Treat the finish of your garage door the way you treat the rest of the home’s exterior. You want to preserve the structure so it continues to serve you. However, you also want to make it look good so it adds to the appearance and value of the property. As with any painting project, there are specific steps to use when repainting a garage door. The first is really more than a step. It’s a process in itself.
That process can be summarized in one word: preparation. You’ll need to devote some time to making sure the surface of the door is ready to receive paint. Such work should be done on a day that is a bit milder. Don’t try to paint when it’s too hot or too cold, and avoid working in direct sunlight. Your paint may dry too fast and may not cover as well in direct sunlight.
Thorough Cleaning
Make sure you remove flakes and loose paint, then wipe away dust and loose debris. You should then scrub the door from top to bottom, making sure you reach into the corners of the surface. Use mild soap and a sponge or cloth, and then rinse the surface completely with a hose. It may even help to blot the excess moisture with a dry cloth. Give the surface a close inspection to make sure it’s completely dry.
Put down a good drop cloth so you won’t have to clean up spilled/dripped paint from the concrete or paved driveway. A sheet of plastic or an old blanket will work just fine. Before opening paint, tape off areas that won’t be painted. Use a good painter’s tape for this purpose to protect walls of the house where the door meets those walls. You’ll save a lot of time when you don’t have to clean and scrape later. Use a wider roll to make sure you don’t get paint where it doesn’t belong.
When selecting paint, be sure you know what material the door is made from. Is it aluminum, steel, or wood? You should talk to your paint supplier about this factor to make sure you get the right finish for the surface. Of course, you’ll want paint that is for exterior use. The color or shade you choose depends on what look you’re trying to achieve. For example, do you want white or pearl to contrast with the color of the home’s exterior?
In the Prime
When selecting paint, talk to your supplier. They’ll help you choose a good primer, which gives the finishing coat a smooth surface to stick to. This will help your final finish last longer. One coat should be sufficient, but don’t get in a hurry to put on a finish coat; your primer should be dry to the touch first. It’s best to wait about 12 hours before starting the final coat.
You can use a roller for your finishing coat, though we prefer to spray. You may need two coats to get the best appearance. Make sure you allow 24 hours for the paint to dry thoroughly before you use the door.