Metal door frames and metal doors are great for residential and commercial properties. They provide incredible weather resistance and increased security. A good metal door will last a lifetime and will protect the property very well right until it’s taken away.
That being said, however, they too need to be painted every now and then to prevent rust and to keep them looking appealing for customers and visitors. With tips from Sketch Spray commercial spray painters here are some of the most important steps.
Things You’ll Need to Paint Metal Door Frames
There are a number of products you might need when it comes to painting metal door frames. This list will differ slightly to if you were to paint door frames made of wood or another product, as metal is a more resilient and often harder to paint surface.
The items you will need to paint metal door frames are:
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Metal primer
- Paintbrushes
- Painter’s tape
- Metal paint
- A clean dry cloth
- Safety gloves
- Safety mask
- Safety glasses
How to Prepare to Paint Metal Door Frames
Once you have gathered all of the items above, you will need to prepare your steel door frames for painting. Metal surfaces are notoriously harder to paint, so making sure that you properly prepare the metal door frame will make a world of difference to how the paint looks when done.
Step one: cleaning
Using a dry cloth, clean your metal door frame carefully to remove all dust and grime from the surface. If these are left there they will ruin any attempt at a smooth coat of paint.
In some situations, this will simply not be enough. In this case, using a degreaser, sugar soap or something similar to really wash the whole door may be required in order to prevent anything from getting in the way of your paint job.
Step two: protect the areas you’re not painting
On most door frames (and most painting projects) there are areas that we don’t want to apply paint to. On your steel doors, these might be the hinges, the latch, the handle. You should cover these things with painter’s tape to protect them. Or, if you can, remove them all together.
Step three: sand the surface to remove the existing paint
Using fine-grit sandpaper (240 fine-grit paper works well!), lightly sand your door frames to remove the top coat of the old paint. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth finish and will give your primer a rough surface to properly adhere to on the door frame.
If you’d like to limit your sanding, you can use a water-based enamel topcoat and just sand the chipped areas on your door frame. This will help to create the necessary smooth surface without you needing to remove all of the existing paint from your front door or other metal door frames.
Once you’ve finished sanding, make sure you remove any new dust or debris created by your sanding before you begin to paint!
Step four: set up the room
In some circumstances, it makes the most sense to remove the door from your door frames completely. In other situations, this isn’t possible. If you are not removing the door, make sure you protect it from the work you are doing!
You should make sure your floor and walls are protected with painter’s tape, tarp, or similar. This will prevent them from getting paint on them or getting scratched or damaged in any way. In addition to this, you will need to make sure that the space you are painting in is ventilated. Metal paints are strong, and if not well ventilated could make you unwell.
How to Paint Metal Door Frames?
Once all the preparation is done, you can actually get started on transforming your metal door frame. Just remember to take your time and, if you’ve got lots of commercial door frames to paint, consider that it may be worth calling in a professional!
Step one: primer
A good primer can take a paint job from mediocre to professional looking, especially on a surface like a metal door frame. You should apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions onto the door frame. Some primers may need multiple coats, others may need just one. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for this information and for drying times.
Step two: a new coat of paint
Only once the primer is properly dry, you can start to apply your metal paint to the door frame. You should apply the paint slowly and use thin layers. You will likely need at least two coats, but it is always better to have many thin coats when it comes to creating a good finish.
Let the first coat of paint dry, and continue to apply paint in thin coats until you have a solid appearance in the colour of your choice. Only once your paint is completely dry should you remove any painter’s tape and reattach any hardware.
What Type of Paint is Good for Metal Door Frames?
The best type of paints for metal surfaces are oil-based paints. An oil-based paint will be easy to apply to your surface and should last well, especially if applied using the right tools and process. The benefits of oil-based paints are that they are highly rust-resistant and very sturdy. They are, however, quicker to fade and often more toxic than other paints.
Paints advertised as UPVC spray paint are usually applied with airless spray guns and are some of the most versatile multi use paints available and sprayable paints last for as long as a decade.
You can choose to use a water-based paint instead. These are quick drying, simple to use, easy to clean, and not prone to fading, but they are not rustproof and are nowhere near as durable as oil-based paints are, so you will have to repaint more frequently.
How Do I Remove Paint or Dirt From Fiddly Areas?
When preparing your metal door frame you can use sugar soap and an old toothbrush to remove paint and dirt from the fiddly bits. This is great for around hardware and in the nooks and crannies, and will really help you get an even coat of paint.
Conclusion
Painting commercial metal door frames requires the right preparation, tools, and patience to achieve a lasting, professional finish. Regular maintenance of metal frames not only enhances their appearance but also improves durability and rust resistance, ensuring they remain a valuable asset for years to come.
Remember to carefully follow each step, prioritize safety, and consider professional help if the scope feels overwhelming, especially for larger projects or numerous frames. By doing so, you’ll transform your metal door frames with a smooth, polished look that adds appeal and security to your property. Happy painting!
