Painting Exterior Vinyl Doors With Latex
Plastics
In the early days of vinyl building materials, painting a front or screen door was an exercise in futility. Modern PVC and polycarbonates, are superior in a number of ways. They're stronger, insulate better, cost less than other exterior building products and come in a range of "clear-through" colors. As the materials in vinyl doors and other building materials have been improved, vinyl paints have been developed to extend the life of this useful material. Today, environmentally-friendly alternatives have replaced the old oil-based and high-VOC (volatile organic compounds) coverings. Water-based, non-toxic coverings for vinyl doors and windows exist that, although a bit pricey, cover and stand up to the elements well. Choose from foundation and latex enamel or dyes with a latex clear coat made by a company specializing in vinyl coatings like X.I.M., Flood Company or Parasol Inc.
Create a Good Base
No matter what covering is used, the surface of the vinyl must be prepared properly. The door should be removed and laid flat if possible. Then clean the door thoroughly with a detergent to get all of the dirt out of the "grain" and the little pockmarks that develop over time. The surface should be roughed up with a plastic scrubber or fine steel wool and carefully wiped clean with a tack cloth before coating with any coating. Several companies produce solvent-cleaners. Avoid products like acetone, not marketed specifically for vinyl that will melt the surface vinyl and leave the PVC susceptible to wear from sun or heat. Painting should be done in a well-ventilated area, under the shade of a tree or in a well-masked painting booth if spray is to be used. Vinyl paints and binders stick tight, even when they're latex.
Finishing
Once the surface is completely clean, it can be coated with a primer like X.I.M. 400 Primer-Bonder or with a primary coat of latex acrylic enamel containing a binder like Emulsa Bond. Both of these products work by melting a bit of the surface of the vinyl, combining with it and re-setting as a coatable surface. Some plastic dyes, like WBAcrukolor, can be applied directly to prepared surfaces and actually sink down into the plastic, dying the vinyl as it penetrates. Makers of many latex enamels recommend several thin coats of water-based polyurethane or varnish to seal the color. Many recommend spraying on finish coats with a spray gun applicator set on as fine a mist as possible. Manufacturers also recommend choosing a color as light as or lighter in shade than the original color of the vinyl so that scratches don't look obvious. Although dyes color down into the original material, show-through is possible with daily dings and wear along the edges with these coatings, too. Whatever coating is used should be allowed to "set" completely before the door is re-hung.
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