A newly painted garage door instantly cares for your house, giving its curb appeal a lift and protecting your home from the elements. If you’re cleaning up the old paint or changing the color entirely, painting your garage door is a relatively easy job you can accomplish over the weekend if you have the right tools and preparation. At My Wall Works, we believe home improvement projects should be easy and fun! Your ultimate guide on garage door painting for the perfect finish.
Why Should You Paint Your Garage Door?
Painting your garage door increases your home’s curb appeal and offers valuable weather protection from the elements: rain, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. A good paint job helps prevent rust, cracking, and fading, extending the door’s life while saving you money on repairs.
Aesthetic Beauty
Garage doors tend to fade over time or get scratched, giving them a tired, worn-out appearance. Repainting your garage door can make it look brand new and improve your house’s overall appeal.
Protection
Good-quality paint extends the lifespan of your door by protecting it from extreme weather, such as rain, snow, and UV rays.
Budget-Friendly
While replacing a door may be tempting, it pays off to paint it instead. Replacing a door can be expensive, as you may need to spend hundreds of dollars. However, painting the door is economical and will give your home a new look.
Tools And Materials You’ll Need
To help ensure you receive the best possible results when you begin, collect the following supplies:
- Exterior-grade paint (ensure it’s suitable for your garage door material)
- Paint roller & extension pole for hard-to-reach places
- Paintbrush (for detailed work and edges, angle tipped)
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheeting or drop cloths
- Sandpaper or a power sander
- (degreaser or mild detergent) cleaning solution
- Ladder (if necessary)
- Paint tray
- Primer (if required)
Tip: Use paint made for garage doors or exterior surfaces. It needs to be able to stand the test of time and weather.
Step 1: Prep the Surface
A good paint job begins with appropriate preparation. This process improves the surface’s condition so that the paint sticks better and lasts longer.
Clean The Door
Dirt, grime, and cobwebs can build up on your garage door over time. Rinse the door with a hose to remove any dirt and debris. Then, scrub it with a mild detergent to remove stubborn stains or oil. Scour the surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Wash off well and allow to dry completely.
Sand Down The Surface
If your door has layers of old paint, chips, or rough spots, sand down the surface. If you want to work faster, use sandpaper or a power sander. Sanding also allows the new paint to grab more onto the door.
Mask Off Areas
Mask off any areas you don’t want paint on (windows, handles, trim, etc.) using painter’s tape. Also, lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting around the area to avoid paint drips on the driveway or floor.
Prime The Surface (if Needed)
If you’re painting a bare wood door, a previously stained door, or a door showing lots of wear, you might want to apply a coat of primer. Primer allows the paint to adhere better and creates an even surface for the color. Select a primer that works with your garage door’s material.
Step 2: Select Appropriate Paint
Choosing the right paint for your garage door is not something to take lightly. Here are some options:
Acrylic Latex Paint
This is the most popular type of paint for garage doors. It’s rigid, pliable, and UV-resistant, making it ideal for exterior use. It also dries quickly, which saves time.
Oil Paint
Oil paints are an excellent option for their durability and resistance, but they have a longer dry time. They work great for wood doors , though, and they can be a bit trickier to apply and have a more pungent smell.
Rust-Preventative Paint
If you’re painting over a metal garage door, you might want to consider rust-preventative paints that offer extra protection against rust and corrosion.
You can choose your color, but neutral or contrasting colors complementing your home’s exterior are a good idea. Dark colors like black, dark gray, and navy create a sleek look, while light colors, such as white or cream, can draw attention to your garage door.
Step 3: Apply the Paint
After you’ve prepared the surface and selected your paint, it’s time to paint. Here’s the process to follow:
Paint the Doors. Start from the Edges
Using an angled brush, paint the edges of the door and around all windows, trim, and handles. Do not cover areas you don’t want.
Roll on the Paint
Once the edges are complete, it’s time to apply the main coat of paint. To cover the entire door more efficiently, use a paint roll to cover the whole door easily. Roll out the paint in long strokes from top to bottom, using a ‘W’ pattern for better coverage.
Several Coats
You’ll need to apply at least two coats of paint to most garage doors to achieve a smooth, even finish. Apply the second coat once the first coat is dry (see paint can for drying times).
Touching Up
Check the door for missed spots or uneven areas when the second coat is dry. Touch up those areas as needed. With a paintbrush.
Step 4: Drying and Curing
Let the garage door dry once the last coat of paint is applied. Ensure it’s scorched before shutting the door so it doesn’t stick or smudge. If possible, leave the door open while it dries.
Dry Time
You may feel the door is dry after a few hours, but your paint usually takes 24-48 hours to be cured. Do not use a garage door during this period; otherwise, you might make marks or imprints on the surface.
Step 5: Clean Up
Now that your paint job is done and dry, you need to clean up:
Remove Painter’s Tape
Remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to ensure clean lines.
Wash Brushes and Rollers
If you use water-based paint, rinse the brushes and rollers in warm soapy water. For oil-based paints, you’ll need paint thinner to clean your tools.
Leftover Paint Storage
If you have leftover paint, store it in an airtight container for touch-ups. Label the can with the color and the date used for your convenience. Some additional tips that you must have to take into account are as follows:
Final Tips for a Great Paint Job
Pick a dry, mild day to tackle a garage door paint job. Don’t paint when it’s too hot or cold because extremes can make it harder for the paint to bond.
Safety First
If you need to use a ladder, make sure it is steady . Also, exercise caution when working with chemical agents, such as paint thinner or solvents.
Regular Maintenance
A washdown is needed to keep the garage door looking new, and the final touch-up paint is also necessary.
Conclusion
Painting Your Garage Door Painting your garage door can be a do-it-yourself project that can directly boost your home’s curb appeal and preserve your investment. If you take the above steps, you can get that professional-looking finish that will stay strong for years. So whether you tackle yourself as a DIY project or get an expert, My Wall Works has your back-from-home improvement services! Give your garage door the attention it deserves with a new paint job today!
