Painting exterior steel front entrance doors


  #1  
Old 06-11-07, 01:22 PM
R
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Painting exterior steel front entrance doors

Hello friends
I would like to paint my daughters double steel entrance doors,
They have been painted many times and show the chipped areas painted over.

My questions are :
Do all steel doors have a zink coating under the paint?
Can I use a heat gun to remove the paint and not hurt the zink?
If not can I use paint stripper?
what would be a good undercoating paint?
and a good top coat paint?

I have tried to find the door manufacturer but there is no ID.
Thanks
Robert1938
 
  #2  
Old 06-11-07, 02:00 PM
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Welcome to the forums Robert

I don't know what type of primer they use on the metal doors. Some manufactures specify latex only on some doors. Often these doors when painted with oil enamel will peel. I think it is caused by thin metal contracting/expanding with temp changes. Other metal doors are fine with oil.

Instead of completely stripping the doors would a rigorous sanding get them in good condition to paint? Starting with 80 grit and finishing with 150-180 should level out any chips and scratches and ready it for a coat of exterior latex enamel.
 
  #3  
Old 06-12-07, 07:52 AM
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Question painting steel doors

Thanks Marksr.
I will re evaluate the surface and see if I can sand and feather out the blemishes in the door. I'm wondering if one could add a thicking agent to some paint and plaster this on first, then sanding everything smooth?
Like they do on a car touch up repair?
Robert1938
 
  #4  
Old 06-13-07, 04:10 AM
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You can use spackling like you would bondo or spot putty on an automotive paint job. It would need to have primer over it after it is dry and sanded. The only down side is it is possible with a severe hit it might pop loose.
 
 

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