As a homeowner, you can’t ignore the fading, chipping and peeling paint on your garage door. It’s likely the first and last thing you see when you leave and return home. Moreover, it’s the first thing others notice when they pass by. Fortunately, there are many ways to restore your garage door to its former glory, and one of the most effective options is painting it.
A new coat of paint can enhance your garage’s appearance regardless of your door material. No matter if you have a metal, composite or wood garage door, you can find a suitable paint type to transform your garage door’s look.
Before you purchase a new can of paint, you want to consider your garage’s current condition. If it’s in good working order and you can expect it to hold up for the foreseeable future, paint can be a cost-effective and worthwhile solution for upgrading your door’s appearance and longevity.
However, installing a new door might be better if your garage door is older or worn down. In that case, investing in a new garage door would likely be more cost-effective and you can fix your garage door’s appearance while upgrading its important parts and mechanisms.
When painting your garage door, following suitable techniques and methods will help you complete the job correctly and ensure you’re happy with the end result. Here are some best practices to help you get started:
One of the most critical components of painting your garage door is choosing the right paint for your door’s material. When browsing paints, check the labels to ensure they meet your door material’s manufacturer recommendations. For example, you may not want to apply an oil-based paint to a steel garage door — an acrylic option would help you achieve a similar flat finish to what you had before. Additionally, you’ll want to select a proper primer.
The last thing you want is for it to rain halfway through painting or to work in extreme heat or humidity. The heat can be uncomfortable and lead to paint drying in certain areas before blending in, which you have to reapply. Check the weather forecast in the days leading up to when you want to paint, so you can avoid weather issues.
Gather your painting tools and materials, including:
Once you are ready to start and have all the needed tools, it’s time to begin painting. Here are our step-by-step tips for painting your garage door:
Before painting, you must remove the old paint and smooth the surface. Following these steps will ensure your door is ready for priming and painting:
Taping your garage door will prevent you from getting paint on all of the areas you don’t intend to paint. Use masking or painter’s tape to cover all trim, hardware, windows, gaskets and other areas you want to avoid getting paint on.
Once you’ve taped the door, you can begin priming the surface. Using an angled brush, thinly paint or coat the panels and their recesses with the primer, wiping away excess paint as you go along. After finishing the panels, move on to the stiles and rails. These are the vertical and horizontal edges surrounding the panels. Use the roller frame to coat the stiles and rails, priming small sections to maintain a wet edge.
Once the primer is set and dry, apply the paint or undercoat. Use the roller brush to coat the panels. Then, paint the stiles and rails around the panels. You can then use a paintbrush to paint the trim and frames.
If your door needs a second coat or topcoat, wait 24 hours until the paint is completely dry, and then apply the second paint layer.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about garage door painting:
Generally, the best paint for a garage door is 100% acrylic paint. These paints are durable and provide additional protection against the elements. However, depending on your garage door material and desired look, you may opt for an oil-based paint. Check with your door’s manufacturer’s recommendations beforehand to choose the right option.
Acrylic paint can be the best for painting wood garage doors. This paint can repel ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can wear down the wood over time. It can also be waterproof and dry quicker than alternative paint types. Acrylic paint also offers an elegant shine and finish, which you may prefer.
Oil-based exterior and acrylic paints can be best for your metal garage door. These paints can withstand the elements and be water resistant, preventing rust and corrosion, which can impact the appearance of metal. Choosing between the two comes down to the finish you want to achieve.
While some paints don’t need a primer to apply well, adding an initial primer layer to the door can ensure the door’s material adheres to the paint better. Check the paint’s label to see if you need a primer.
The cost of painting your garage door can depend on the number of garage doors, paint type, supplies, materials and preparation. Generally, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars to paint the door. If your door needs an update, you may be able to save money in the long run by replacing your garage door with a newer model instead.
Painting your garage door can enhance your garage door’s appearance and life span. However, a new paint coat might not be a worthwhile improvement if you have an older door. That’s where we can help.
Drake Reed Door Co. offers high-quality door replacement, installation and maintenance services. With over 50 years of industry experience, we help you find a garage door that fits your home well and matches your personal design preferences. If you can’t find a garage door you like in our available collection, our Clopay doors offer limitless customization to help you create the ideal garage door.
Contact us today to request an estimate for a brand-new garage door!