Coating a Stripped Metal Doorframe

Try Rust-oleum lacquer.

Yup, the best.

Thanks! But if it's an aerosol, won't I have to worry about the spray and falloff getting onto the walls, floor and surrounding areas?

midtownite,
Have you ever painted before? You must protect the surrounding area. Pick up some blue painters tape and plastic dropcloths from Home Depot.

:)

Hi Sonya,

Yes I've painted before but haven't ever spray painted finish indoors. It seems like the fall off would travel far and wide which would require a lot of covering of things to prevent them getting the lacquer on. I've used painter's tape with traditional brush or roller painting that worked out great so if there is any brush on or rub on way that'd be great. Otherwise maybe I will prime and repaint them white since there are some imperfections in the metal frame.

Be VERY careful with spray. I painted a radiator grill in the bathroom & the blowback was amazing. Luckily it scrubbed off the tiled floor but it was dangerous/scary.

midtownite,

There are a bunch of tricks that workers use to get the job done right (and that's why they are paid as such). For you, I'd recommend blue-taping down plastic far and wide. It seems like you have a handle on this. The next thing you can do, if you are really paranoid about the spray particles getting everywhere, and if your space allows for it, is to create a barrier, almost like a false wall, with the plastic. This works great in hallways. Determine a comfortable working space, and tape up a piece of plastic dropcloth from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall. this will keep all dust and paint particles in that area. If you can do it and are up for it, this works best. Make sure you use a mask/have adequate ventilation when doing this. Another tip: when you are actually spraying, take a piece of scrap cardboard, maybe 8"x8", and hold it as you are spraying, on the same plane as the spray, right next to/close to the nozzle and the door. This will minimize the blowing around of the particles from the force of the aerosol can itself.

There is no "perfect" way to spraypaint -- it DOES go everywhere it can. But you can seriously prevent it from being too pervasive in your apartment.