steel door
#1
09-14-09, 11:17 AM
steel door
what kind of paint should i use on my steel door to make it look like wood or at least be more attractive than the boring gray that it is
#2
09-14-09, 03:30 PM
There are wood grainning kits that consists of a plastic tool, and instructions. It works with any color, but takes a bit of practice, so get some scrap to practice on. I think you use latex, but been a while since I did it.
#3
09-14-09, 03:48 PM
I guess you don't have the painting instructions that came with the door 
Most specify latex paint only although most of the doors with the thicker steel skin can be painted with oil base. The thin metal can expand/contract with temp changes causing oil base enamel to peel 
You need to make sure the door is clean first! 2 coats of most enamels will give a good job [sand between coats] Spraying can give a real nice finish in a single coat.
A fauz wood grain is a bit trickier. You can find more info about fauz painting in this section of the forums;
Faux Finishing - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
I wouldn't recomend a fauz finish on the exterior of a door that has full sun/rain exposure because the finish won't hold up well under those conditions.
Most specify latex paint only although most of the doors with the thicker steel skin can be painted with oil base. The thin metal can expand/contract with temp changes causing oil base enamel to peel 
You need to make sure the door is clean first! 2 coats of most enamels will give a good job [sand between coats] Spraying can give a real nice finish in a single coat.
A fauz wood grain is a bit trickier. You can find more info about fauz painting in this section of the forums;
Faux Finishing - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
I wouldn't recomend a fauz finish on the exterior of a door that has full sun/rain exposure because the finish won't hold up well under those conditions.
#4
10-10-09, 10:42 AM
For stainable steel door the only way to go is to have it stained at the factory. Most stains that you can buy at the hardware store will not work. If you want to try a company that does this I would suggest *********NoAds. They have a great process for staining a stainable steel door.
Last edited by Shadeladie; 10-10-09 at 12:24 PM. Reason: Link removed. Advertising not allowed.
#5
10-10-09, 05:12 PM
Just to clarify, metal doors aren't stainable [atleast not like wood] but there are a couple of methods that will create a finish that resembles wood. That's why it's called a faux finish 
I'd be leary of a faux finish done at the factory - how would you protect that finish during shipping and installation? Many faux finishes don't touch up well, that's especially true of a faux wood grain finish.
I'd be leary of a faux finish done at the factory - how would you protect that finish during shipping and installation? Many faux finishes don't touch up well, that's especially true of a faux wood grain finish.
