How to Paint a Garage Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

For every homeowner, the garage isn't the first place to paint or make it look aesthetic. However, being an important space of your home property, you need to work on it. When we talk about the garage, the garage door is what creates the first impression. A well-painted garage door helps you get the best look for the space, and when you use the right step, the paint creates an aesthetic look.

But how do you paint a garage door? Well, this is an important question that comes to mind. This article will tell you how to paint the exterior of a garage door using simple instructions and excellent advice that can help you get a smooth finish and quicken your painting process. We'll look at how to paint metal garage doors, as well as several painting procedures.

Tools Required to Paint a Door

Before we get into how to paint a garage door, let us check what tools are required to paint a door. Preparation is the key to completing this job. So, having a list of tools ready will help you do the job correctly.

• Dust sheets

• Step ladder

• Mask

• Goggles

• Flat scraper

• Coarse sandpaper

• Sugar soap

• Sponge & bucket

• Masking or painter's tape

• Paint brush/ roller

• Cleaning Solution

• Safety gloves

• Primer 

Steps on How to Paint a Garage Door

To get the best results out of the paint, choose a dry day with temperatures above 10 degrees; otherwise, the paint won't last for long. If you're painting a brand-new door, it will have a primer coat, so you don't have to work on the primer again.

Remove the Old Paint

The very first step to begin painting is to remove the old paint. Starting with this painting process will help you keep the garage door paint-free and create a smooth surface. First, lay down your dust sheet and put on your mask and goggles to avoid any dust falling on you. There will be signs of wear and tear, so begin removing it with the flat scraper.

Preparing the Surface

The next step is to prepare the surface of the garage door. Garage doors that are finely cleaned and have smooth surfaces carry strong painting elements. You can do this by thoroughly cleaning it with soap and water to remove dirt and grime, then lightly sanding it to create a smooth texture. This helps in removing all the loose paint and rust from the door. Use a wire brush designed for the door material. It will help create a proper base to paint it easily later.

Protecting the Surrounding Area

Even if you have used dust sheets on the floor, protecting hinges and other sections of the garage door is essential. Use masking or decorator tape to help protect the entire door. It is vital to follow this step before you start with primer.

Apply Primer

Now comes the critical step of applying the primer to the door. If painting on bare wood, apply two primer coats, allowing the first to dry until touch-dry, and let it cure for 24 hours. To get the best result, you can start painting the front door from top to bottom. Then you can head for the exterior paint,

 Start Painting the Door

Once the primer is dry, start painting the door. If you have a metal garage door, you can start with the topcoat for better results. However, ensure the weather is relatively dry for the day. Paint the exterior and interior of the door. To get the best result, apply two coats of paint and let it dry for a couple of days.

Remove the Tape

Once you are done with two coats of paint, remove the dust sheet and tape from the door. Ensure there are no signs of sheeting on the door. Once you remove the tape, let it dry for a day or two.

Key Takeaways

Since we have covered how to paint a garage door, you can now go ahead and get the door painted using DIY techniques. The process may look time-consuming, but it is satisfactory if done with perfection and using the right materials. The goal here is to upgrade the overall look of the garage door and the space itself.

Having top-quality, smooth surfaces on internal and external doors is a good investment. Emerald Doors has a good collection of internal doors and external doors at a reasonable rate.

FAQs on Painting a Garage Door  

Here are some frequently asked questions about painting a garage door to help you understand the best techniques.

1) What kind of paint do you use on garage doors?

Ans: Depending on the type of garage doors you have, using exterior acrylic latex or oil-based paint designed for metal or wood surfaces is considered apt. Make sure the paint is weather-resistant and flexible to withstand temperature changes.

2) Is it better to paint a garage door with a brush or roller?

Ans: Both bring equal benefits for painting a garage door. A roller helps in getting a smoother door finish, while a brush helps in getting a detailed finish. You can even combine both.

3) What is the best paint for a garage?

Ans: There are different options, but exterior acrylic latex paint is the best for garage doors. This paint offers durability, weather resistance, and flexibility.

4) How long will a painted garage door last?

Ans: If you follow the right steps with proper surface cleaning, primer coating, and two-coat painting, it will stay for many years.

5) How do I get paint off my peeling garage door?

Ans: You can use a paint scraper that will work to remove peeling paint. Sand the surface, then apply a primer before repainting for a smooth finish.