Latex Vs. Enamel for Pre-Primed Doors

Latex Cons

• The cons of latex on exterior pre-primed doors outweigh the benefits. On the exterior side of the door, latex is likely to cause blocking. Blocking happens when the paint becomes sticky once the sun heats it up. When the latex paint is fresh, blocking is more of a problem. Also, latex paints may not adhere to the primer the factory applied to the door. A lower sheen latex paint does not have as much of a tendency to cause blocking as a higher sheen.

Sheen and Other Factors

• The sheen of the paint is also a factor in choosing the correct paint for the job. A moderate sheen (satin or semi-gloss) is best for entry doors. Flat sheen paint gets dirty quickly and is more difficult to clean than paints with a higher sheen. Higher gloss paints are more difficult to apply. Particularly for an entry door or a door with visible impact, the moderate sheen provides somewhat of a glossy, aesthetically pleasing look without being matte or overly glossy. For an exterior door, paint the exterior-facing side and edge with an exterior paint; paint the interior-facing side and edge with an interior paint. Exterior paint has added ingredients for exposure, including mildewcides, pesticides and ingredients to protect against fading. Interior paints are easier to clean than exterior and have a generally harder finish. It is best not to use an exterior paint on the interior or vice versa.

Preparation

• In general, the only thing you'll need to do to the door to prepare the surface for paint is clean it with an all-purpose degreasing cleaner. Sanding is not required and could possibly void the warranty of the door. You'll also need to remove the handle and lock, and mask off the door's sections with painter's tape. If the door gets dented on the way to your home or you purchased it that way, use an automobile filler; never use drywall mud or spackle, as these won't adhere properly to a steel door.

Re-Priming

• Sometimes the primer the factory applies to the door is so glossy, hard and smooth that latex (if you choose latex) does not adhere to the surface. In this case, re-prime with a primer designed for your intended topcoat. For example, if you plan on using an oil-based paint, use an oil-based primer. Occasionally a metal door is made of galvanized steel and you cannot use oil primers due to reactions with zinc. Look for the painting instructions from the manufacturer for information regarding the materials to use or avoid. You also want to re-prime the door if you're using a bold color on your door as these paints won't always cover a white primer.