Another painting method for steel doors is using a roller and rolling a steel door will produce a beautiful even finish. Painting a steel door with a roller will produce a fine even stipple that is more pleasing than brush marks.
The materials and tools you use will affect the final look and longevity of the paint job. Choosing the best paint primer and paint is the first things to consider.
Another way to minimize roller stipple is by using a paint conditioner. These products are easily found at your local paint store or home improvement center. I use products produced by The Flood Company, Penitrol for oil base paints and Flotrol for water-based paint.
Begin with 4-6 ounces in the amount of paint you are using for rolling, mix thoroughly. More can be added if the roller drags or the paint isn’t flowing well before drying.
Always follow the manufactures instructions and use the feel of the paint while brushing as your guide. Painting in the shade will also help the paint flow on the surface and make everything easier.
Choosing the right roller cover will also affect the final outcome. The best covers are mohair and foam roller covers, with mohair paint roller covers being the easiest and best to use when painting a steel door. Both of these covers are available as mini roller covers which is the easiest to use.
Instructions for Rolling a Steel Door
Before starting the process of painting a steel door and frame properly prepare all surfaces and apply primer where needed. The ideas used for rolling a steel door can be used for the primer as well as the finish paint.
Begin with brushing all the areas that the roller can’t reach. Don’t leave heavily brushed areas or thick edges, these will show after rolling the steel door. This includes the window frame, recessed areas of raised panels and the edges of the door.
If the steel door is installed on the frame cut-in next to the hinges. Carefully applying masking tape to protect the hinges will allow you to roll up to the hinge, eliminating most brush marks next to the hinges.
After loading the roller, begin rolling in the top center portion of the door. Spread the paint quickly and evenly, picking up any roller marks or heavy lines. The top and bottom of the door need to be rolled horizontally in order to minimize paint drips and sags from these edges.
Continue down the door overlapping each roller stroke. Pay special attention to the roller stipple. Keep the stipple as even as possible. Allow each coat to thoroughly dry before applying more paint.
If the paint dries to fast, each stroke of the roller will show as a line or stripe. If this occurs, move the door to the shade and add more paint conditioner. Recoat after the door has cooled. The best temperatures when rolling a steel door seems to be between 65 and 85 degrees.
