As your garage door is most likely the largest exterior feature of your home, you’ll want to ensure it is well kept. As the door ages, it can begin to become faded or maybe no longer fit in with the rest of your home’s outdoor aesthetics. A relatively easy way to spruce it up and keep it in-sync with the rest of your home is to give it some fresh paint! This can keep your garage door looking great for a number of years to come.
Why Paint Your Garage Door?
- Up your curb appeal
A garage door with fresh paint will instantly improve the overall look of your home. Whether you are looking to simply have a more polished, appealing look or you are wanting to sell, a new paint job will transform the look of your garage door and home.
- Protection from the elements
Garage doors are constantly exposed to outdoor elements such as the sun, rain, snow and ice and paint can act as a protective barrier. Paint can help with protecting your door from moisture and UV rays which can ultimately save you money on repairs.
- Durability
A quality paint job using good quality paint can help to prevent rust, peeling, and fading. This can extend the lifespan of your door, particularly if your garage door is made of either wood or metal.
How to Prepare Your Garage Door for Paint
To get a smooth and long-lasting finish, there are some steps you will need to take.
- Surface clean
You’ll want to begin by surface cleaning your garage door. You can use a mild detergent or degreaser to remove any dirt or grime stuck to the surface of your door. If your door is very dirty, it can be a good idea to use a power washer. Once your door is clean, you will want to be sure that it is dry before continuing with the next steps.
- Check for any damage
Have a careful look over your entire door to check for any signs of damage such as rust, dents or cracks. If you have a wooden door, you should check for rot or warping. If any of these issues are present, it will be important to address these before painting. Rust on metal doors can be sanded and a rust-inhibitor applied. For wooden doors, wood filler can be used to fill any cracks and then sanded down.
- Sand the surface
Sanding the surface of your garage door will help the paint to adhere better to it. Use a fine grit sandpaper on metal doors to smooth out and remove any rust or on wood doors sand to remove any old paint and create a smooth surface.
- Tape off areas
Use painter’s tape on any areas that you do not want to paint such as hardware, trims or windows. This will prevent accidental splatter and help achieve clean lines.
Tools and Paint
Using the right type of paint and tools will create a professional look and ensure your paint job is long lasting.
- Paint type
Select a paint of high quality for exterior use that is designed for use on garage doors. If you are painting a metal door you should use a paint that is rust resistant. Acrylic latex paint is a good choice for both metal and wood doors. It is known to be durable, easy to clean and resistant to fading.
- Paint finish
Satin or semi-gloss paint finishes are a great choice for garage doors as they are easy to wipe clean. This is important because the surface of your door is regularly exposed to dirt.
- Tools
Use a paint roller for covering large, flat surfaces and a brush for detailing around edges and hardware. If you have a door with intricate design, a paint sprayer may be best.
Painting Your Door
After prepping your garage door and gathering the necessary materials and tools, you can get started on the actual painting process.
- Prime
Begin with using a primer. This will provide a base for the paint colour and will also help the paint adhere better.
- Paint with your choice of colour
Once the primer is fully dry, you can begin to paint. Start from the top and work your way down using even strokes and make sure you allow enough time for each coat to dry before applying the next one.
- Touch up
Inspect the door after the final coat is fully dry to determine if any touch ups are needed. Also, carefully clean up any splatters on windows or hardware.
Painting your garage door is a fairly simple process that can make a huge difference to the appearance of your garage door and home. Your newly painted garage door will provide your home with a sleek, updated look. Just the right tools, a little prep and some of your time will make all the difference!