Best Paint for Metal Door Jambs
What is the best paint for metal door jams? This depends on if the application is commercial or residential. Commercial applications such as in apartment complexes and hotels require the toughest paint possible while residential homes receive less abuse.
The key to any paint success is in the preparing of the surface even more so with metal door jambs. Proper sanding, primer and application method all play a vital roll. This guide will help you in choosing the correct paint and provide application tips for painting metal door jambs.
Choosing a metal paint
There are 2 choices when it comes to painting metal door jambs an acrylic paint or alkyd enamel made specifically for interior or exterior metal. There are also high-bred paints that contain paint and primer all in one. Standard wall paints do not perform well on metal door jams and will flake or peel easily so don’t use them.
Acrylics and alkyds are high quality durable coatings with excellent wear and hardness. They come in exterior for outside facing doors and casings that receive a lot of sun and interior moisture resistant finishes to protect against rust in bathrooms and basements.
These coating also work well against rust in coastal areas with salty air and high humidity.
Acrylic coating for interior metal
Acrylic water based enamel is recommended for painting interior metal door jambs and casings. Water based enamel has less fumes then oil based enamel, easily cleans up with soap and water and dries faster.
Acrylic water based enamel must be rated for metal doors and trim. A compatible primer is required. Use this product with proper surface prep in heavy use areas including in commercial applications for hotels and office buildings. Metal must be free of contaminates, oils and rust.
Alkyd enamel for exterior metal
Alkyd enamel is an excellent exterior paint where heavy traffic and abuse is a concern. Very durable and easy flowing coating for use in both residential and commercial applications.
While oil based alkyd enamels require a longer dry time and have more fumes then water based acrylics they are highly rated by park services, hotels, real estate companies and commercial properties.
Oil based alkyds require solvent cleanup and longer wait times for recoat. In enclosed areas ventilation is required. Other precautions exist so read labels carefully.
Preparing a metal door jamb to receive the paint
Preparing the metal is the most important step before painting the door jamb. Remove all dirt grease rust and loose paint.
Using soap and water wash the metal jamb and rinse. A degreaser TSP or similar product can also be used to clean just make sure it is rinsed off if required. Then let dry completely. Remove loose paint with a wire brush followed by sanding and priming the metal. Follow instructions on the paint can label and avoid common mistakes like:
Not sanding the metal before painting
Painting over rust, grease and loose material.
Avoid painting metal without priming first.
Follow humidity and temperature limits.
Metal paint application methods include spraying, brush-on and rolling with a smooth foam roller pad.
By Peter Carr
