How to Paint a Garage Door
Make It Look Brand New Using Our Range of Exterior Paints
The garage door can sometimes be forgotten about when it comes to redecorating, but if you're looking to spruce up your home’s exterior it’s a great place to start. There are a few things to bear in mind when painting a garage door and we’re going to go through everything you need to know.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Exterior paint
- Metal paint primer
- Paint scraper
- Coarse sandpaper
- Sugar soap solution
- Dust sheet
- Paint roller & paint brush
- Masking tape
TOP TIP
To paint a garage door you’ll also need a dry day that is at least 10 degrees or above.
1.) PREPARE THE AREA
Before painting, there’s some prep that can be done to make the job easier and the final result more polished. Start by laying down the dust sheets so that any debris is easy to clear up and no paint ends up on the paving.
2.) PREPARE THE GARAGE DOOR FOR PAINTING
If your garage door has any old flaking paint, get rid of it using your paint scraper. Then, thoroughly rub down the whole door with a sheet of coarse sandpaper. Don’t forget to open the door to get the edges, too!
Not only will sandpapering help to dislodge any loose paint, it will also texturise the surface of the door to allow the new coat of paint to hold faster.
Once you’ve finished, use a sugar soap solution to clean the door. Once dried you should have a clear, smooth surface, ready for its first coat of paint.
3.) APPLY MASKING TAPE TO THE FIXTURES
Use masking tape to protect any fixtures on the garage door, including the handle and hinges.
4.) APPLY PAINT PRIMER
Although using a primer adds an extra step to the painting process, it’s well worth doing. Open the garage door and start by painting the edges that aren’t visible when the door is closed. It’s best to use a paint brush for these parts. Once the edges have dried, use a paint roller to apply primer to the main body of the door.
5.) APPLY THE FIRST COAT OF PAINT
As with the primer, begin by painting the edges of the door before moving on to the main body. Make sure to use a paint suitable for exterior metal surfaces for a finish that lasts and that can withstand different weather conditions.
Once you’ve finished and the paint has dried, assess whether it needs a second coat - either to fix patchiness or to ensure a deeper or more vibrant shade.
Want to learn the best way to paint your front door to go alongside your newly painted garage? Check out our blog for decor tips and guides.
