How to decorate the front door from the inside with your own hands

The entrance door to an apartment or private residential building is part of the enclosing structure, which is why it is subject to increased requirements for burglary resistance, heat and sound insulation. In addition, the interior side of the structure must be combined with the overall style of decoration of the hall or hallway. Many companies offer ready-made decorative finishes for this structural element. If the owner of the premises does not have the opportunity to purchase a complete product, he needs to know how to decorate the front door from the inside with his own hands.

Inner side of the front door

Feature of the material

MDF is a medium density fiberboard. It is made from wood chips, which can be of large, medium, or small fractions. It is pressed using special equipment. To hold the chips together, adhesives (urea resins) are added.

The peculiarities of this material are that due to its heterogeneity, MDF absorbs a large amount of the coloring composition. In addition to this, it is necessary to choose high-quality paint, otherwise, under the influence of environmental factors, the decorative layer will become covered with cracks. Due to the addition of urea resins for gluing boards, the environmental friendliness of the material deteriorates. In order not to harm the human body, you need to choose only environmentally friendly coloring compounds.

Required tools and materials

It is important to know not only how to paint, but also how to paint MDF doors at home. Initially, you need to prepare tools, materials, and additional devices that will be useful when carrying out the planned work.

1. Brushes. They are necessary for painting inaccessible and patterned areas. The roller cannot catch them. The main thing when choosing brushes is to check the condition of the bristles. It should not crumble or climb during operation.
2. Roller. When purchasing this tool, you need to choose a terry or wool working part. Foam rollers leave empty spaces when painting.
3. Tray for coloring composition or primer. Its size is suitable for applying the coloring composition to the working surface of the roller for further work.
4. To stir the paint, you can use any metal stick or electric drill with a mixer.

These were the main tools. You will also need a set of screwdrivers, a screwdriver or a pry bar. They are needed to remove the door leaf. Plus masking tape, scissors, a sharp blade for gluing decorative elements. Stencils are useful for creating decorations. The question of whether it is possible to paint MDF doors coated with PVC film often arises. In this case, it is necessary to initially make the smooth plastic rough. To do this you need to buy fine sandpaper.

How to do it yourself?

Having determined the type of coloring composition, we begin work, which conventionally consists of three stages:

1. Selection of all necessary materials.
2. Basic surface preparation.
3. Coloring.

Let's talk about each of them in more detail.

Materials and tools

To work you will need:

• putty or primer to remove deep scratches;
• sandpaper or wire brush to prepare the canvas for painting;
• container with water, detergent, cotton rags;
• masking tape, protective film or newspapers to protect surfaces;
• dye;
• acrylic varnish for finishing coat.

To save time, use an aerosol, then brushes and rollers may not be needed. Do not forget about means of protection against paint getting on your skin and mucous membranes - rubber gloves, a respirator.

What is needed to prepare a metal (iron) or wooden surface?

The essence of the preparation is to achieve good adhesion of the metal to the paint and give the coating durability.

1. First, remove all decorative elements, removable fittings - handles, number, peephole. Seal parts that cannot be removed with masking tape. It is better to remove the canvas itself from its hinges and paint it in a horizontal position.
2. To remove the old layer of paint, use a special remover or remove the remains with sandpaper, a sanding machine or a wire brush. The surface is degreased and covered with a primer.

Attention: To seal cracks and irregularities, it is better to use automotive putty.

Paint selection

Before you start painting the door leaf, you need to pay special attention to the choice of paint composition. There are a number of requirements that you need to pay attention to when choosing a coloring composition:

1. Choose paints that smell less. These include water-based compositions.
2. It is important to choose formulations without adding toxic and harmful components to the body.
3. When choosing paint, you need to pay attention to wear-resistant compounds. The doors are used constantly. Not every coating can withstand intense loads.
4. Choose quick-drying paints and varnishes. This is typical for water-based and acrylic paints.
5. MDF has a porous structure, and a matte paint composition will look unsightly on such a surface. The glossy outer layer hides this flaw.
6. The purchased container should say “high adhesion.”

Important! You need to pay attention to paint consumption. The normal indicator is 1 kg of paint and primer for a door leaf measuring 2000x800 mm.

You can find various paints in markets, construction and hardware stores. They can all be divided into three groups.

Acrylic enamels

You can find a huge number of color shades. The advantages of acrylic compositions are that they do not emit an unpleasant odor and dry quickly.

Alkyd and alkyd-urethane enamels

These formulations are considered the most popular. Consumers appreciate such paints for their low prices and wide range of colors. Alkyd compositions have significant disadvantages. They emit an unpleasant odor for 3 days after application and take a long time to dry. Alkyd paints should not be used to cover doors to bedrooms or paint anything in rooms where people with allergies live.

Polyurethane enamels

The advantages of these paints are durability and beautiful appearance after application. But the high price, toxicity, and unpleasant odor are not suitable for all buyers.

Attention! Any type of decorative coating requires a certain amount of drying time before further work is carried out.

Types of paints for metal doors

Painting a metal door will prevent corrosion.
The choice of paint composition depends on what properties need to be imparted to the structure. Some serve to protect the door surface from the effects of ultraviolet rays or give it anti-corrosion properties. Others provide visual appeal.

Powder paints

Metal doors can be painted with powder paint. It creates a high-quality coating that is considered elite. This finishing material has a long service life, it is durable, and can withstand atmospheric influences well. The composition is environmentally friendly and resistant to fire. The advantage is the wide range of colors of powder paints. They create a good decorative composition on textured surfaces.

It is impossible to apply the coating yourself; this requires a special chamber in which statically charged particles are sprayed onto a grounded base. To strengthen the layer, the structure is baked at high temperature. The entire coating cycle takes 10-30 minutes.

Powder paint has the following advantages:

• durability (coating service life is at least 10 years);
• high mechanical stability;
• impact strength;
• low consumption (if the powder does not settle on the door the first time, it can be reused);
• ability to withstand severe temperature changes.

After applying the composition to the doors, a seamless coating is created. The use of powder paint is allowed only on heat-resistant surfaces.

Hammer paint

Hammer paint for metal
Hammer paint contains an epoxy or alkyd-styrene base, which is mixed with aluminum powder. The last component makes the coating as durable as possible. After applying the material, a rough texture is created on the surface. It eliminates defects of varying severity, so it can be used for heavily damaged structures. In this case, preliminary cleaning is not necessary. Hammer paint has the following advantages:

• resistance to the influence of atmospheric phenomena;
• possibility of manual application to the surface;
• no need to prepare the door;
• long service life;
• protection of metal sheets from oxidation and rusting;
• resistance to fading;
• the ability to create a pronounced effect by applying several layers of the composition.

The material should be used in moderate humidity, as well as with personal protective equipment. It is suitable for internal and external surfaces of entrance doors. Apply the paint with a roller in several layers; you can carry out the procedure yourself. If the paint is too thick, you can add a little solvent to it.

Due to the presence of aluminum powder in hammer paint, using a spray gun becomes problematic.

Nitroenamel, alkyd-based paints

To paint the inside of the front door, you can use nitro enamel. This is a budget option for decorative materials. It contains cellulose nitrate. The advantage of the paint is a wide range of colors, quick drying, and the formation of a smooth surface that gives beautiful highlights after polishing. The coating is resistant to sunlight and moisture.

It is better to use this mixture for decorating a structure, since it does not bond well to the base and has low mechanical strength. To get a good result, you need to apply at least 6 layers of enamel. In this case, the surface will be unstable to atmospheric influences and temperature changes. It can be applied to the inside surface of the apartment's front door.

The disadvantage of nitro enamel is its toxicity, so it is necessary to work with it in a respirator. If the door was painted with other compounds, they must be removed. Otherwise, it will not be possible to provide the required level of adhesion to the surface. With increased humidity indoors, whitish stains appear on the surface of the structure.

Alkyd paints create a durable, elastic coating that protects the door from corrosion. The layer does not lose technical and decorative properties at temperatures from -50 to +60 degrees. The product is produced on a melamine, glypthal, pentaphthalic base. The coating is resistant to chemical influences. The disadvantage of alkyd enamels is the presence of toxic components and a high fire hazard. You need to work with them carefully, wearing protective clothing and a respirator.

Acrylic based paints

The paint contains acrylates, thanks to which a polymer film is formed on the surface of the door that can last at least 7 years. The design acquires good resistance to atmospheric conditions and mechanical damage. Acrylic compounds have good adhesion to metal surfaces and are highly resistant to wear and temperature changes. The composition can be diluted with plain water.

The paint does not contain toxic components. After drying, this coating darkens, so it is not always possible to achieve the desired shade. At the same time, the surface is resistant to sunlight. The coating is durable. Acrylic paints contain special components that ensure reliable adhesion of the finish even to a rusty surface.

Even if the structure is deformed, the acrylic layer does not crack, as it has good elasticity.

Painting process

When tools, materials, and additional devices are prepared, it is necessary to create a working atmosphere. To avoid staining the floor, you need to cover it with polyethylene. Paper is not suitable for this, as it will become saturated with paint and marks will remain on the surface. When the surface is covered, you can begin to carry out the main work.

Preparatory stage

First of all, you need to remove the door leaf from its hinges. If the door is old, a pry bar is used for this. It needs to be placed on one side under the canvas to create a lever. When pressure is applied to the other side, the canvas will go up and come off the hinges. In new doors, the hinges are fixed to the door with self-tapping screws. You can unscrew them with a screwdriver or screwdriver.

You need two people to remove the canvas. This is due to the large weight of the structure.

You need to clean the door with sandpaper. Sweep away the debris with a brush. Decorative inserts made of metal or glass are sealed with masking tape.

Padding

When the canvas is prepared, it is necessary to apply a primer. It will hide various defects. After applying the composition, you must wait the time indicated on the package. When the first layer has dried, it is necessary to inspect the surface for scratches and cracks. A total of 3-4 layers of primer are needed. This amount will reduce the absorbency rate of MDF.

Painting stage

When the primer has dried, you can begin painting. Hard-to-reach places are painted first. A brush is used for this. The surface is painted with a roller. The first layer must dry before continuing work.

After drying, you need to apply another layer, wait until it dries, and cover the canvas with the outer layer. The finishing layer must be applied carefully. After coating, it is necessary to check the finished surface for defects.

Antique

To age the door, it is necessary to use glaze as a finishing layer. This is a special thinner that can be purchased at the same place where you buy paint. It strengthens the structure of MDF and draws out the structure of the material. The last layer of work will be varnishing.

When the varnish has dried, you need to install the door leaf in place, remove the masking tape and throw out the trash. The varnish will strengthen the paint and protect it from mechanical stress.

To paint an MDF door, you do not need to have any additional skills. It is important to know the features of this material and perform a certain sequence of actions. We must not forget about sanding the canvas with sandpaper and coating it with a primer.

Source: vseodveri.ru

Preparing for coloring

Before painting, it is recommended to remove the door from its hinges
. In order to properly paint iron doors with your own hands, the base must first be prepared. The quality of the finish depends on this. The work involves the following manipulations:

• Remove all elements that should not be painted: handles, trims, glass. If this cannot be done, all parts that will not be processed are sealed with masking tape and film.
• Removing dust from the surface: use a damp cloth for this. If there are greasy stains, you can clean them with acetone or white spirit, as well as special products designed for metal doors.
• If the structure needs to be repainted, it is better to remove the old layer of finishing.
• To remove traces of rust, use a remover or sandpaper.
• If necessary, the surface of the doors is treated with a wire brush, which improves adhesion to the paint.
• Before applying the composition, the base must be degreased.
• If there are chips, dents, or irregularities, you can get rid of them using putty (a car mixture is best), and after treatment, the door is sanded with fine sandpaper.

Before you start painting, you also need to prepare all the necessary material and tools.

To improve the adhesion of the finishing material to the door, it is better to treat the base surface with a primer. This will help extend the life of the coating.

When starting to paint MDF doors at home, it’s worth finding out more

Sometimes you want to change the design of the MDF door leaf. This can be done in different ways: by purchasing a new door or painting the old one. For those who decide to take the second route, paint for MDF doors is sold, forming a uniform coating on the surface. You just need to decide on the desired color and characteristics of the paintwork in order to purchase the appropriate composition. If you want to radically transform your doors, it’s worth checking whether the surface can be lightened. The light canvas fits well into any interior.

How to paint the door?

When manufacturing products from MDF, a special board of compressed or glued chips and wood fiber is used. It is distinguished from fiberboard canvas by its density. If for fiberboard this parameter is considered average, then for MDF it is higher.

Painting slabs is somewhat difficult due to the fact that the components included in the material have different characteristics. As a result, some areas are easy to paint, while others are not covered by the composition. In order for the updated canvas to acquire an aesthetic appearance, the paint must be:

• No pungent odor. It will not be possible to find a completely neutral composition, but it is still recommended to choose paints with a subtle odor, for example, water-based paints. It is preferable to avoid using nitro enamels or alkyd paints;
• Quick drying. Acrylic and water-based paints have this property;
• With gloss. Matte paint will not work, since on an MDF surface that looks like a sponge, the formed coating will be unaesthetic. You will also need to purchase a varnish designed specifically for MDF. It is first poured into a prepared container to get rid of any air bubbles present. A door coated with varnish can be installed even in the bathroom;
• Highly adhesive. Considering the characteristics of the base, it is important to take care of strong adhesion between the formed coating and the surface. The level of adhesion of the composition is indicated on the packaging;
• With little expense. This will reduce painting costs;
• The right color. The painted door should fit harmoniously into the surrounding interior.

Advice! When determining the required amount of paint, remember that you will have to renew the surface of not only the door leaf, but also the frame. To ensure that there is exactly enough paint material, 10% is added to the calculated quantity.

The canvas and the box do not have to be painted the same tone. Depending on the chosen stylistic design, you can purchase paint of one color for the canvas, and a contrasting color for the box. When choosing, remember that if the surface area to be painted is relatively small, the color will seem a little darker.

Peculiarities

Painting metal entrance doors is a good option for finishing the main material of the structure, which can guarantee adequate protection from the adverse effects of the environment, as well as a method for giving a stylish and beautiful look to the product. The choice of paint should be taken seriously, since an incorrectly selected coating will not provide adequate protection and will soon begin to peel off the surface, which is extremely undesirable from an aesthetic point of view.

Currently, a large number of alloys are used in the manufacture of doors, completely different in appearance and physical and chemical properties. Based on the listed criteria, the main task of the consumer becomes the correct selection of paint with the necessary adhesion, compatible with the existing type of entrance door material.

Correctly selected paint will transform the product not only externally, but also:

• will create reliable protection against moisture;
• will correct some defects of the metal surface;
• will fill existing voids in the material;
• will prevent corrosion.

How to properly paint an MDF surface?

To ensure you are pleased with the result, carefully prepare for the work, and also follow their sequence. In this case, the finished result will please you and will definitely last for a long time.

Preparing the tool

To start painting, prepare the following:

• Tassels. You will need a narrow brush for small details and a slightly larger one for the canvas. Instead of a larger brush, a roller or spray gun will do;
• Container for mixing paint. Its volume should be sufficient to accommodate all the paint. Especially if you plan to do the tinting manually;
• A mixer or drill with an attachment, which makes it easier to ensure uniform mixing of the composition;
• Working container for paint. Choose a relatively small volume. A special plastic bath is suitable if you decide to use a roller for work;
• Scotch tape, stencils, sponges, if you plan to form a pattern on the door leaf;
• Zero sandpaper.

It is advisable to purchase gloves for yourself. Make sure you have clean rags and solvent to clean up any accidentally falling paint drops. You will need a sufficient amount of paper for the floor and a beam on which the door leaf will lie during painting.

Preparing the foundation

In order for MDF doors to acquire an aesthetic appearance, they must be carefully prepared for painting. To do this, the door is removed from its hinges and completely freed from fittings. If desired, you can subsequently install new handles, locks and hinges. This will further transform the appearance of the door.

Door dismantling

The canvas is laid on a beam lying on the floor. Place strictly horizontally to avoid visible drips. The old coating is removed from the surface by heating or using special chemical compounds. The first option is better, as it eliminates wetting and swelling of the wood fiber material

The base is carefully sanded. It is better to avoid using special tools so as not to damage the material. The removed layers of material are carefully collected. With their help you can prepare putty for MDF. You just need to add some wood glue. This mixture can be used to get rid of defects on the surface of the door leaf. Particular attention is paid to the insertion point of the lock and handle. When using the door, defects always appear in this area that need to be removed.

Sanding the door leaf

Let's start painting

First, a primer is applied to the surface to be painted. Before this, the surface is thoroughly dried and dust-free. This will allow:

• Level the surface;
• Reduce paint consumption;
• Increase the adhesive characteristics of the base;
• Form a layer of paint of the same thickness.

Attention! When applying a primer, you will definitely be able to detect defects that were previously invisible.

If defects are found, small scratches, cracks and chips are masked with putty. Then the putty surface is sanded and another layer of primer is applied. After waiting for the primer to dry completely, paint hard-to-reach areas with the thinnest brush.

Then, armed with a roller, spray gun or larger brush, paint the canvas completely. To ensure an even layer, it is advisable to apply another layer of paint.

Applying paint

Attention! Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried. It is better to avoid using fan heaters so as not to deteriorate the quality of the coating being formed.

If you want to paint an MDF door, feel free to get to work! You can even change the color of the door leaf at home. A properly selected composition and properly prepared surface will allow you to quickly achieve the desired result.

Source: mezhdveri.ru

Should I remove old paint?

Before painting doors, the question often arises: is it worth removing the old paint? Or you can safely apply a layer of new paint on top.

At first glance, a simpler option would be to apply new paint to the old one, however, everything is not so simple here. Before applying a layer of new paint, you will definitely need to carefully treat the surface of the door: remove all defects (chips, cracks). To do this you will need to use fine sandpaper and primer.

If you decide to remove the old paint, then you have to put in a little more effort. However, the result will justify these efforts - the door will look like new! An old layer of paint may have significant defects: chips and cracks, and if new paint is applied on top, over time these defects will manifest themselves in the form of peeling of the new layer.

From the above we can conclude: it is better to remove the old paint. Removal can be done using a grinding machine or using a drill with a special attachment. You can also remove old paint using a special solution (20 percent or 30 percent solution of sodium hydroxide, carbolic acid or potassium). This solution should be applied to the old paint with a soft cotton swab. After some time, the same swab should be used to remove the layer of old paint. If the old layer remains in some places, repeat the operation again.

Painting a white door with red paint

How to paint an MDF door?

I temporarily installed (new building and small house) white MDF doors (some kind of wood-like structure is visible there) and wooden frames. Now the question arose about painting it all. I would like the structure of the wood to be visible and the doors and frames to be uniform in color. The wood could be impregnated with something. But you can’t saturate MDF. What to paint with?

Alexey B Thank you, this is the paint I was looking in the direction of. What about its moisture resistance? Can I paint the door in the bathroom?

Dulux is a decent paint, but Brushwood is available in a very limited range of colors. I can suggest McCloskey gel for tinting and painting wood, fiberglass and metal. Any colour. To create a wood texture, you will need two layers (1 light and 2 dark colors) and a special spatula to imitate wood. Quart of gel (0.946 l) per 22 m2 of smooth surface.

2Dimas (Sapfir) Dulux Brushwood is used both inside and outside, so its moisture resistance is fine.

Tell me how you can paint (or tint, varnish, etc.) interior MDF doors (white, paintable). Actually, I’m busy with the problem of choosing doors, and these captivate me with their cheapness. Is it possible to get something useful from this semi-finished product? Dulux Brushwood is recommended above, but I can’t find such paint in my province.

And where do you live? and what is in the nearest store?

I live in the Rostov region, Kamensk-Shakhtinsky. The stores have interior acrylic paints, textures, pinotex, varnishes. I painted the windows with Dufa Fensterlack. Probably, if you paint the door Fensterlack it would be nice, but you don’t want white. I know a way to tint alkyd paints with oil paints for painting, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to do it properly. There is a possibility of computer tinting of DERUFA paints, but this is paint for walls. Can this paint be used to paint a door? How can such doors be treated? In principle, you can go to Rostov or even abroad to Lugansk to buy paint, the only question is whether it is expedient.

How to paint interior doors made of MDF

The door leaf often has to be changed during repairs - it does not fit into the new interior design. Painting interior doors made of MDF has its own technological nuances. A large assortment of varnishes and paints only complicates the choice. Four compositions on different bases can be recommended for work in residential premises. Due to the caustic fumes, a large percentage of the compositions are applicable only for outdoor use.

Types of scratches on interior doors and methods of elimination

The most common damage to interior doors is the appearance of scratches on their surface. Such scratches are divided into two types:

1. Not reaching the door structure.
2. Deep scratches - they capture the structure.

If the damage is shallow, you can deal with it using a retouching polish or special varnish.

If the depth of the existing scratch exceeds 2 mm, then using a wax pencil or polish will not work. If the coating is veneered, then it will have to be completely replaced or a patch applied.

If the scratch has damaged the structure of the wood, then a wax pencil is suitable, which must be selected to match the tone of the door covering.

How to paint a door leaf

Interior doors in the budget mid-price segment are often made from compressed waste obtained from wood processing. Products made from MDF are not inferior to more expensive wood. The compressed material has many “advantages” that are important to know about before restoring doors. Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF (in English transliteration Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF) lends itself well to paint and varnish. The eco-friendly wood-based material is produced in the form of a compressed sheet that holds its geometry perfectly. The compositions are completely ready for use. They are not diluted before painting interior doors made of MDF. Familiarization with the recommendations indicated on the paint packaging will save you from making a mistaken choice. It is important to read the description before purchasing enamels, and not before processing doors or furniture. How to paint MDF doors at home is a frequently asked question on cabinetry forums. A smart choice - quick-drying enamels with a large selection of shades and special properties:

• no unpleasant chemical odor;
• with moderate consumption;
• without the use of complex processing technologies;
• with a minimum percentage of absorption;
• with high adhesion;
• excellent aesthetics of the coating.

Dyes recommended for interior work have the listed properties. Glossy and semi-matte compositions, which are characterized by a high degree of light reflection, should be preferred. This helps hide minor roughness in the MDF. The method of application, consumption and other recommendations are indicated on the packaging.

Important! If the instructions on the can are numb, erased or do not have a translation into Russian, you should not take the risk - perhaps it is façade paint that has a pungent chemical odor.

Acrylic, alkyd and polyurethane mixtures are offered for painting MDF doors.

Acrylic enamels

Acrylate-based paints are widely in demand for modernizing interiors. They have the best performance characteristics:

• dry quickly;
• organically perceived in the interior;
• easy to work with ordinary painting tools,
• have a huge selection of color variations;
• lie evenly on the surface to be treated;
• do not have a characteristic chemical odor;
• on a perfectly flat surface with a primer do not require repainting.

After painting, MDF doors covered with paper with a textured pattern require additional opening with a protective varnish. Conventional acrylic paint treatment is quite effective, especially with thoughtful choice of shade.

Alkyd and alkyd-urethane enamels

Compositions from this category are no less popular than acrylic paints, which are in demand for indoor work. In paint and varnish stores, these enamels are often offered to customers who ask the question of how to paint MDF doors. In terms of consumer properties, they are similar to acrylic enamel, so there is no point in listing them. The main disadvantage is the specific smell of alkyd enamel that is felt after painting.

Attention! Those who suffer from allergies or asthma are not recommended to sleep in a room where the surfaces have recently been treated with alkyd enamel.

It is not advisable to use such paint in a school, preschool or children's bedroom.

Polyurethane enamels

Polyurethane-based dyes are not inferior in basic indicators to other enamels used for MDF products. They are suitable for indoor use. After painting, the doors have an excellent appearance. However, the composition has a characteristic odor. It is best to paint the canvas outdoors and then dry it under a canopy or in a garage until the chemical “trail” disappears.

Important! The surface of MDF doors painted at home will remain slightly bumpy.

The cost of polyurethane enamels is higher than the prices of analogues on a different basis. However, the costs of purchasing paint and a primer base for restoring doors will be justified during operation. Imported mixtures, such as Finnish-made Tikkurila, have proven themselves better than others.

What types of entrance doors are there?

Manufacturers of metal doors always try to please consumers, and for these purposes they improve their products, trying to extend their service life in various ways. External finishing plays an important role in this matter.

In addition to coating with conventional paints and varnishes, relatively recently, manufacturing companies began to use powder coating of metal street doors. Products coated with powder-polymer type are guaranteed to retain their aesthetic appearance for a long time.

The unique properties and impeccable quality of this coating are due to strict adherence to technological conditions during the polymerization process at high temperatures.

Coated doors are reliably protected from the harmful effects of various factors. Similar technical characteristics of metal doors with spraying allow them to be used as external doors. They are often installed on the street, at the entrances to private buildings, office premises, and various public buildings. Most owners install structures with such coating in apartments in order to protect them from minor mechanical damage.

Metal doors are mainly installed at the entrance, since they primarily perform a protective function. They experience a large functional load and therefore require updating over time. A natural question arises: how to paint a metal entrance door to restore its original attractiveness.

Various options for painting metal entrance doors

Step-by-step instructions for painting an MDF door

Before painting an MDF door, you need to prepare the surface of the door by hanging it on the hinges. When processing, it is important to maintain a strictly vertical position. Necessary tools and additional accessories for painting:

• a roller with attachments (foam rubber will allow voids to pass through, it is better to take one with a thick pile like faux fur, which perfectly fills uneven surfaces, hiding small defects);
• wide paint brushes (preferably made of natural bristles, but make sure that no fallen hairs remain on the surface; they can be removed with tweezers);
• small brushes for working on hard-to-reach and embossed areas;
• construction containers for paint, in which it is convenient to dip the roller;
• plastic buckets for mixing paint with solvent (mix with a wood or metal rod, or for large volumes - with a power tool).

Surface priming is an important step. Pre-treatment will improve adhesion, hide minor defects in the door leaf and reduce dye consumption. After drying, a careful inspection is important to identify missed strokes and minor flaws on the door leaf. The larger the primer layer, the less paint is required, which is actively absorbed into the porous surface of MDF. Unhurried painting, starting with hard-to-reach areas, including joints with hinged hinges. Usually they paint twice, waiting until the first layer is completely dry. The approximate drying time should be indicated on the label or in the packaging instructions.

Features of painting a metal door with your own hands

Painting a metal door with a powder composition
You can paint the outside of the door if the weather permits (relevant for a private home). The work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Preparing the door. All elements that should not be processed are removed or sealed with plastic film or masking tape.
2. Eliminate dust and dirt. Grease stains are removed with white spirit. It is better to remove the old layer of paint. To do this, use a metal brush or chisel. You can remove rust using sandpaper.
3. Surface treatment with abrasive material. This will improve the adhesion of the finishing material to the base.
4. Degreasing the canvas. Without this procedure, the paint will peel off quite quickly. For processing, use special compounds for metal doors or white spirit.
5. Repairing defects. Chips, cracks, and dents are removed using automotive putty. After the solution has dried, the surface of the door is treated with fine-grained sandpaper and wiped with a damp cloth.
6. Priming the base. This procedure is necessary to create maximum adhesion of the paint to the canvas. It is recommended to use an aerosol primer or liquid used on metal damaged by rust.
7. Application of finishing material. The most convenient way of painting is an aerosol can. First, it is shaken to achieve a uniform consistency of the substance inside. It is better to apply paint from top to bottom: this way, you can avoid the appearance of drips. The can is kept at a distance of 30 cm from the surface.

Apply paint in 2-3 layers. In this case, you need to ensure that each previous one is completely dry before applying the next one. The interval between repeated applications is 1-2 hours. You should not paint a metal door in winter or in damp weather. After applying the last layer, the structure should dry for 4-5 hours.

If you need additional protection of the canvas, giving it shine, or increasing the depth of color, you can use acrylic varnish in the form of an aerosol. It dries in 2 hours. After painting is completed, all removed fittings and decorative elements are reinstalled.

Why do this?

Many people wonder: is it possible to paint MDF at home, and why is this necessary? The answer to the first part of the question is yes. Indeed, you can paint the panels yourself. But it’s worth making a reservation right away: if you don’t have a spray booth at hand, the result is not always ideal. The coloring procedure is necessary for the following reasons:

1. Painted elements become more resistant to high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, they can be used in the kitchen and bathroom, where they can fulfill different roles.
2. By decorating, it is possible to diversify a dull interior and refresh the appearance of the room. The shade is chosen based on the design ideas.
3. Painting MDF panels is also necessary in order to extend their service life.

Painting MDF allows you not only to diversify a boring interior, but also to extend the service life of the product

Of course, this option also has some disadvantages. For example, this procedure is sometimes much more expensive than using decorative films. In addition, the surface becomes prone to fading.

Using hammer paint

The metal surface, coated with hammer paint, has an unusual and original appearance with a hammer effect. The roughness of the coating makes it possible to hide minor flaws in metal products.

To paint a metal entrance door with a hammer coating, no special surface preparation is required. The paint has excellent adhesion to metal. If applied correctly, it can last up to 25 years. In addition, due to its durability, protection of metal from corrosion, and comparative ease of use, it is gaining increasing popularity all over the world.

Selection of materials for painting

In principle, all paints for MDF are selected taking into account the composition of the material. And this is, first of all, a fine wood fraction, which means that paint solutions for wood are suitable for the job. But to obtain a truly high-quality coating, it is advisable to use special mixtures.

Polyurethane enamels

This material should be preferred for the following reasons:

• The coating is wear-resistant and can withstand exposure to household chemicals.
• The solution does not have an unpleasant odor, which makes it possible to carry out work in cramped home conditions.
• The mixture can be applied using a sprayer, roller and brush.
• Painting MDF with enamel is done independently; this procedure does not require professional skills.

Naturally, when choosing this material, they pay attention to the manufacturer. It should be a well-known brand that is sold in specialized stores. When purchasing a product from an unknown manufacturer, there is a high probability of getting a fake.

Advice! If it is not possible to select a polyurethane composition, then pay attention to alkyd enamels and paints (oil and acrylic).

Thus, the question of how to paint MDF panels is no longer a problem. But another dilemma arises - the surface needs additional protection, how can this be done?

Indeed, to increase resistance to mechanical stress and protect against chemical compounds, varnish is used. And for such work, a two-component polyurethane composition is especially suitable, which has all the desired parameters.

What kind of paint should I use: hammer paint or another?

In order for the door leaf to look beautiful for a long time, you need to know how to choose the right paint. Main methods:

1. Acrylic paint. Advantages: durability, quick drying. This material is non-toxic because it is water-based.
2. Automotive paint , which is best applied with a spray or aerosol can. This painting looks expensive and stylish.
3. Nitroenamel. It looks good, gives the product shine, and protects against corrosion. The downside is that the material is sensitive to chemical and thermal effects and will last a relatively short time, so it is better to use nitro enamel when you need to save money.
4. Alkyd enamel. Whatever color an iron or other door is painted, thanks to the alkyd resins in its composition, the enamel does not lose it, and also dries quickly and retains its properties for 4 years. However, such enamel is not repairable. To give the canvas its original appearance, you will have to completely remove the old material, then paint it again.
5. Hammer. Mainly applicable for armored door blocks. It can give the surface roughness and achieve a tone similar to the iron of a hammer. These doors look very original.
6. Powder. It is used more often to cover the entrance doors of luxury homes, as it is a luxury material and is characterized by high strength and durability.
   However, it is impossible to independently finish metal surfaces with powder paint - special equipment is required. The product is painted electrostatically, then placed in a special chamber with a heating temperature of about 200 degrees. The polymer powder melts and penetrates the metal structure.
7. Epoxy. Used for painting technical and industrial premises, very practical, paints any metal.
8. Graphite. Advantages: protection of metal from corrosion, resistance to temperature changes.

Advice The choice of paint should be based on its properties, ability to withstand adverse external factors and the type of room where the door leaf is located.

Stages and technology of painting

The procedure for painting MDF with your own hands is carried out in several stages. They can be divided as follows:

1. Grinding.
2. Putty.
3. Padding.
4. Coloring.
5. Varnishing (patination).

Completing each stage is a guarantee that the result will turn out as intended.

Grinding

Work begins with grinding the surface. This is a rather labor-intensive task that must be performed carefully.

The panels are sanded with sandpaper with grit from 120 to 240 units. The process is performed in several stages and using different materials. Everything must be done very carefully, without staying long in one area. This procedure is carried out in order to remove small irregularities, as well as remove the fine lint that covers the entire surface.

The MDF sanding procedure allows you to get rid of small irregularities on the surface of the board

On a note! If there are milled areas on the front side, it is better not to touch them. There is a good chance that the sandpaper will smooth out the corners of the design.

Puttying

Puttying MDF for painting has the goal of correcting the existing shortcomings of the panel. It happens that during grinding or due to improper storage, cracks or dents appear on the surface. To hide them, putty is used. Of course, if there are no such problems, then this stage is skipped.

The technology itself looks like this: the acrylic mixture is carefully applied to the desired area and leveled with a rubber spatula. After drying, be sure to sand it.

Padding

This stage is mandatory. It is conventionally divided into two processes:

• Applying the first layer of primer This is done using a spray gun, so the room and place for work are prepared. It is better to cover other items with cellophane film in advance.
• The mixture is sprayed over the entire surface of the panel in an even layer. This is done in order to raise the remaining pile and reduce the absorption of the base materials.
• Next, when the slab is dry, it is sanded using fine sandpaper.

Second coat coating

The second layer is applied in order to consolidate the result and remove remaining blemishes.

Drying should take about a day, after which the panel painted with primer is sanded.

Coloring

Can MDF be painted with a brush and roller? Yes, but this should be done very carefully. There is a high probability that stains and streaks will remain on the surface. Therefore, it is best to use a spray gun.

The technology itself resembles priming. The paint is applied in several layers, each of which is pre-dried. It is important to achieve an excellent result, so the mixture begins to be sprayed from the milled areas to the edges, and then passes along and diagonally. It is much more convenient to paint smooth panels.

To paint MDF you can use brushes and a roller, but to obtain an even layer it is better to use a spray gun

On a note! To understand in more detail the drying time of the solution and its quantity, you must carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions. And also select the desired operating mode for the sprayer.

Coloring rules

High-quality painting is characterized by a smooth surface, without drips and streaks. And to do this, you need to figure out how to paint a metal entrance door correctly.

When painting, the brush should move from top to bottom - this is the first rule. The tool for painting a door can be a roller and a spray gun, depending on the type of paint and the size of the product.

Start the process from the top. The panel is covered, the horizontal parts are covered, and then the vertical surface. Make sure that the paint does not get on the other side of the door, and try not to brush over wet paint again.

Rule two - paint the surface of a metal door without breaks, transitions or omissions. The layer should be relatively thick and uniform.

If you get drips during painting, wait until the enamel layer is completely dry and sand them with sandpaper. To make the surface look more beautiful, moisten the resulting drip with water. Then completely repaint the entire side of the metal piece.

Apply the second layer at intervals of half an hour so that the previous one has time to dry. It takes about 6 hours for the product to dry completely.

Each building material has its own types of paints that are suitable for painting it. After reading the article at the link, you will learn how to paint a concrete floor. When painting, in almost all cases the surface must be primed, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules for choosing a primer, as well as how to apply it.

Rule three. If possible, paint the door after removing it from its hinges. The time and effort spent will give the highest quality results when painting horizontally. And in order not to stain the surface of the desktop, place an oilcloth under the door.

The fourth rule is do not paint outside in the rain or at sub-zero temperatures.

That's the whole technology for painting a metal door with your own hands. Very simple and fast. In this way you can paint metal garage doors, doors in a country house, apartment or industrial premises. The main thing is to make sure that the surface is smooth and paint carefully. It doesn’t matter what color the front door is painted, it will last a long time and will decorate any room.

If you want antique

If there is a desire to give the surface a more expressive look, to age it a little, then they resort to patination. It is advisable to do this when there are drawings and patterns.

Patina is applied in this way:

• walk over the selected area with a sponge soaked in the mixture;
• leave until completely dry;
• the painted area is sanded;
• proceed to the final stage.

You can create the effect of artificial aging yourself by resorting to patination of the surface

How to update wooden interior doors: instructions

First, you need to think through the design of the future door in detail: it should fit well with the overall style of the room, combine with the furniture, floor, and decor. There are many simple ways to update a door: stick a film, veneer it, or apply paint or stain. If desired, you can use more complex techniques that turn an old door into a work of art.

Painting, varnishing and staining

The easiest way to update your doors without changing them is to paint them a new color. It is only important to choose high-quality paint that matches the color. This can be done from photos in manufacturers’ catalogs to match the shade of the floor or furniture. Most often, doors are painted with nitro enamel, acrylic or alkyd enamel. Acrylic paints are considered completely safe, while others emit a pungent odor that disappears only as the layer dries. It is advisable to carry out coloring in the fresh air.

Acrylic paints have a rich palette of shades, give a noble matte finish, and do not smell. It is recommended to apply a special furniture varnish as the second layer after the acrylic product, which has protective properties and increases the service life of the paint. Application is done with a roller or brush. To prevent brushes from leaving lint, they are pre-soaked in water for several hours and then combed out. Before any paint, it is recommended to coat the door with a wood primer, so the paint and varnish material will lie smoothly, without drips or stains.

In addition to painting, you can varnish the door. You should choose the appropriate remedy from the following varieties:

• acrylic,
• alkyd,
• polyurethane,
• nitro varnishes.

Before applying the varnish, a primer is also used, adding to it an antiseptic against rotting and mold. To make the transitions of varnish strokes unnoticeable, the product is applied with quick movements in a cross direction.

Stain is another option for an inexpensive and very beautiful coating for an old door. It is absorbed into the deep layers of wood, giving it a pleasant color and beautifully highlighting the structure of the material. After staining, it is also recommended to apply 1-2 layers of wood varnish.

Veneering

To completely renew the door and give it an expensive, elegant look, natural veneer is used. With its help, you can refine even cheap canvases made from pressed sawdust. Procedure for working with veneer:

• lay the door on the stools horizontally,
• start facing the canvas from the middle, moving towards the edges,
• lubricate a small area with special glue, apply finishing material, press,
• roll well with a roller,
• It is advisable to heat the surface with a construction hairdryer, and then carefully roll the veneer again - this will make the connection between the finish and the veneer itself more reliable.

After gluing the entire door, allow it to dry completely, then apply protective varnish or wax.

Self-adhesive film

There are many options for film on sale that imitate wood in color. It is easy to stick, hides defects in the base, and gives a more noble and beautiful look to the canvas. The procedure is as follows:

• cut the film according to the required size using a sharp knife,
• remove the protective layer from the wrong side, but not from the entire cut, but only 3-4 cm from the top,
• apply the film to the door, smooth it with a rubber spatula (you can use a regular rag instead),
• start tearing off the rest of the protective layer, not forgetting to immediately expel any air bubbles from under the film,
• trim the film at the corners,
• install fittings.

Photo wallpaper or vinyl

A piece of vinyl with a photo print made by an advertising company, or photo wallpaper of the required size will also help decorate the door, giving it a completely new look. It is important to purchase only washable photo wallpaper, because the door leaf can get dirty and will have to be washed regularly.

To glue photo wallpaper, you can use high-quality PVA (it is better to take carpentry compound). It is necessary to thoroughly lubricate the door with glue, press the finishing material well, smooth and level it. Of course, you first need to try on the photo wallpaper or vinyl dry to make sure that their size matches the dimensions of the door.

Wallpaper with moldings

Such an unusual decor option is often offered by designers when decorating a room in a classic style. With the help of vinyl or non-woven wallpaper and polyurethane moldings, you can create a bright accent in the room and enhance the style of the design. The background can be plain, patterned, saturated or pastel in color - at the request of the customer.

First you need to measure out the required piece of wallpaper. Then PVA wood glue is applied to the prepared, leveled door, finishing material is applied, and its surface is leveled with a rubber roller or rag. Air bubbles are immediately expelled with a plastic spatula from the center to the edges. It is advisable to buy wide wallpaper so as not to make joints. If there are joints, you will have to carefully adjust the two canvases to each other. The edges of the wallpaper are trimmed immediately before they get wet. Drying time is a day, then you can start gluing the moldings:

• make markings for platbands on the wall with a simple pencil,
• cut the moldings to the required length (there should be 3 pieces),
• cut the moldings at an angle of 45 degrees - these will be the corners at the top of the door,
• Lubricate the back surface of the pieces with PVA or liquid nails, and glue them in place according to the markings.

Drawings and paintings

Drawing on the door surface has many advantages over other finishing methods. The appearance of the finished door will be unusual, exclusive, it can “fit” into absolutely any interior style. Other advantages of painting on the door leaf:

• ease of execution,
• the ability to use stencils if you have no artistic abilities,
• large selection of colors and materials.

The prepared door should be well degreased with alcohol. Next, a wood primer is applied in 2 layers, which will allow the paint to lie flat, without stains or drips. Then you need to make markings and apply an ornament or design. The door must be divided into zones so that the drawing is done accurately and correctly. When ready, paint individual elements of the picture in the desired colors with acrylic paints. Apply at least 2 layers of paint. To give a vintage look, the contours of the design are outlined in contrasting tones.

Decorating doors using decoupage technique

To decoupage, the door does not need to be removed from the jambs. If it does not have an old coating, it is enough to simply wash and dry the product, prime it with 1-2 layers. The opening should be sealed with construction tape. Soak the decoupage card in water for 12 minutes, remove it, and wipe off excess moisture with a rag. Remove the protection strips and attach the drawing to the pre-lubricated PVA door.

As in the case of wallpaper, the image should be carefully ironed, air bubbles expelled, and all wrinkles removed: otherwise it will be uneven and ugly. After complete drying, the surface of the door is coated with acrylic-based varnish in several layers.

Antique decoration

In vintage, retro and a number of other styles, various items, souvenirs, and antique finishes are very popular. Ready-made aged decor is rarely found in stores, but you can make it yourself. To give the door an original look, the craquelure technique is used - a two-layer application of varnish.

First you need to choose the right materials. Purchase two varnishes with different compositions and drying times. One of them should be a special wood varnish for craquelure; even a beginner can work with it, and there are detailed instructions on the package. The second varnish is bitumen, which has o.

The procedure is as follows:

• apply craquelure varnish to the pre-prepared door (use white or another light shade),
• after drying, a layer of bitumen varnish of a darker color is applied, which will enhance the contrast.

In the craquelure technique, you can also use a dark base varnish, but then, instead of bitumen, acrylic paint of the required shade is used as a second layer. After drying, the craquelure varnish becomes covered with a network of cracks, which gives the door a vintage look.

Decor with stencils

This technique is used for doors that have glass inserts. A picture or pattern is sketched on paper and cut out along the contours. The glass is degreased, cleaned, the drawing is leaned against it, and outlined on the back side with a marker. Then you can start drawing the image with acrylic paints, but from the front side. Afterwards you need to let the picture dry completely.

Artistic painting

Drawing on a door can involve the use of different artistic techniques. For example, first the canvas is completely dyed and only then a drawing is made on it in contrasting shades. Also, the picture can go beyond the door and continue along the walls: it will look unusual and very impressive. It is possible to apply paint to the door using a sponge, a spray can, or strokes. It is allowed to use interesting techniques - glazing, multi-layered strokes.

Creating an unusual texture

An original way to restore a door is to give it an interesting texture. In addition to the effect of artificial aging, which is obtained using craquelure varnish, you can use another technique. A lighter shade of paint is applied to the base, then a second layer is applied with a soft sponge, carefully blotted. Using this simple technique, spotted surfaces or “steel wool” type bases are obtained. There are also special paints on sale, thanks to which you can create the appearance of a canvas or a slate board from an ordinary door.

Patchwork for doors

A door made using this technique will fit well into any interior. To decorate it, you can use scraps of fabric, newspaper clippings, magazines, photographs, pieces of leather, and other items that go well with each other. It is better not to use this method for a bathroom or other damp room - the collage will quickly turn yellow and begin to become moldy. Patchwork is ideal for interior doors in the bedroom and living room.

As for the fabric for patchwork, it must be dense, not fraying at the edges, and, if necessary, have a small repeating pattern. The cuts can be overlocked, although this is not necessary. Fabrics and laces that are too light should not be glued in the area of ​​the door handle - they will soon become dirty. You will also need PVA, a furniture stapler and staples for the job. The procedure is simple:

• prime the door
• apply PVA glue to the door area,
• attach scraps and other materials to create a picture,
• press well, roll with a roller,
• let the collage dry well,
• attach heavy elements to the door with a stapler,
• the finished object can be coated with furniture varnish.

Door lamination

For lamination, a special self-adhesive film is used. Unlike factory lamination, home lamination has a shorter service life due to the lack of the necessary pressing equipment. Externally, the result will be no worse than that of professionals.

First you need to buy a special film, which is sold in furniture component stores. The finishing material is glued onto a flat, smooth, grease-free door after removing the protective coating (first remove only its upper edge by 3-5 cm). After pasting the entire surface and expelling air bubbles with a plastic spatula, the film is heated with a construction hairdryer and rolled well. This will help the glue adhere more reliably to the surface. After the glue has dried, the product will be ready for use.

Glass inserts

To update the look of an old door, you can change the glass yourself or change the decor of the old one. Stained glass technology gives a particularly interesting effect. To complete it you will need special stained glass paints, a marker, brushes, and a finished sketch.

You need to work this way:

• remove the glass or the entire door, lay it horizontally,
• on the back side of the glass, draw the contours of the future stained glass window and all its sections,
• paint contour lines on the front side,
• after drying, fill the empty spaces with the desired shades,
• if desired, glue decor onto the paint that has not yet hardened: rhinestones, stones, pieces of colored glass (you can then circle them with a black marker),
• wait for the paint to dry completely,
• install the glass in its proper place.

Stained glass techniques are also used on the canvas itself. It is allowed to create the effect of a stained glass window with paints, as well as to cut holes in the door and insert pieces of multi-colored glass into them, the result will be a beautiful, exclusive composition.

Textile

Textile finishing is used infrequently, and in vain. This is a unique and easy way to dramatically change the look of an old door without breaking the bank. You need to buy fabric and prepare a piece of the desired size from it. A piece of fabric must be glued to the door using double-sided self-adhesive tape. It is important to remove all folds immediately, because after that it will be very difficult to peel off the tape.

It is better to avoid light colors in textiles: they get dirty quickly. Fabric with images of cartoon characters and fairy tales is ideal for a children's room. If desired, the finish can be replaced with a new fabric you like or one that is more suitable for the main style of the room.

Varnishing

The procedure is performed according to the instructions:

1. The varnish is prepared for use.
2. The first layer is applied at the rate of about 150 grams per square meter.
3. After waiting for the first layer to dry well, apply a new layer.
4. Repeat the drying process.
5. Final sanding begins. First, sandpaper with a coarse grain is passed over the surface, then a finer one is used. To avoid lumps forming, spray the area with water.
6. The panel is left for several days (from 4 to 7) and polished. For this it is better to use a power tool.

There are many tips on how to properly paint MDF. The main thing is to follow a clear plan and be careful.

Source: otdelkagid.ru

How to prepare the surface?

To paint a steel surface beautifully without smudges or chips, it must first be prepared. If the installed door is already painted, then you first need to remove the old paint layer. This can be done mechanically, using hand tools, chemically or thermally.

The thermal method will require a special tool, for example, a hair dryer. It is not always necessary to purchase it or spend time searching for it - it will be easier to buy a special chemical remover. If the amount of work is not too large, and you have sandpaper, a metal brush or a special attachment for an angle grinder at hand, then you can use a mechanical surface treatment method.

It is worth removing traces of rust that has formed. To do this, use a brush or a mixture of citric acid and vinegar. Fittings and decorative elements that will not have a decorative layer applied (peephole, lock, handle) are sealed with masking tape. All scratches and irregularities can be repaired with car putty. Then the entire treated surface is sanded to a matte appearance and the degreased surface is coated with a primer.