This small project will go a long way toward enhancing your home’s exterior. Talk about an open-and-shut case!
It’s simple to disregard your garage door as long as it rises and falls in response to commands. But the curb appeal of your home’s exterior greatly depends on this feature. It’s like letting your lawn go knee-high if you let it look run-down. Fortunately, a fresh coat of paint will prolong the lifespan of your garage door and enhance its appearance while also providing protection from the weather.
Consider launching your endeavor on a cool day.
The week before you want to start, check the weather. 50 to 75 degrees, low humidity, and indirect sunlight are the optimum conditions for painting. Pick three days in a row that roughly match these requirements.
Next, gather your supplies: The majority of garage doors today are constructed of aluminum, but if you have an older home, yours might be built of wood. Be sure to choose paint and primer (to increase adhesion and durability) appropriate for your specific garage door. Consult the professionals at your nearby paint store if you’re unsure what to buy. A two-car garage door should be able to be painted with a gallon of paint and still have some extra.
Before painting the garage door, remove any rust, wash the surface, and sand it.
Getting the garage door ready makes painting easier and more durable. You should first put on your safety gear, including your work gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles, before using a wire brush to scrub away any rusted or chipped areas.
To achieve a smooth base, sand these areas next with a fine-grit sandpaper. Using a sponge and all-purpose cleanser, scrub the surface well. After all the grime has been eliminated, give the door a thorough garden hose clean. After using clean towels or rags to dry the surface, allow it to air dry for at least an hour.
Use tape to conceal anything you don’t want to be painted.
Use heavy-duty painter’s tape to mask off any handles, locks, and windows in order to keep paint from getting on surfaces you don’t want it to. Tape off the trim if you don’t want to paint it, and tape off the garage’s edges if you will be painting the trim. By putting down a drop cloth inside and outside the door, you can safeguard the driveway and the garage’s interior.
The garage door should be configured to allow manual raising and lowering.
Painting while stooping is a recipe for back pain! To move the door more easily, disable the electric opening mechanism and lift the door until the bottom is at a comfortable height.
Apply an external paint primer to the garage door that is appropriate for the material of the door.
- Use a premium 2-inch paintbrush with nylon bristles to prime any inset panels on your garage door. Remove any debris that may have gotten inside the panels’ “stiles” or outside them. This will guarantee an incredibly smooth finish.
- The stiles should then be primed with a brush or a 34-inch roller. Don’t forget to reach the “lips” of the horizontal panels as well.
- As you proceed, lower the door, and for the top section, use a step stool or ladder to stand on.
- Trim last, then.
- Give primer at least 12 hours to dry.
garage door painted.
The door should be painted with high-quality external paint using the same technique as priming. From bottom to top, beginning with the inner panels and moving outward to the stiles.
As required, add a second coat of paint.
Take a step back and review your work now: You’re done if it appears that the surface is all covered! Apply a second layer if necessary to cover any uneven patches or areas where the original color peeks through; just wait at least 12 hours after the first coat has dried before doing so. After finishing, take off the tape, let the paint cure overnight, and then open the door.
Considerations for Safety
You should always wear a mask rated for fumes whenever you use paint and painting materials like brush cleaning, mineral spirits, and other such compounds. Additionally, eye protection should be worn when painting, especially when painting surfaces above eye level, as well as when sanding or chipping old paint.
Care Instructions for a Painted Garage Door
Keeping a painted garage door clean and free of debris is the best thing you can do for it. If the area receives a lot of sunlight, periodic deep cleaning and repainting with exterior paint will keep the finish flawless and keep you from having to do complete refinishing work.
Prior to starting
Choosing the incorrect paint is among the most frequent errors individuals make while painting a garage door. Vinyl, aluminum, wood, and other materials are used to make garage doors, so it’s crucial to get the right exterior paint for the job.
Check the manufacturer’s label carefully before making a purchase to make sure you’re getting the right paint and primer for the project.
The weather should be checked before painting. Two to three days of moderate temperatures, no rain, and low humidity are what you should prepare for.
It is essential to refer to the label on your particular paint for details regarding the appropriate painting environment. Keep in mind that flat surfaces, particularly metal ones like garage doors, will frequently be hotter than the ambient temperature.
Paint in the proper circumstances
Repainting garage doors should be done when the weather is ideal. Try to paint on a day that is warm and dry since weather conditions, whether they are too hot or cold, might impact the paint job.
If it’s too hot, the door can expand, which would make it difficult for the paint to adhere to the surface effectively. For even coverage, a second coat of paint may be required; however, give the first coat enough time to dry before applying the second.
Even if you can paint your garage door yourself, if you don’t have the necessary time or confidence, it might not be the best option for you. Many homeowners decided against repainting and instead bought a new garage door.
