Doorstep Paint

[AlexL]

Hi All,

I wanted to freshen up my front doorstep, so I recently bought a small tin of "International Doorstep Paint" (where International is the company name, not a description of the doorsteps!). I duly brushed and sanded my current doorstep, which is quite a large area of brick that's been previously painted several times, and began to paint it. During painting, I noticed that it was a bit bubbly - lots of very small bubbles, which I expected to go down as the paint settled, in a similar way to other glossy paints. However, when the paint had dried, it was left with these small bubbles, causing quite a rough surface, as if someone had sprinkled sand over the top.

1. Was my brushing too vigorous and I introduced the bubbles myself?
2. Did I brush the paint on too thickly (and so the bubbles couldn't escape)?
3. Should I have used a small roller and not a brush?
4. What should I do now?

In answer to (4), I am proposing to sand it down (gently) to make sure it's smooth and then apply a second coat - the instructions do say that 2 coats should be applied; but applying straight on top of what's there will leave the surface quite rough. I am hoping that the second coat will not bubble like the first so that I have a smooth finish...

Has anyone here had any instruction with this specific (or kind of) doorstep paint? What texture should the final finish be? I was hoping for smooth - not glossy, but more like a satin finish. Am I using the wrong sort of paint?!

Thanks Alex

[Grant]

I would assume it's supposed to look like that.

Paint "Contains slip-resistant aggregate for a safer finish."

[AlexL]

"Grant" wrote

I see what you are saying, but the paint itself does not have any granular material in it - if I dip my fingers into the paint in the tin and then rub them together, the paint is smooth. I am sure that the texture is a result of small bubbles rather than an aggregate...

I don't expect the final finish to be a high gloss, certainly duller than that, but not this rough to the touch...

Alex

[chris French]

In message , AlexL writes

Dunno, but I once rang up International Paints for some advice on one of their products and they were very helpful.

[Winged Cat]

During painting, I noticed

Are you sure the so-called bubbles were not little bits of grit, dust etc which you had not cleaned off prior to painting?

I'd give it a quick rub down with fine sandpaper, then a once-over with a vacuum cleaner, and try again.

[AlexL]

"Winged Cat" wrote

OK folks - the situation is as follows. Grant is right - what I honestly thought were bubbles are in fact small particles of aggregate that are in the paint. I called International Paints (thanks Chris for the prompting) who told me that this is the correct surface texture (for non-slip health and safety) and is why the paint should be stirred thoroughly.

My options are now: Apply 2nd coat and be happy with this texture Sand this coat to remove the coarse finish and find some other suitable paint to apply as a 2nd coat

Thanks for the helpful comments, Alex

[Mary Fisher]

If you don't want a non-slip surface why use specialised paint which provides it?

We've used this pain outside since I slipped on a rain-wet step and damaged and frightened myself. I swear by it for safety.

And I like the texture. I wouldn't dream of sanding stone ...

Mary

[Bob Mannix]

Quite. If you must, I believe the IP Tile Paint has no grit in it (I use it for exterior tile undersills), but it comes out quite shiny. On a smooth step it would be lethal in the wet, IMHO. I don't think you will get a satin finish exterior paint as it wouldn't wear.

[sPoNiX]

imo, a paint with a smooth surface is not suitable for a door step!

I'm not sure how you'd stand (LOL!) legally if someone fell over and you'd used an inappropriate paint?

sPoNiX

[AlexL]

Well purely for the record, when we purchased the house, the doorstep was painted grey - probably the same grey as the garage floor is painted with, and the 9 inches or so of "whatever-it's-called-right-at-the-base-of-the-brick-walls". This paint isn't glossy (although might have dulled with time). I don't recall ever slipping on the doorstep in the wet. Last year I repainted with standard masonry paint which didn't last the year on the doorstep.

I do take all your points about the suitability of the slip-resistant paint - Thanks!

Alex

[sPoNiX]

If it matched the garage floor, maybe it's an epoxy based 'garage floor' paint? They usually have a shiny finish so that oil etc can be cleaned up easily.

An example is here:

[chris French]

In message , AlexL writes

so maybe it was garage floor paint?

IP do one of those as well.

[AlexL]

"chris French" wrote

True, but not in black!

Alex