oil-based-paintpaint
Background: a large steel door at our office was recently painted with an oil-based paint, and we spent the day suffering through the fumes that permeated practically every space in the building.
What are the advantages of using oil-based paint over a zero-VOC latex enamel? Does it key better to steel (the door was primed; I'm not sure with what)? Is it more durable? What other advantages does it have over other options?
Do I need to sand or is a good wash down enough? Or maybe a liquid sander?
A good wash, followed by a thorough drying, followed by a light sanding with fine grit sand paper to rough up the existing surface. Sanding ensures the new paint will get a good grip on the old paint.
Do I need to prime, or is the old paint (cleaned a bit) good enough?
No, its been sealed long ago - just clean and sand.
Is there any special paint, other than exterior trim (probably satin or semigloss) to consider?
Since there's already latex on it, exterior latex should be fine.
Is there any additive I should use with the paint for flow, finish, hardness?
No.
Do I really need more than 2 coats?
If it were white over black- you might need 3. Black over white, you might only need one good thick coat.
Is there something else I am failing to ask/think about?
Get saw-horses. Lay door flat on saw horses. Remove door from hinges, remove all hardware, tape all glass. Paint ONE SIDE only at a time, let try completely, then paint other side.
For getting paint off a door, I highly recommend using Citrus Strip. We tried it on our old wooden door and it worked great, taking off multiple layers of paint. It doesn't work as well under a lot of sun and heat, so I would recommend either taking the door off the hinges or erecting some sort of tarp to block the sun from hitting it directly. Then get a paint scraper,and it will come off pretty well.
For painting the door, they make small rollers (cabinet rollers) that we also used on our door, and it worked out very well. They are only about 4" wide. I believe we used a latex paint, but I will check the can when I get home.
Best Answer
Enamel paints hold better, are MUCH harder than latex, and will stand up to a lot more abuse. You can also use harsher cleaning methods on them.