Can You Paint Garage Doors?
Yes, garage doors can be painted to fit your specific needs and preferences. The best method for painting your garage door depends heavily on the type of material your door is made of, along with other important factors.
Whether you’re looking to complement your home’s exterior and improve your home’s curb appeal, painting your garage doors can be a great choice.
In this guide, we’ll cover the following topics to show you how to get the best results:
Factors to Consider Before You Paint Garage Doors
Before getting started, you’ll want to take into account a few important factors:
- Condition: If your garage door is in good condition with no damage, you’re all set to begin the painting process. However, if your garage door is not in the best shape, don’t paint over the damage. Instead, we recommend fixing any defects first to restore its functionality.
- Existing paint: Any current paint on your garage door will need to be removed to prevent an uneven finish.
- Material: Your garage door’s material affects the type of paint you can use and how it must be applied. Steel, fiberglass, vinyl, and wood all require different types of paint and technique combinations to achieve the best results.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Garage Door Material
Be sure to buy the correct paint type for your door’s material by checking the manufacturer’s label. It should explicitly state the type of garage door material the paint can be used for.
The Process of Painting Your Garage Door
No matter what type of garage door you own, these eight steps are essential for painting it properly:
- If you can, plan your painting project during three consecutive days of cool weather (anywhere from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal). Paint tends to dry evenly and cleanly in these weather conditions.
- Check your garage door for any damage. If your garage door is compromised in any way, call a garage door repair service before painting.
- Remove any existing paint from your door to ensure a smooth, level surface. Remove any rusted areas on your garage door.
- Once the old paint has been removed, use a mild cleaner and soft cloth to clean your garage door, removing any loose dirt or debris. This will help the paint adhere to your door.
- Rinse your door, and let it air dry. Remove any excess water on the surface using a dry towel.
- Use painter’s tape to cover the areas of your garage door that you don’t want to paint (locks, handles, windows, etc.).
- Apply a primer that is appropriate for your garage door’s material. Allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.
- Paint your garage door using a paint type that’s suitable for your garage door’s material. Allow the first layer to dry for at least 12 hours. Apply a second coat as needed.
FAQ About Painting Garage Doors
How often should I repaint my garage door?
In general, you should repaint your garage door every 5 to 10 years. The exact frequency depends on a number of external factors, such as the weather conditions where you live and your garage door material type.
Can I paint my garage door a completely different color than it is now?
Yes. With the proper paint removal and priming techniques, you can make a seamless transition to a new paint color.
Do I need to remove my garage door window in order to paint my garage door?
Removing your garage door window is one option for painting your garage door. Another option is to cover the window and apply painter’s tape around the window frame to avoid getting paint on the frame or the glass.
What materials will I need in order to paint my garage door?
To paint your garage door like a pro, you will need paint rollers, a paintbrush or a paint sprayer, drop cloths, painter’s tape, electric sander or pressure washer, a paint tray, and a ladder.
Save Time, Effort, and Avoid the Mess
If you’d rather not invest the time and effort it takes to paint your garage door properly, you can avoid the mess by calling Precision Garage Door Service™. We offer a wide range of pre-painted garage doors that will save you the time and hassle of painting your old garage door yourself. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors, which will make upgrading the look of your garage door and home much easier. Need more information? Contact the Precision Garage Door Service professional nearest you.
