get the satin finish fully. So, you can complete the entire process and use your door again in a single afternoon.
A tin can paint up to 100 square feet. That’s more than sufficient coverage for any door be it the front, back, or garage door. You’ll probably even enough leftover to use on your mailbox, rails, window frames, or gutter.
This paint is worth the results you will get. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how little paint you’ll have to use to cover your surfaces. A little of it goes a long way. The finish on this paint is simply priceless.
2. Rust-Oleum Door Paint
Rust-Oleum has proven once again to be the best solution for colors that bring fantasies to reality. With this brilliant paint, you won’t see a single rusty patch on your metallic door.
This product can revitalize old and new door surfaces with a single coat of paint that is weather and corrosion-resistant.
Its color options are limited – black, cranberry, brown, and Vermont green -but these classic shades will still delight and the pigments are rich. It is a really thick, yet smooth, paint and is easy to use with the right brush and amount of thinning.
We must mention that this is the good old oil-based paint that needs thinning, nothing like the water-based paint many modern-day painters are used to. So if you do not have much experience with this kind, you might need to consult an expert friend for professional input.
3. Rust-Oleum Hammered Stops-Rust Paint
Another one from Rustoleum is the “hammered” finish paint. It has enough features to make you fall in love with it.
The no-rust oil-based formula ensures humidity and moisture never ruin your metal door by forming a tough non-permeable exterior coat. You have 8 brilliant metallic colors to choose from that are intense and true to advertisement.
It takes a couple of hours to dry but the coat’s final beauty, strength, and reliability are worth the wait.
We love that it spreads into a hammered texture – it’s an excellent camouflage for any dents and dings, which may be present in an old metal door.
You also get quite a lot of paint at 12 oz of this spray. You should have no trouble spraying your door and may even have enough leftover for a mailbox or other touches.
Feeling a bit apprehensive about it? Well, you can reap the same benefits from its non-spray version. Just be ready for a thick, creamy paint option if you go for it. Still, it’s always good to have options.
4. Krylon Supermaxx All-In-One Spray
For the first-time painter, who does not want a lot of fuss that comes with paint jobs, this one’s just for you.
Krylon Supermaxx’s All-In-One spray is a primer and paint all in one easy spray package, eliminating the need for laborious prepping of the metal. After all, not everyone needs a lot of extra primer on hand.
There’s no need to mix thinners, sand, or prime the metal door. You simply spray and let dry. Did we mention that it dries rapidly too? The formula is also created with anti-rust technology, which is one of the most desirable properties for paint for a metal door. It bonds exceptionally well too.
The offering is in a couple of striking shades and finishes, so variety for different preferences is available. If you’ve been hesitant about doing your metal door a makeover because you’ve never given the DIY painting a shot, this Krylon spray has got your back.
5. Rust-Oleum Professional Enamel Spray Paint
This highly rated, oil-based spray paint will be a pleasure to work with than the traditional liquid brush or roll-on options. It comes in a convenient ergonomic can that sprays from any direction with maximum coverage. Even an amateur painter will not fret over the job.
It offers a beautiful yet tough semi-gloss finish with over a dozen lovely and vibrant color options. The commercial-grade formula has unmatched adhesion power to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, fading, and chipping for a durable metal door.
If you are pressed for time and can’t be bothered to wait, this is a must-have. It takes just minutes to dry and only an hour to add the second coat. We know, that’s a lot of convenience!
Plus, with all these color options, you can have the brightest, most exciting door in the neighborhood if you want to. But if you prefer a classic look, Rust-Oleum hasn’t ignored the standard door colors either.
Priming Your Metal Door
Apart from having the best paint for a metal door, you also need to get your hands on the best primer to achieve fantastic results.
Before painting, applying a primer on the metal door helps the paint stick firmly to the metal surface, which usually has no grip, thus a smooth long-lasting paint coat.
The primer coating also increases the metal’s resistance against corrosion-causing agents such as rain and humidity by forming a protective barrier. Plus, you use less paint too!
Use an oil-based primer designed specifically for metal and compatible with the type of paint you intend to use. Some paint labels do not require the application of primer prior to painting, but for the best results, we insist that you do.
Whether you’re applying fresh paint or repainting, prepping your metal door surface is vital even before starting with the oil-based primer. Sanding and degreasing are crucial.
When repainting, scrape off the rust and the old paint using sandpaper then use a degreaser to clean the metal surface before applying the primer and finally a high-quality metal paint.
Related Questions
Will Spray Paint Adhere to Metal?
Only high-quality spray paint specified for use on metals will bond with it. Any of our featured spray paints above will do. If you’re wondering about other spray paints, check the label or manufacturer’s information to be sure.
How Long Does a Freshly Painted Metal Door Take to Dry?
It depends on the type of paint used and the application technique, and even the weather to some extent.
Oil-based brush painted door surfaces can take days or occasionally even weeks to fully dry. Water-based paint dries in a few hours. Spray-painted surfaces typically dry the fastest. However, many brands have formulated paints that dry within a few hours. As always, check the labels to be sure.
Hot weather typically accelerates the evaporation of solvents and promotes rapid drying than cold temperature weather.
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