How to paint 80s aluminium doors?

We recently completed phase 1 of our renovation and had most of our house professionally painted.

The rooms look completely new apart from the ugly aluminium doors that will not be replaced until phase 2 of the renovation in 18mths - 2yrs.

Does anyone have experience painting these?

aluminium doors 2.jpg

aluminium doors 1.jpg

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Renovation

Painting

Doors and Windows

Comments

Darren

We had a similar problem in our back room - delightful mission brown aluminium doors but no budget to replace them. Our solution was to spray them with a metal spray paint (we used Dulux Metalshield epoxy enamel satin black). The process was super simple, just make sure you're careful with your taping and cover the entire window with newspaper to avoid overspray (lesson learned there). The only oversight was that I didn't use a primer, so if I was doing it again I would. Otherwise, we've been really happy with our 'new' doors, check out the before/after.

Kermit

This should help - https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/paint/how-to-paint/how-to-paint-window-frames

It shows how to use spray paint to paint an aluminium window frame - the same as your doors. It recommends to use an etch primer first and be careful with the prep.

Andy_Mann

@KingStreetReno, I painted our bathroom (amongst other things) while Tania was visiting her sister interstate, & was running out of time. I rushed it & got the ordinary ol' interior paint on our chocolate brown aluminium window surround, so decided to paint them too, rather than mess around. It actually looked great, so figured that if it lifted later on, I'd strip it back & work on a fix, but it still looks great, 20ish years later. Mind you, I only painted the window frame surround that the windows fit into, not the window frames themselves.

@Darren, from my experience, I wouldn't lose any sleep over not prime/etch coating first, just sit back, relax, & enjoy your new windows for years to come.

For those thinking of painting aluminium windows, by all means use the recommended prep coat for peace of mind.

My go to YouTube guy for painting, he knows his stuff, doesn't over complicate things & explains everything really well.

"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdanPL9bamg"

Jason

Hi @KingStreetReno,

Just wondering if you've made any progress with this paint job?

Jason

camking77

I have the same problem! I've just painted the interior walls and wood frames but the window and door frames are brown . How did you stop the spray paint from getting everywhere when doing inside? Yours look amazing btw

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/8160#Comment_8160

Hi @camking77,

Thanks for joining in the discussion on Workshop. We're pleased to have you join us.

This is always a popular topic. You might find the resources on the Bunnings website useful, such as the D.I.Y. Advice guide How to paint window frames and the article Transform your aluminium window frames from the Bunnings magazine. The techniques shown are obviously the same for doors. I will also attach some videos below.

I would certainly encourage you to use some high quality painter's tape and take the time to cover an area as wide as possible with drop sheets. Hopefully other community members might have further tips for you about ensuring a great result while protecting your home.

Hope that's helpful to get you started.

Jason

ElaineP

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/66264#Comment_66264

@Jason

Just wondering after the paint drys, are there usually any issues with opening and closing the windows?

Will the paint in the tracks scratch easily?

Guess these all depend on how good of job I do...

MitchellMc

Hi @ElaineP.

I would remove/open the windows prior to painting as if you paint over them closed there is potential for them to stick shut. With proper preparation, the paint should adhere well in the track area. If the window is particularly tight in the track and you then add more paint (thickness) it might wear off eventually. Generally, there is enough tolerance for you to be able to paint and have them continue to function as normal. You might wish to consider aerosol paint as it will be a significantly thinner coating than brushable products.

If you need further assistance or have other questions, please let me know.

Mitchell

Shnoony

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/66264#Comment_66264

In the past I've had issues with paint peeling when I lift the tape, or bleeding under the tape. A painter told me the tip is to only paint right to the tape on your final coat, then peel before it is dry.

That's fine for brush painting, but if I use spray for my window renovation the spray will always go over the tape. I'm planning to paint white over mission brown so I'm going to need three coats. Am I likely to have issues peeling the tape? Or, should I be pulling the tape off each time and retaping?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/96143#Comment_96143

Welcome to the Workshop community @Shnoony. Many thanks for your question, I can assist with it.

From personal experience I would be pulling the tape off every time, as I too work under the same guideline of "peel before it is dry". Issues start arising when a skin of dry paint forms over the edge of the tape. When you then peel the tape it will pull the paint off including the area where you need it to stay.

We look forward to seeing your window renovation completed and if you ever need assistance or have something to share with the community please let us know.

Mitchell

MegSal

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95957#Comment_95957

Hi Elaine, just wondering if you ended up painting your windows and if you've had issues with the tracks?

MegSal

What did everyone do with the weather strips? And all the grooves and crannies?

Just paint over everything?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MegSal. It's amazing to have you join us and many thanks for your question.

Let me mention @ElaineP to see if they can share an update and answer your question.

You'd want to remove the weather stripping before coating as the paint will not stick very well to rubber, foam and sealing strips. As for the grooves and crannies, you can paint them with an aerosol can which would be easier than a fine brush.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or had questions.

Mitchell

DonnaL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/1595#Comment_1595

Thank you for sharing this. They look brand new. Thanks also for the advice on using primer.

NatalieAnneNZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/9778#Comment_9778

Hello,

Is the spray paint appropriate for external aluminium joinery too?
Can you recommend specific spray paint brand and type of paint?

Thank you.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/67249#Comment_67249

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @NatalieAnneNZ. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for your question.

The Dulux Metalshield range of spraypaints is certainly suitable for exterior application. I'd recommend this paint because there is no primer required for pre-painted metal surfaces if they are in reasonably sound condition and it is epoxy enamel paint which is very durable.

It would be great to follow along with your aluminium joinery refresh. We'd encourage you to let us know if you need any assistance or would like to share your project with the community.

Mitchell

Super_D

nice work...

danielyacht

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/96447#Comment_96447

Hi there

i’m surprised a primer isn’t required

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114885#Comment_114885

Thanks for joining in the discussion @danielyacht. You will definitely get a better result by using a primer.

Are you planning you own project? Please let us know if you need a hand with anything.

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community.

Jason

theparlourroom

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/96447#Comment_96447

Is this suitable to use over powder coated aluminium windows? Or is an etch primer and duramax better? (Or is it not suitable to paint over powder coated frames?). Thanks!!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114959#Comment_114959

Hi @theparlourroom,

Etch primers are used to key metal surfaces allowing the paint to stick to them. As your windows have been powder coated there is no exposed metal for the etch primer to work on.

It would be my recommendation to use the Dulux Metalshield range as no primer is required and they are an epoxy enamel paint which is hard-wearing. Make sure you clean all the painted surfaces down with sugar soap and rinse clean afterwards before applying the paint.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or had questions.

Mitchell

theparlourroom

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125293#Comment_125293

Thank you!!

RebeccaR

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125293#Comment_125293

What is the usual finish of an aluminium door, satin or gloss? I’ve just bought the gloss but I’m second guessing myself and thinking of swapping for satin. Picked up a lovely brown sliding door from a salvage yard and will be changing to black.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132520#Comment_132520

Hi @RebeccaR,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thanks for joining in the discussion. Can you please tell us what paint you have purchased? I'm sure our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to confirm whether it is suitable for your project.

Many thanks,

Jason

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132520#Comment_132520

Hello @RebeccaR

It's great that you've picked up a great recycling project. Manufacturers use to finish windows and aluminum sliding doors in gloss. It was the opinion back then that a gloss finish would be easier to clean and maintain. In this instance, you have total freedom to choose the finish that you want. You can match the finish of the windows of your house, or you can have it stand alone with its own unique satin finish.

Painting the frame in a light gloss colour will hide dust and fingerprint marks. A satin finish will provide better hiding characteristics as it does not have a high rate of reflection. Would it be possible for you to post a photo of your current project? It will give our members a better idea of its current condition. We can then provide you with a more comprehensive recommendation. Please keep us updated, we look forward to seeing your aluminum door.

If you need further assistance with this project, please let us know.

Eric

RebeccaR

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136644#Comment_136644

Thanks Eric,

I originally bought a gloss spray but swapped them for satin after a few days of deliberations. I’ve done one coat on one side of the removable middle panel and it’s looking amazing so far. I just need to be patient to wait the required time between coats. I’m using Dulux Metalshield epoxy enamel spray cans in satin black.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139487#Comment_139487

Looking great @RebeccaR. It will be fantastic to see the end results - I'm sure the rest of the community will be really inspired by what you have done.

Many thanks for sharing, and please do provide an update soon.

Jason

sebiboo

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139487#Comment_139487

Looks great!

Did you have to do any prep like sanding?

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141409#Comment_141409

Hi @sebiboo,

Check out the D.I.Y. advice How to update window mullions. The same techniques can be applied for aluminium doors. The Bunnings team recommends cleaning with sugar soap, then sanding with 180-grit sandpaper before painting.

Hope that helps.

Jason

mrsrobbo2610

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142851#Comment_142851

I have just finished painting 2 out of our 8 brown windows to white. I used etch primer and Dulux Metalshield Vivid White in gloss. They have come up a treat. I opted to paint these before our new cladding goes on the house (we didn't care about the overspray on the old cladding as they are being thrown out).What colour they were before.

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