Checking enamel paint prices makes sense once you know which type you need. Enamel and gloss paint give a hard, wipeable finish for doors, window frames, skirtings, burglar bars, gates and steel, where wall paint would scuff and chip. You can choose solvent-based enamel, the traditional oil-type gloss, or a water-based enamel with less smell and quicker drying. Both need careful preparation to stay on. List what you are painting and suppliers near you quote on enamel, undercoat and thinners. It is free and there is no obligation.
Water-based or solvent-based enamel
- Solvent-based enamel flows out to a very smooth, hard gloss and is the usual choice on steel, burglar bars, gates and exterior trims. It smells strongly, dries slowly and is cleaned up with mineral turpentine. White solvent gloss can yellow indoors over time.
- Water-based enamel has a low smell, dries faster, stays whiter and cleans up with water. It suits interior doors, cupboards and skirtings.
- Sheens run from eggshell and satin to full gloss: the higher the gloss, the more every dent shows.
Preparation and sanding
Wash off grease with sugar soap and rinse. Sand old gloss to a dull, scratched finish so the new coat grips. Check what the old coat is: if it is solvent-based, use a suitable undercoat before a water-based enamel. Wire-brush rust on steel and prime it with a metal primer; bare wood needs a wood primer. See primers and undercoats. On pre-1970s houses, old gloss may hold lead: do not dry sand it, and ask about lead-safe preparation.
Application and safety
Use a natural bristle brush for solvent enamel and a good synthetic brush or foam roller for water-based enamel. Apply thin coats and lay off in one direction. Sand lightly between coats with a fine grit and dust off. Do not apply enamel in direct hot sun or on damp wood, as it can blister. Keep windows open when using solvent-based paint, keep it away from flames and store rags flat to dry outdoors. Choose the right brushes and rollers for the paint.
What it costs
Suppliers quote gloss enamel at about R570 to R900 for 5 L and R160 to R320 for 1 L, depending on the grade. Metal paints with rust-inhibiting pigment, specialist colours and quick-drying grades sit higher. A typical house with doors, frames and burglar bars often needs several litres plus undercoat, thinners and sandpaper. Dark colours and reds often need an extra coat to cover evenly. Get the whole list quoted together through paint shops near you.
What to include in your request
- What you are painting: wood, steel or both
- Water-based or solvent-based enamel
- Sheen and colour, or a colour code
- Tin sizes and number of tins
- Primer, undercoat and thinners needed
Enamel and Gloss Paint for different clients
- Homeowners: fresh gloss on front doors, window frames and the burglar bars
- Landlords and sellers: washable enamel on doors and skirtings that take knocks from tenants
- Body corporates and estates: matching enamel on all unit doors, gates and balcony railings in the estate
- Shops, offices and restaurants: hard-wearing gloss on shop fronts, counters and restaurant doors
- Factories, farms and mines: enamel over metal primer on steel columns, railings and machinery guards
- Builders and developers: enamel on new door frames, fascias and steel balustrades before handover
- Schools, churches and public buildings: durable gloss on school doors, church railings and clinic handrails
- Painters and contractors: enamel in bulk with thinners and undercoat on a trade account
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint water-based enamel over old oil-based gloss?
What paint should I use on burglar bars and gates?
Do I need to sand between coats of enamel?
How do I compare enamel prices from different suppliers?
Enamel and Gloss Paint by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg