I could sure use some tips on painting steel doors,spray gun not a option in this case.
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Did a couple of textured 6-panel steel exterior doors the other day with a fine nap roller and a brush for the raised areas. Used a latex semi thinned a little with water. Came out fine. Don't load the roller much or it'll run into the raised areas. Roughed the existing paint with 150. Took the doors off and screwed a couple of pieces of 1/2" ply scrap to the bottoms so I could set'em flat on a couple of 2X4's laid across two sawhorses. Paint one side, rotate, paint the other.
I agree with TomT--I had to paint steel doors with oil-based enamel (what owner wanted)--I used a roller, but used one made of foam and no nap. Worked well, especially since I couldn't take the doors down--the pins were trapped in the trim and I didn't care to unscrew all the hinges. (Owner insisted I use a brush, said it was better. After making a mess with lots of brush marks, which he didn't like, I sanded the doors and started over with a roller--much better.)
I have used RustOleum Paints with success, wiping and cleaning with paint thinner prevent orange peel (little circles).
I call those little circles "fish eyes"--must be a regional thing.
1) Wipe entire door thoroughly with a degreaser like Prep-Sol
2) Sand wet with 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper (don't go through primer)
3) Spray or roll with oil enamel. You can get a beautiful spray like finish by using a 4" dense foam roller. Thin the enamel slightly if necessary or use penetrol to get it to flow out as required.
Edited 4/21/2006 5:34 pm ET by BoJangles
Edited 4/21/2006 8:37 pm ET by BoJangles