Though quality paint is a must-have feature in the process of painting a door, other things are also important; preparing your door for painting, cleaning it and using the right tools to paint on it. In this guide, we are not only going to review the top paints but also suggest you top ways to prevent your doors from rust and corrosion.
One more thing, this is not like, we randomly picked these products. There is a detailed process of choosing these units. We consulted top experts before curating this list and beheld reviews and customer feedback. Without further ado, let's get started.
Nowadays, paint brands are trying to make their products free of heavy metal and toxicity. You should also focus on using non-toxic paints for interior painting for the maximum safety of your health.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Paint for Bilco Doors?
By using these best paints you can transition the entire look of your old, clunky door into a brand new. So, stick to the screen and read to the end.
Rust Bullet RBA53
Overview
Rust Bullet is one of the most recognized names in the world of paint sprays and metallic paints. This is the first and only rust preventative brand to have a US patent.
It would not only give a smooth look to your metallic door but also prevent it from rust. You can use this product for preventing rust from forming on floor pans, metal doors, frames and much more. You can even use it for car, and get your vehicle product from corrosion.
The paint is very easy to apply. You can apply it as per your preference, have a brush, or even a spray bottle to spit it out on the metal area and protect it from getting damaged from the rust.
Another added benefit of having this remarkable product. This is UV resistant, you do not have to put a topcoat on.
Be cautious while using this product and take safety precautions, the product is combustible and can damage surroundings.
In a nutshell, the rust-bullet is a hands-down option for a variety of metal surface applications. It protects the surface from corrosions and gives a smooth finish.
Bottom Line
You will have a wide range of options for how you want this product. This product comes in 1-gallon, 5-gallon, quart, pint, and quarter-pint container packaging. You can choose as per your budget, needs, and requirements. Do not have to order more than once, just get a pack of six if you need to paint more than one project of metal doors.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
Rust-Oleum 7215502
Overview
If you want a best metallic color formulation that could give smooth and beautiful finish without costing arms and legs opt-with Rust-Oleum 7215502 metal door paint. The paint is formulated by one of the biggest brands in the paint formulation world; Rust-oleum. The brand also provides metallic-spray as well, you can get those too.
The paint is oil-based and comes with anti-corrosion properties that make it an ideal grab for the situation where users need to protect their properties along with giving beautiful looks.
The paint comes with a shiny finish, due to lustrous metallic flakes inclusion in its formation. Painting bilco doors with rustoleum not only give a smooth look to your metallic door but also prevent rust from the door .You can apply it in every situation without giving a second thought.
The paint is durable as well, stick to the metal door for longer and protect from corrosions for years. The paint takes a long time to dry up completely, that's the only negative point we could find in it. It can take more than 24-hours in complying drying, so you will have to hold-up the painting process before the door gets dried up.
In a nutshell, the paint is good, offers a longer lifespan and can be used on a wide variety of metallic surfaces including metal bilco doors.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
Diamond Brite Paint
Overview
If you are searching for the paint to be applied on different surface areas including wood, drywall, plaster, and metal as well, look no further and go with Diamond Brite Paint. The paint has gained so much reputation in all-in-one metallic paint that no one can stand before it. The product is tough, durable and long last on metal doors. It protects from corrosions, rust, and other damages.
The diamond Brite paint can be used for industrial and household flooring. Get it onboard for painting basement, garage floor surface, patios and other surfaces that need a new glossy look.
This product is formulated using durable gloss enamel that protects interiors and exteriors from repeated abrasion, fading, cracking, blistering and other damages.
This is an oil-based paint, and features high-hiding compare to others. It can be used on exteriors as well as interior surfaces equally without fading, peeling or cracking results.
This paint can easily be applied using a roller, a brush or sprayer. It is up to you now, what is your preference.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
INSL-X CC560109A-44 Cabinet
Overview
If you are looking for a super adhesive paint for hard to coat surfaces, we are here to recommend a top-notch product; INSL-X CC560109A-44. It is a super-adhesive product, ideal for using on hard-to-coat areas such as bathroom cabinets, shelving, metal doors, and furniture. One more thing, an added benefit of using INSL-X paint, you do not have to use a primer before applying this paint.
This can also be applied on a metallic surface. For getting extra-smooth finishing on metal doors you should rough the metallic surface using grit sandpaper.
It also has been applied to Poly/Laminate surfaces. Before applying it, use an all-purpose cleaner and remove any grease material before painting. This adheres to super-glossy finish that resists chipping, scuffing, foot stains and other various kinds of stains.
Bottom Line
The paint is largely used to give an ultra-smooth finish to kitchen cabinets and other wooden materials. So, when you are applying it on wood cabinets, remove all the hardware cabinet before painting. You can use a paintbrush, short nap roller or sprayer to get the job done.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive Coating
Overview
If you are facing a worst-rust situation and you are wondering whether your door may completely be destroyed if the rust is not controlled using paint than you have found the best rust-prevention paint.
This POR 15 stands for prevention over Rust and rated as one of the finest and powerful product to completely destroy rust and prevent your property from any more damage. The paint is used on rust-surfaces, additionally; you do not need to remove rust prior to applying the formulation. But, experts suggest, always remove rust before applying any powerful paint.
There is no need to follow a difficult procedure of heating up the substance or spraying a different material on the surface before applying. Just get it out of the box, dip your pain-brush and get started.
The paint creates an air-tight seal that protects the surface from building rust or corrosions.
It is also famous owing to providing non-porous surface or coating that would not chip, crack or peel.
It is the best rust-prevention formula to be applied on your metal front-door that provides a heavy coating and protects from harmful elements.
Bottom Line
When applying this, do not use your expensive paintbrush; get a cheap brush as it would be unusable after applying this. The bristles of the brush would fall-off after the POR-15 dries.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
7776730 Protective Enamel Paint (White) by Rust-Oleum
Overview
I find this as a good option for bilco door painting in any condition. The durable formula of this paint plays a protective role in any type of door.
This product works faster than other budget paints. The paint gets prepared within three or four hours for getting a second coat. You can use any type of tool to do painting with this paint.
The smooth finishing is good to see. It also helps you if you are putting any other paints on it. It combines with other paints perfectly.
A balanced thickness is another feature of this product. You don't have to hustle too much for preparing the paint mixture with it. In most cases, the paint coat doesn't need any thinner for a better result.
Bottom Line
It is the best paint for metal bilco doors, both indoor and outdoor. The paint layer protects a metal surface for several years.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
Exterior Paint (Red) from KILZ
Overview
It's another good product for painting bilco doors, wooden fences, and walls. The product is known for its longevity among users. KILZ exterior paint is a reliable product that protects your surface most of the time.
The paint's finishing is not too rough. It is almost smooth and creates a good outlook. The finishing is also capable of taking some plain paint coats above without sanding.
This paint can hold any type of surface for quite a long time. It has a sustainable formula that keeps the actual color and performance for years. The premium quality adhesion transforms a paint coat into a protective layer for your doors and walls.
The drying time of this paint is less than four hours. But it gets prepared for another coat within six hours at least. So, you can finish double coating your door or wall within a day.
Bottom Line
The coverage of this product is a money-saving feature for you. A gallon of this paint can cover more than 250 square feet of a surface.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
810593031691 Eco-Friendly Paint (Pewter) by Montage Signature Paint
Overview
Not only for bilco doors, but the paint also does well on cement walls and ceilings. The friendly nature of this paint helps you to cover your surface with ease for a better look and durability.
The paint creates a protective layer on the top that fights against heat, moisture, and stains. The balanced thickness features you a low-sheen finish, which looks good both on the interior and exterior surfaces.
The formula has a zero-toxicity level. It doesn't create any disturbing smell. The paint is proven to have no heavy metal that can cause diseases like cancer.
The paint does its best on interior doors. A gallon of paint can cover a wooden or metal door without any hustle. You can use your preferred tool for the paint job using this paint.
Bottom Line
The pewter color is pretty durable than white or off-white color. People who are confused about what color to paint bilco doors can use it. It is because it doesn't get too much stain and holds the new look for years.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
31200 Oil Base All Purpose Enamel Paint (Silver or Grey) by Diamond Brite Paint
Overview
It is an all-purpose paint with all the essential features you need. Though it is for bulk paint jobs, you can purchase it for small purposes too.
I think the product is best for removing old and tough stains from a surface. Normal paints usually cover stains. But this product eliminates the existence of stains and stops them from coming back.
The alkyd finishing is not too glossy but catchy enough in any type of environment. It is easy to use this paint on any surface.
The paint works on every type of surfaces like metal, glass, ceramic, wood, concrete, cement, and many more. The high-adhesion formula stays durable in any type of weather.
The paint is effective in blocking rust and moisture. You can use it on exterior surfaces and bathroom surfaces if you need so.
Bottom Line
The product sticks with a surface pretty well. A paint layer can't easily get any scratches or marks.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
8-9400-2 Diamond Hard Satin Paint (White) from Majic Paints
Overview
The 9400 has nothing special to feature you. But it has all the basic features that you need from an interior or exterior paint. It can work well to keep your door's look classy for years. Moreover, the paint can put some good impact on the longevity of the surface.
You can use the paint in every way you want. You can even do some changes by adding thinner or other paint powders too. The friendly formula allows the paint to adapt to the situation quite well.
The adhesion feature is durable and holds the actual color shade for quite a long time. There is no color fading issue with this paint.
The finishing is smooth and perfect for wooden and metal doors. You can also use it on aluminum doors.
Bottom Line
There is no need for priming or sanding of the surface before using this paint. The natural adhesion system can work well over any old paint coat.
What I Like
What I Didn't Like
How to Choose the Best Paint for Bilco Doors?
A metal door destroys easily with a minor rust-attack. It can eat-up your expensive door within days. If you want to paint your metal door using the best paint, the guide will help you. This little portion is reserved for those who are a novice and does not know what to look in the best paint for bilco doors.
Stick to the guide and keep reading.
Color
This is one of the most essential aspects of look into the best paint for metal doors. You need to look-hard the color you want to paint on the metal door, whether you want a surface color like chrome, silver, gold, aluminum or something else? The issue what most of the users have to face is dullness and flatness.
You might get this issue, if you want a shiny look; you have a limited number of products along with the color-option.
Ease of Use
Some paints come with the primer to make the job easier and seamless on the metal surface. Still, if the package does not come with a primer, you need to have one to get smoother finishing. You might have purchased a primer separately, and precoat the metal door to get the best finish.
Another thing, you need to look if the paint can be applied using a roller or brush. Some paints come with the option to be applied on the surface with paint-brush. And once you are done, the paint-brush gets destroyed; its bristles fall-off. So, read before dipping your expensive brush, and if that is the scenario, get a cheaper brush.
Durability
The best paint for metal doors comes with different durability level. Some are meant to apply indoor, they would not hold up well outdoor and peel off or crack in UV light. Others may offer indoor or outdoor applying option; they would be durable and would not crack or vanish to water.
But, you should go with a dedicated option. For indoor applications, search for an indoor option and the same goes for outdoor options.
Rust and Corrosion Protection
The biggest benefit of applying paint on bilco doors is to prevent them from corrosion and rust. So, when you are buying one, look-for whether or not the unit provides rust-prevention or not.
How to Paint Bilco Doors?
Collect Tools
First of all, gather up all the stuff you might need to paint your doors. I am giving a common list that you can follow.
Gloves
Mask
Goggles
Roller, wide brush, or sprayer
Scrapper
Paint stripper
Sandpaper
Thinner (if necessary)
Primer
Paint
Painting tape
Old newspapers
Cover the Surroundings
You need to wear your protective gear before scrapping or painting. Also, you should cover things around the surface using old newspapers or waste cloths.
Remove the Old Paint if Needed
If you think the old paint coat can trouble you when you put a new paint coat, then you need to remove the old paint using a metal scraper or 150 grit sandpaper. But before that, put the liquid paint stripper solution on the old paint and let it dry. Using the stripper solution helps you easily knock out a thick paint coat.
Clean the whole Surface
Your door becomes dusty after scraping or sanding. Now, you have to remove dust and old paint particles from the door to jump to the next step.
Prime the Door
When the door has no old paint coat or particle, it is time to do priming. You can use any type of painting tool that you are comfortable with to prime the door. Sometimes, you can avoid priming if the paint you are going to use is self-priming. You should also avoid priming when you haven't removed the old primer coat that is still okay.
Put the First Paint Coat
After priming, you let the door to become fully dry for almost four hours. Then, you have to go for painting. Before painting, check the thickness of the paint to know whether it can work or not. In most cases, you might need the paint thinner to make the paint worthy of use.
Now, take your roller or sprayer and start to cover the door with the paint by taking some time. You should not hurry as it ruins the paint job. When you have completely done the first coat, check the door closely to identify any part not having paint coat, and paint that area as well. After that, let the door dry again for almost five to eight hours.
Recoat if Necessary
As the finishing touch, you need to put the second coat of the paint if your paint has a low coverage ratio and less thickness. When the recoating is necessary, wait for the first coat to be fully dry. Then, use the same painting method like the first coat for coating again. Finally, your bilco door paint job is finished, and your door is ready to use after the second coat is dry enough.
Frequently Asked Questions of Best Paint for Bilco Doors
How do you Clean Bilco Doors?
The cleaning process of a bilco door, cellar door, or basement door depends on the material type and paint coating. For each material, there are different types of cleaning procedures.
For each type of material, there are stain removers in the market. You can buy one and apply it using a foam or waste cloth easily. But major staining sometimes requires painting. You need to give a solid paint coat to cover up the stains after using stain removers. If the old paint coat seems unnecessary, you must remove the old paint and start repainting.
How Much does a Bilco Door Cost?
There is no fixed range in this matter. But for the best result, you have to follow the common budget range.
The main price of the door depends on the material. The cheapest but reliable material is steel. Apart, you can use aluminum and rough iron too. On average the price of the door is around 120 to 2500 USD. If you need a new framing for the door, you need to spend around 400 USD extra. Besides, most people can't install such things by themselves.
They need to spend more than a hundred bucks to hire workers to do the job. Along with all these, you need to have a budget of 500 USD for accessories, tools, knobs, locks, etc. So, your whole budget for installing a door should be around 700 to 3000 USD. You can also have a budget a little less or more than our assumption. But you need to know that the quality of the door and installation fully depends on your budget.
How to Paint a Metal Door Without Brush Marks?
Well, you need to have the proper knowledge of painting along with having the best type of paint. To me, the best way to paint a surface without keeping brush marks is,
Using the right type of paint thinner to balance the thickness.
Trying not to put thick coats.
Putting a minimum amount of pressure while giving brush strokes.
Trying to use a smooth roller instead of a hard brush.
Moving the hands smoothly at the right speed to cover a surface with paint coats.
Waiting for a coat to get dry for recoating.
How to Strip Paint off a Metal Door?
Removing old or unwanted paint coats from a metal surface is quite a tough job. But you can succeed in removing paint coats when you know the right way to do so.
You can find several paint thinner brands in the market. You need to get one and apply it to the paint coat. You can use a sprayer or a paintbrush to do this task. When you have covered the whole area with thinner, you need to wait for almost five hours.
You can put some extra heat on the surface to accelerate the work. When the stripper gets dried, you can find the paint coats having cracks. You can put them off using a scraper or metal scrubber. You have to repeat the whole formula until your door is free of paint.
If you don't have the intention of repainting your door, then you can use a spirit formula to polish your door as the final touch.
Conclusion:
There are obviously lots of options when you have to pick the best paint for bilco doors. It is really hard to choose one, but the guide will help you choose the best as per you need.
When making a decision, read this detailed review, check their ratings and upon complete satisfaction go-with a product. In the end, it is up to you, and you are the one who decides what will be the best fit for your project.
We hope this post help you choose paint for your expensive metal door. When applying, prepare the door first and use precaution as per the mentions.
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