There is no HVLP paint. That describes the painting equipment and the paint itself could be just about anything, even flat latex, but if they're talking an automotive-quality hardened finish, that's something else indeed.

Powder coat is expensive as it involves an oven big enough for the door to fit in, in order to melt the plastic powder. It should last a long long time and is very resistant to physical and weather abuse. Cheapo paint will need to be touched up or resprayed from aerosol cans every five or so years and cost twelve dollars each time. Automotive quality finishes last as long as powder coat ones and tend to be only slightly less durable.

If it's a real iron door, not cheap tubular steel with stamped mesh screening and such, it's going to be expensive from the get-go, so it becomes a major item versus a cheap replaceable screen door and a major item might just deserve a thirty year powder coat finish.

Thank you very much. As you can see, I wasn't aware of the options with the iron doors. I've been busy researching windows and didn't think to include the door. The price difference isn't my main concern. will it be worth the price difference is what I was worried about. Other forums stated the powder coating was a mess to deal with and not worth going for. If you don't mind, what questions should I ask in order to determine if I'm ordering a quality iron door.

Thanks again :)

a lot depends on where you live, if your door is under a porch, what direction the door faces etc

we live south of houston texas and have used powder coating on several items
we've never found it to be "messy"

My wrought iron entry gate is powder coated and has stood up remarkably well to 8 years worth of direct sun (western exposure) in Phoenix.

I would recommend it if you can afford it and expect to be there for a while.