How to re-paint doors and frames over oil-based enamel?

katewalker

I'm about to repaint my timber doors, metal frames and house. I'm looking at the British Paints water based enamel, extra bright in Black Ace.
Doors/frames are currently painted in an off white oil based enamel (builder painted) and I'll be sanding them lightly to remove shine.

The paint says I need to prime, is this true for previously painted surfaces? I plan to brush into the corners of the frames and then roll everything with a 9mm nap roller?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @katewalker. It's sensational to have you join us and many thanks for your question on paint selection.

Water-based enamels aren’t self-priming like exterior paints such as Dulux Weathershield, so yes, you will need to use a primer, especially since you’re going over an existing oil-based enamel.

Even with a good sand to remove the gloss, water-based paints can struggle to properly adhere to old oil-based coatings without a suitable primer underneath. I'd recommend https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-precision-white-maximum-strength-adhesion-primer_p1400848 .

Your application plan sounds solid too. Cut in with a brush, then use a 9mm nap roller for the larger areas. Just make sure it’s a good quality roller suited for enamel paints to get a smooth finish.

Light sanding → clean → prime → light sand (optional for smoothness) → topcoat—that’ll give you the best result.

Bear in mind that the H20 British enamel paint is suitable for doors and window frames, but for the house walls, you would likely be looking at a standard water-based exterior paint, such as British Paints 4 Seasons exterior.

Here are a couple of helpful step-by-step guides: How to paint a front door and How to paint your house's exterior.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell