Your garage door is likely the first thing you see when you leave and return home. If it’s looking dull, rusty or in need of a touchup, painting your garage door might do the trick. Learn everything you need to know about painting your garage door in our guide.
Can You Paint a Garage Door?
Yes, you can paint garage doors. Painting is a viable option if your garage door is dull and you want a new look. It’s a quick and relatively easy way to achieve your desired design. However, if your garage door is too old, painting might not do the trick, as you may need to replace it. In this case, you can repurpose your garage door by painting over it and displaying it as custom artwork or using it as a chalkboard or headboard.
Whether you have a metal, wood or vinyl door, you can paint over it without problems. A unique paintwork or a neutral tone can greatly improve curb appeal and make your yard stand out.
What Are the Best Practices for Painting a Garage Door?
To get the best results when you paint your garage door, you’ll want to use the right paint and materials and consider the weather.
What Is the Best Paint to Use?
Choosing the best paint for your garage door is essential, as some may not be suitable for certain materials. For example, if you have a metal door, you should use metal garage door paint like acrylic latex paint so it adheres properly and gives you a flat finish. If you have a steel door, you wouldn’t want to apply an oil-based paint as it could take much longer to dry. Make sure the paint you choose is compatible with your door’s material.
Additionally, no matter the type of garage door you have, you should always prime it before you paint to get a flawless look and make the color pop.
Does Weather Affect the Paint Job?
The weather needs to be cool and dry for the perfect paint job. Check the forecast for at least two consecutive days to ensure suitable conditions. If it rains, it may wash away some of the paint and leave you with a rough finish. Hot, humid weather can cause certain areas to dry quickly, which results in a patchy look.
What Materials Do You Need?
Create a checklist before you start painting so you can have everything you need within reach. Here are some of the materials and tools you may require:
- Paintbrush
- Primer and suitable exterior paint
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Respirator mask
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Wire brush
- Step ladder
How to Paint Your Garage Door
Painting a garage door is easy once you have the right tools, paint and weather. Here’s a general overview of how to do it:
- Apply the primer across the garage door with a brush. Make strokes from top to bottom for a smooth and even finish.
- Once the primer is dry, mix the paint in a bucket.
- Using a suitable brush, paint each panel, starting with the recessed areas and moving inward.
- Once you’ve painted all the panels, you can wipe away any excess paint that may have smudged onto the stiles.
- Paint around the entire perimeter of the door, creating about a 3-inch-wide section.
- Pour the excess paint into a tray and use a roller to paint the stiles around the perimeter of each panel until there are no gaps.
Remember to apply your painter’s tape in areas you don’t want to paint and remove it once the job is complete.
How to Paint Your Garage Door Frame
Learning how to paint your garage door frame can give your garage door that new look in just two easy steps:
- Paint the inside of the frame, starting from the edge of the door and working outwards.
- Once you’ve covered the entire door frame, wipe away any excess that may have smudged on the trim.
How to Paint Your Garage Door Trim
Reviving your trim is one of the best garage door painting ideas. It allows you to add a splash of color to your garage door without painting the whole thing, giving your property plenty of added curb appeal. Here’s how to paint the trim:
- Start at the top corner and paint the side edge of the trim. Stop at the point where it meets the wall.
- Dip the brush back into the paint to ensure it’s wet enough for clean strokes.
- Paint the face of the trim and continue until you’ve touched up all the gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about garage door painting and our expert answers:
Is It Worth It to Paint My Garage Door?
If your garage door works perfectly, but you just want a fresh look, it’s worth painting it. However, if your garage door is damaged in any way, painting it won’t fix it. In that case, it’s best to have it repaired or replaced by a professional.
Will Painting My Garage Door Damage It?
Painting your garage door will not damage it, but don’t paint over it if it needs to be repaired. Doing so would be a waste of paint, and it may cover up the cause of the damage, making it hard to repair.
What Is the Best Paint for a Metal Garage Door?
Oil-based and acrylic paints are ideal for metal doors. They’re typically water resistant, which prevents rust and can be a game-changer for humid and coastal areas.
What Is the Best Paint for a Wood Garage Door?
Acrylic paints are ideal for wooden doors. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can wear wood down, and these paints repel them. Acrylic also dries quicker and provides a shinier finish.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Garage Door?
The cost depends on the supplies you need and the type of garage door you have. Typically, you can expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars or more. If your door is old or you want a different garage door look that paint can’t achieve, it may save you more money to replace the door with a newer model.
Speak to a Professional at BlackHawk Garage Door
Are you unsure whether to paint your garage door or replace it with a new one? At BlackHawk Garage Door, we’re here to help. Reach out to one of our garage door experts to receive knowledgeable advice about replacing your garage door with our selection of doors from the industry’s top dealers.
Additionally, we provide reliable garage door repair services to help you keep your garage door in top shape. Whether your door is dented or has an issue with the tracks, leaving repairs to the professionals is the safest option, and our team is ready to get your door back in working order.
Request an estimate today to get started!
