Nippon Bodelac 9000: How to Paint Your HDB Gate, Grilles and Doors Properly
Bodelac 9000 is Nippon’s durable enamel for metal and wood. It protects against corrosion, is fungus resistant and washable, and comes in high gloss, semi gloss and matt. It covers about 17 m² per litre, is touch dry in about 2 hours, and needs about 18 hours before the next coat. Bare metal must be primed first. That’s the step most DIY gate jobs skip, and why they rust again.
What Bodelac 9000 is
- Durable enamel for primed metal and wood, interior and exterior
- Corrosion protection, fungus resistant, washable, tough film
- Finishes: high gloss, semi gloss, matt
- Coverage about 17 m²/L. Touch dry about 2 hours at 30°C. Overcoat after 18 hours
- 1 L and 5 L packs
Source: Nippon Paint Singapore’s product page.
The right primer underneath
| Surface | Primer Nippon recommends before Bodelac |
|---|---|
| Ferrous metal (iron, mild steel gates and grilles) | Crystalux A/C Primer |
| Non-ferrous metal (galvanised, aluminium) | Hi-Vinyl 1102 CF Etching Primer |
| Wood | Sand smooth, then a suitable wood primer |
How to paint an HDB metal gate: step by step
- Protect the floor and walls around the gate with dropsheets and tape.
- Remove rust and flaking paint with a wire brush and sandpaper until the surface is stable.
- Degrease and dry. Wipe off dust and oil.
- Prime bare metal spots with the right primer. Let it dry as directed.
- Apply the first coat of Bodelac 9000 thinly with a brush or small roller. Thick coats drip and dry slowly.
- Wait about 18 hours, then apply the second coat.
- Keep the gate open and avoid scratches while the enamel hardens over the next few days.
Common mistakes
- Painting over rust. It bubbles through within months
- Skipping the primer on bare metal
- Recoating too soon, causing a soft, tacky finish
- Painting in the afternoon sun or before rain
Things to know in HDB flats
- You can repaint your own gate and main door. Don’t paint corridor walls, which are common property. See HDB painting rules
- Enamel has a solvent smell, so keep the corridor ventilated and let neighbours know
- Don’t block the corridor with tins or drying parts
DIY or hire?
A gate repaint by a painter usually costs $120 to $300 for an HDB gate including rust treatment. Doors run $80 to $250. See door, gate and grille painting or get quotes.
FAQ
What is Nippon Bodelac 9000 used for?
It’s an enamel paint for primed metal and wood, such as gates, grilles, railings, doors and furniture, inside and outside.
How long does Bodelac 9000 take to dry?
About 2 hours to touch dry at 30°C, with 18 hours before the next coat under normal conditions.
Do I need a primer for Bodelac 9000?
On bare metal and bare wood, yes. Nippon recommends specific primers for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
