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How to Paint a Garage Door So It Looks Brand New
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Make your Garage door look Brand New with this simple paint job!
How To Prep Before You Begin Painting Your Garage Door
One of the most common mistakes people make when painting a garage door is purchasing the wrong paint. Garage doors are made from a variety of materials including vinyl, aluminum, wood, and more, and it’s important to buy the appropriate exterior paint for the job. Before purchasing, carefully check the manufacturer’s label to make sure you find the best paint and primer for the job.
Before painting, it is crucial to check the weather conditions. Specifically, you should carefully plan for two to three days of mild temperatures, absence of rain, and moderate humidity. Furthermore, for precise and optimal painting conditions, it is advisable to consult the label on your particular paint product. It is important to bear in mind that flat surfaces, such as garage doors, particularly those made of metal, may frequently become hotter than the ambient temperature outside.
Safety Considerations
Whenever you use paint and painting products such as brush cleaner, mineral spirits, and other similar chemicals, it is essential to always wear a mask rated for fumes. Moreover, when chipping or sanding old paint, as well as when painting—particularly on surfaces above eye-level, wearing eye protection is highly recommended.1
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Scraper
- Stiff wire brush
- Sanding pad
- Hose with sprayer
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Handheld paint pail
- Roller pan
- 6-inch roller frame
- Fume-rated mask
- Safety glasses
Materials
- Exterior paint
- Exterior primer
- Painter’s tape
- 3/8-inch roller heads
- Paintbrush
- Paint stirrers
- Rags
Instructions
Follow these steps to give your garage door a brand new look. For your specific garage door style, adjust the steps as needed to better suit the material.
Scrape and Sand Door
Start the prepping process by using a stiff wire brush, a scraper, and a sanding pad to remove any chipping paint. If your door is vinyl or wood, be careful not to damage the material during this process.
Wash and Rinse Door
Once all chipping paint has been removed and sanded smooth, it’s time to wash the garage door. Dish soap is a great soap for removing dirt and grease from the surface, allowing the paint to better adhere. After spraying down the door, mix a little dish soap with water in a bucket and thoroughly wash the door with a sponge. Once clean, rinse away all soap.
Wipe Down Door
Dry the door using a rag, making sure you wipe all nooks and crannies. Allow the door to fully air dry in the open position, as this will leave the gaps between the panels open for better drying. If painting a wood garage door, check for smoothness after drying to determine if you should sand once more.
Tape off Door
Once the door fully dries, tape off the door. This includes hardware, trim, windows, gaskets, and anything else you don’t wish to get paint on. To avoid hard-to-clean drips on the concrete, lay out a drop cloth.
Prime Panels
Stir your primer and pour a little into a handheld paint pail. Use an angled paintbrush to paint the inside details of each panel. Wipe any excess from the rails and stiles before moving onto the next panel.
Prime Stiles and Rails
Once the panels are primed, use a 6-inch roller frame fitted with a 3/8-inch nap roller to prime the rails and stiles. Work in small sections to maintain a wet edge. Let the primer dry with the garage door in the open position, so the cracks don’t dry together and seal shut.
Paint Door
Once the primer is dry, repeat the same painting process with the exterior paint. For the best end product, apply at least two coats of paint, allowing ample dry time between coats.
How to Maintain a Painted Garage Door
The best thing you can do for a painted garage door is to simply keep it clean and free of dirt. For areas with a lot of sun exposure, occasionally deep cleaning and recoating with exterior paint will ensure the finish stays pristine and prevent the need for a full refinish job in the future!
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