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.

This may not be what you want, since it involves two steps, but....we purchased our interior doors from Upstate Doors and are very pleased. In addition, Rocky Mountain hardware has some lovely bronze (not wrought iron but there are several finishes, including black) strapping that gives a very Tuscan look to doors. I hope this helps, you can find both sites easily by googling. Good luck! Ivette

Yes! Welcome to the club. The door is a nightmare. When I see homes being build with these doors I almost want to run in and tell people to change the door before it’s too late. Looks good from the street, but a total disaster. Mine gets so hot in the summer, I laugh about it and tell people I grill on it. I had rust stains after only a few years, had to repaint. Get condensation in the winter, but i seal from the inside on super cold days - it helps. Actually in the process of buying some weather proofing for the door now and hope it might help Some more. Good luck!

Beverly, Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate it very much. The last picture is the look I would like except with the bottom half stone like the first photo. See photo of line drawing by my landscaper. Included photo of view from back side of fence. There is a shed there that will be removed and replaced by a raised stone planter for vegetable/flower garden. That was approved by HOA. Reason for denial is side fence parallel to street has to be cedar or redwood board on board. Of course throughout the bylaws there are inconsistencies and there is an overall arching comment that some items may be up for negotiation. Of note there are several houses in my neighborhood that have brick or stone side fences. Those are all in the earlier phases of the the neighborhood. Neighborhood is one of hundreds in a planned community of around 10,000. Each neighborhood is separate with separate access and egress. Sizes of neighborhoods vary 50-100 houses. I am getting a petition signed by my neighbors that that they are in support my plan in hopes that will sway the HOA. This will be my last appeal which is to the Board of Directors Regarding the dish, that was there when I purchased the house 3 years ago. Agree that it does not meet HOA standards, plan on moving it at some point. Did not realize how ugly it looks until I took this picture. Sorry, for the jumble on the pictures and I am unable to load the line drawing from the landscaper. Of note the pool is to the left on the photo. Stone would be like the stone by pool and stone on left which is back side of outdoor kitchen. This stone is same as stone on arch at front door. Will include front view of house.