Aluminum is arguably one of the most popular doorframe materials used for folding door systems. Its popularity is due to a couple of reasons:

• It has a high strength-to-weight ratio (strong and lightweight), lending itself to a low-profile design.
• It’s corrosion-resistant and won’t rust.
• It’s low-maintenance.

As low-maintenance as aluminum folding doors are, though, they still may need to be repainted from time to time. The powder coat paint or anodized finish that came with your door should last anywhere between 10 and 15 years.

However, if your doors receive excessive sunlight, harsh conditions (extreme heat or extreme cold), or are exposed to salty air in a coastal environment, then the aluminum finish or paint might not last that long. This means that you may end up having to repaint your aluminum doors 5 to 7 years after installing them.

For those of you who are considering repainting their aluminum folding doors, then this is the ultimate DIY guide! Below, we’ll discuss the difference between anodized and powder coat finishes, what type of paint you’ll want to use for aluminum, and how to quickly and easily repaint the doors yourself.

Do My Aluminum Folding Doors Need To Be Painted?

First off, how do you tell exactly when it’s time for a touch-up or a repaint?

For most people, this is obvious. You’ll start to notice areas where the color of the paint has faded (e.g., red has turned pink, black has turned grey, etc.). The paint may also have started to chip and peel.

No finish or paint is designed to last a lifetime, especially exterior paint. Over time, the sun’s UV rays, atmospheric moisture, pollution, and weather cause the paint or anodized finish to break down, fade, and eventually fall away.

Anodized Vs. Powder Coated Aluminum Doors

Generally speaking, an anodized aluminum finish will last longer than a powder coat paint job. The anodized finish is electrically bonded to the surface of the aluminum during the manufacturing process. However, aluminum doors cannot be re-anodized once the finish fades.

Can You Paint Over Anodized Aluminum?

Yes! The process for painting over anodized aluminum is the same as painting over powder-coated aluminum.

What Type Of Paint Can I Use For Aluminum?

When it comes to painting aluminum, you’re going to have a couple of options to use for paint:

• Aluminum spray paint.
• Aluminum-rated exterior latex paint.

Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so let’s take a look at what’s better.

Most regular paint will nod adhere to aluminum, so it’s important to use a paint that’s specifically formulated to be used with aluminum. Otherwise, all of your hard work will have been for nothing.

Aluminum Spray Paint

If you’re looking for easy application, then you may just consider applying aluminum spray paint. These can be purchased online or at your local hardware store and should say something along the lines of “designed for aluminum” on the outside of the can.

These paints are typically used for people who are repainting aluminum porch furniture, charcoal grills, lawnmowers, bicycles, and other outside gear. However, they can also be used for aluminum folding doorframes. Just make sure that you purchase enough cans to get the job done!

Exterior Latex Paint (Formulated For Aluminum)

If you prefer to hand-paint your doors using brushes and rollers, then you may be able to save some money by purchasing a can of exterior latex paint instead. Just make sure that you purchase latex paint that’s specifically designed to be used with aluminum house siding. Otherwise, it won’t bond to the surface.

Another advantage of using exterior latex paint is that you can add your own custom color to the pain. With spray paint, you’ll only be able to choose between the pre-mixed cans available at the store.

How To Paint Aluminum Folding Doors

Now that we’ve explained some of the specifics of choosing the right paint for the job, it’s time to go about gathering your materials. Your first step is to choose the type of paint you want, and make sure that you have enough to give your aluminum doorframes 3 solid coats. Aluminum paint tends to be a bit thinner than other types of paint, which is why more coats will be needed.

Once you have your paint ready, you’ll also need to pick up the following materials:

• Respirator mask (to protect yourself from paint fumes).
• Safety glasses (to protect your eyes if you’re using spray paint).
• Self-etching aluminum primer (the paint will bond to this).
• Blue painters’ tape.
• Paper masking roll.
• Plastic or canvas tarp (to protect the surrounding area).
• Foam rollers and paint tray (if you’re not using spray paint).
• Mineral spirits (to clean your painting surface).

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean The Aluminum

The first thing that you need to do is make sure you’re working with a clean surface that’s free from any debris or oils. The best way to clean the aluminum’s surface is to use a cloth soaked in mineral spirits.

Rub the cloth along every square inch that you plan on painting over. You’ll want to wear some rubber gloves and your respirator mask while using mineral spirits as the strong chemicals can dry out your hands or make you dizzy from inhaling them.

The mineral spirits should evaporate and dry after 1 minute, and you can move on to step 2.

Step 2: Cover Your Glass, Hardware, And Surrounding Area

Before painting, you’ll need to mask off all of the glass, hardware, and the surrounding floor area to ensure that paint doesn’t land anywhere that it’s not supposed to.

If you plan on using spray paint to paint your aluminum folding doors, then you’ll need to apply additional plastic covering to every surface in the surrounding area. All it takes is for a light breeze to come along and splatter paint particles all over your wall, deck, ceiling, etc.

To start with, use your masking tape to cover all of the door hardware (locks, handles, etc). Then, using the tape and the masking paper to cover the glass window panes and any of the surrounding structure such as the door tracks that you don’t want the paint to land on.

Step 3: Sand Aluminum With Course Sandpaper

To being with, you’ll want to remove any loose paint or finish from the surface of the aluminum. Otherwise, the new paint won’t be able to properly bond to the aluminum’s surface. Using a course-grit sanding block (or sandpaper). Thoroughly rough-up the surface of the aluminum to scrape off any loose paint and finish.

Lastly, clean off any sanding debris and dust using your mineral spirits.

Step 4: Apply Self-Etching Primer

Now, it’s time to prime the aluminum’s surface. The primer will give the paint a solid surface to adhere to and ensure a long-lasting finish. If you don’t use a primer, then your paint may start chipping and peeling within the first few months after applying.

You don’t need to apply tons of primer, but you do need to make sure that every surface you plan on painting has a layer of primer painted over it. To apply the primer, you can use a clean brush or a roller. You can also use a sprayable primer, as long as you find one that’s designed to be used with aluminum.

Step 5: Briefly Sand Again

Once the primer dries, use the same rough-grit sanding block or sandpaper to quickly rough-up the surface of the primer. This will ensure that your paint will really bond to the surface. When it comes to repainting aluminum, remember- the preparation is the most important part!

After sanding, clean the surface one last time with mineral spirits to remove any sanding dust that could interfere with the paint.

Step 6: Apply 2-3 Coats Of Paint

Now for the final part (and the most fun part)… painting!

Spray Painting Your Aluminum Folding Doors

If you’re using spray paint, you’ll want to spend a good 60 seconds shaking your spray can. If you don’t then the paint will come out runny and may ruin your paint job.

After shaking, hold the spray tip about 6 inches away from the surface of the aluminum, and quickly spray each door panel. Make sure that you apply the spray paint evenly, covering every square inch, and leaving no blank spots. Paint one door panel at a time instead of trying to do them all at once.

The nice thing about spray paint is that it dries quickly, so you can apply your second coat after about 20 minutes of waiting for it to dry. With spray paint, you’ll want to apply about 3 coats of paint.

Painting Aluminum Doors With Latex

Start by pouring your paint into the paint tray. Then, saturate your foam roller with the paint and start applying it to the doorframe, finishing one door panel before moving onto the next. Latex paint takes a little bit longer to dry than spray paint, so you may need to wait 30 to 45 minutes before applying additional coats.

Start by applying 2 coats, and see how it looks. If the doors look like they could benefit from a third coat, go ahead and apply it.

Final Tips

Even the highest quality aluminum doors need a touch-up or a full repaint from time to time. You may choose to keep the same color, or you can use this as a time to completely change the color of your doors and make them look brand-new.

Just remember, if you want your DIY paint job to look professional, don’t neglect your preparation! Proper cleaning, sanding, and primer application is the only way to ensure that your paint will last for another 5 to 7 years.