How to Paint the Aluminum Frames Around Screen Doors
aluhm > 01-09-2018, 10:02 AM
Aluminum screen doors, also known as storm doors, typically serve a functional rather than aesthetic purpose. For this reason, you'll often find screen door frames in gray, black and brown. But you can spice up your entryway and add a little flair to the door's functionality with a few cans of spray paint and a lazy weekend.
1
Unscrew the screen door frame using an electric drill. Remove the screws that secure the door's hardware, trim and hinges. Remove the screen door and its trim. Place the door on sawhorses or a large work bench that you don't mind staining with paint. Put the screws in a safe and easy-to-remember place.
2
Scratch away loose rust on the door with a stiff wire brush.
3
Saturate a cleaning rag with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Scrub the aluminum frame thoroughly. Rinse it clean with a rag saturated with only water. Buff the door dry.
4
Sand the entire surface of the door frame with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. Affix the paper to a sanding block and sand in one direction. Sand until the aluminum is dull to promote paint adhesion. Clean up sanding dust with a tack cloth.
5
Dampen a cleaning rag with degreaser. Wipe the entire surface of the aluminum door.
6
Cover the screens or glass of the door frame with newspaper. Secure the newspaper to these areas with painter's tape to avoid overspray.
7
Spray the surface of the aluminum door with self-etching spray primer or primer formulated for clean metal. Hold the nozzle about 8 inches from the door. Keep the can in motion, spraying in slow, even, sweeping strokes to prevent drips. Overlap each new stroke slightly. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8
Apply a coat of metal spray paint to the door just as you did the spray primer. Allow the first coat to dry and apply additional coats as needed. Let paint dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions.
9
Repeat the process for the underside of the door and any matching trim.
10
Remove the painter's tape slowly and dispose of the newspaper. Reattach the door's hardware, trim and hinges with an electric drill.
Things You Will Need- Electric drill
- Sawhorses
- Wire brush
- Mild dish detergent
- Cleaning rags
- Sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Tack cloth
- Degreaser
- Painter's tape
- Newspaper
- Self-etching spray primer
- Metal spray paint
Tip- Substitute mineral spirits or denatured alcohol if a degreaser is not available.
Warnings- Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area. Wear work goggles, gloves, a mask and protective clothing.
- Read and following any warnings or instructions provided by the spray paint's manufacturer.
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