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Table of Contents
How to Paint Garage Doors
A Step by Step Guide on How to Paint Garage Doors
1. Hand Painting Garage Doors
Garage doors can comprise a significant percentage of your property’s exterior, inevitably this means that they are an integral feature of your home, and the look of your garage door will impact your property.
Due to their location, however, they can begin to demonstrate signs of wear and tear over time because they are often subjected to changing temperatures, unpredictable weather conditions as well as frequent usage.
As far as maintaining the appearance of your house is concerned, it is essential that your garage doors are kept in excellent condition. If you’ve been wondering what you can do about this, then look no further than this useful step-by-step guide.
Painting your garage doors is an incredibly effective solution, and some coats of paint can do wonders when it comes to transforming the appeal and impact of your property overall.
2. What Do I Need To Paint A Garage Door?
First and foremost, you should ensure that you have the necessary equipment before you begin painting. The following checklist covers everything you will need to successfully paint your garage doors.
3. Equipment List | Tools & Materials
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint
Roller
2.5 inch Paintbrush
Masking
Tape
Step
Ladder
Sponge
Soapy
Solution
Sandpaper
Dust
Sheets
Face
Mask
Primer
Paint
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint Roller
2.5 inch
Paintbrush
Masking
Tape
Step
Ladder
Sponge
Soapy
Solution
Sandpaper
Dust
Sheets
Face Mask
Primer
Paint
Vacuum with
Brush Head
Paint Roller
2.5 inch
Paintbrush
Masking
Tape
Step
Ladder
Sponge
Soapy
Solution
Sandpaper
Dust
Sheets
Face
Mask
Primer
Paint
4. Planning Ahead
Waiting for the right weather conditions is absolutely essential. The reason for this is because if the temperature is too hot or too cold, or it is raining or too humid, then the paint won’t dry properly and all of your hard work will be wasted. By choosing a pleasant and dry day, when it is no colder than 10 degrees, you can ensure that you’re painting in the optimal conditions.
Before gathering your supplies, it is also worthwhile to check that they are right for the material your garage doors are made from. Painting wood or metal garage doors is quite common and relatively straightforward, whilst uPVC garage doors aren’t necessarily manufactured to be painted but they can be.
A bare wooden door will have to be primed first before applying an exterior wood paint. If it has been painted before then you don’t have to prime. A bare metal door, on the other hand, will require a metal primer before it is coated with a specialist metal paint. The same applies to uPVC doors, which will typically need to be primed and then painted with specially formulated materials.
Once you have the necessary materials and the weather is right, you can begin!
5. Step-by-Step Process | How-To
Prepare The Surface
To prepare your garage door, you should thoroughly clean the surface. Lay down some sheets and then wear your mask and goggles in order to protect yourself from the dust. With a scraper, remove as much of the old paint as you can.
Once you have done this, rub the door with some coarse sandpaper until it is as smooth as possible. This is an important step because any dust, grease or dirt will prevent the paint from adhering to the surface properly.
Clean The Door
Brush the area surrounding your garage doors, including the frame and the ground underneath it, to make sure that no debris, dust or cobwebs contaminate the wet paint.
Using the sugar soap solution and the sponge, wash your door in order to remove any last traces of grease or stains. Then hose down the door and give it enough time to completely dry before you begin painting.
Protecting Furniture and Fixtures
This step is the perfect opportunity for you to lay down dust sheets and cover any furniture and fixtures such as door handles and door runners with masking tape.
Later on when you have finished painting and whilst it is still wet, you can simply remove any protective coverings without having to spend too much time cleaning up afterwards.
Priming (If Necessary)
This step only applies if your garage door is bare wood, metal or uPVC. If it is, then the first coat will have to be a primer which is formulated for the specific material you are painting on.
With a brush or a roller, apply the primer in up and down motions so that you can cover every nook and cranny. Depending on the materials and the conditions, you may have to wait for several hours until the primer has thoroughly dried.
Painting The Frame
Generally, it is recommended that you begin with painting the frame and any edges which are not visible when your garage door is closed. For this, you will have to open your garage door and carefully apply the paint with a brush.
Once the edges are dry, you can close the door and begin painting the entire surface of the door. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overload the paintbrush/roller or use too much paint at once, otherwise it will begin dripping down your door.
Applying The First Coat
Apply the first coat of paint in the same way that you applied the primer, with broad strokes which flow from top to bottom. This minimises the risk of any unsightly brushstrokes, drips and uneven coverage.
Since garage doors have a fairly large surface area, you might want to use a foam roller for faster application and a smooth finish. Of course, if your garage door has any panels or glass, then you’ll want to paint around these areas with a brush.
What’s more, you should begin painting the top corner of the door and work your way across and then downwards, this helps with avoiding blemishes and missed patches in your paintwork.
Applying The Second Coat
This step may be optional in some cases. Many paint manufacturers claim that only one coat is required, but it is always advised that you check the first coat once it has dried in order to assess the coverage, saturation and finish.
Usually, painting a second coat is a good way to elevate the appearance of your garage door even more, as well as protect it better from the elements. Before applying a second coat, however, always leave the first coat to dry for the time specified on the paint tin.
7. A Simple and Effective Solution
Overall, painting your garage door should take a couple of days as long as the weather conditions are pleasant and you have all of the necessary equipment. Approximately, painting a single garage door yourself will cost around £70, whilst for a double garage door it will be in the region of £150.
It is a more than a worthwhile investment, however, considering just how much of an impact it will have on not only the longevity and appearance of your garage door, but the aesthetic value and curb appeal of your entire property as well.
8. Spray Painting Your Garage Door
Spray Painting your garage door is quick and easy, it will achieve a perfect coat and finish, with long-lasting results and paintwork guaranteed for ten years.
You will have the ability to select from a range of colours and finishes to suit your style find out more.
For further information or a free quote, get in touch with one of our expert team members, simply call the number below or fill in your details and we will give you a call.
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