Painting vs. Wrapping Your Door Frames: A Budget-Friendly Guide for Utah Homeowners
At iWrapDoorFrames.com, we understand that not every homeowner has the budget for permanent solutions like aluminum-wrapped door frames. While wrapping is the best long-term defense against Utahâs harsh weather, there are times when painting might be your only option due to financial constraints.
This blog post is for youâthe homeowner who wants to improve the look and durability of your exterior wood door frames without breaking the bank.
Why Paint Instead of Wrap?
Painting is a temporary fix, but with the right prep and materials, it can buy you some timeâespecially if your door frames are already showing signs of wear or weather damage. Many of our customers paint first and come back to us later when theyâre ready for a longer-lasting solution.
What Paint Works Best for Utahâs Exterior Wood Door Frames?
Utah weather can be unpredictableâblazing sun, snow, wind, and even dry desert air. That means your paint needs to be tough.
Hereâs what we recommend:
Paint Type: Look for a high-quality, exterior-grade 100% acrylic latex paint. This type of paint flexes with the wood, resists cracking and peeling, and holds up well against UV rays.
Finish: A semi-gloss or satin finish is ideal. It provides a bit of sheen, resists dirt, and is easier to clean than flat paint.
Brand Options: Trusted brands like Behr Ultra, Sherwin-Williams Duration, or Benjamin Moore Aura are great choices for Utah’s climate.
Donât Skip the PrimerâItâs Essential!
Before you even think about paint, primer is a mustâespecially if the wood is bare or has been weathered. It creates a proper base for the paint to adhere and adds an extra layer of protection. Choose a bonding or stain-blocking exterior primer for best results.
Simple Step-by-Step Guide:
Scrape & Sand â Remove old flaking paint and smooth the surface.
Clean the Surface â Use a mild soap and water solution. Let it dry completely.
Apply Exterior Primer â One coat is usually enough, but two coats on raw or damaged wood wonât hurt.
Paint â Apply two coats of your chosen exterior acrylic latex paint. Donât rushâlet each coat dry thoroughly.
Inspect Annually â Plan to touch up or repaint every 2-3 years.
A Word of Caution: Painting is Temporary
Weâre not going to sugarcoat itâpaint wonât last forever, especially with the kind of UV exposure and moisture we see across Utah. Cracks, peels, and weather damage will sneak back in, and you may find yourself redoing the project again and again.
Thatâs why when your budget allows, consider our custom aluminum wrapping solution. Itâs low maintenance, looks sharp, and protects your homeâs curb appeal for decades. One install and youâre doneâno more scraping or repainting.
Final Thoughts
If painting is your only option for now, we hope this guide helps you get the best results possible. We respect every homeownerâs budget and timelineâand when you’re ready to stop repainting and start protecting, weâll be here to wrap your frames the right way.
If youâre in Utah County, Salt Lake County, or surrounding areas, weâd love to give you a free quote. In the meantime, happy paintingâand good luck!
Need a free wrap estimate for later?
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