Factors to Consider Before Painting Your Garage Door
Disclaimer: The painting instructions provided in this guide are general recommendations for various garage door materials. If you have a Forest Garage Doors product, we strongly advise contacting our office before proceeding, as our manufacturers have specific painting guidelines to ensure the best results and maintain warranty coverage. Our team can provide you with the correct instructions tailored to your specific garage door model.
1. Garage Door Condition
Before painting, inspect your garage door for any damage such as dents, rust, peeling paint, or cracks. If your garage door is in rough shape, it’s best to make necessary repairs first. Painting over imperfections will only make them more noticeable over time.
However, in some cases, painting may not be the best option. If your garage door has extensive rust, severe warping, structural damage, or broken panels, it may be more cost-effective to replace the door entirely, or at the very least replace single garage door panels. Additionally, if your garage door is over 20 years old and requires frequent repairs, investing in a new, energy-efficient model could provide better long-term value and curb appeal.
2. Material Matters
Different garage door materials require specific types of paint and preparation:
- Steel & Aluminum: Requires rust-resistant primer and exterior acrylic latex paint.
- Wood: Needs a high-quality exterior wood primer and paint or stain.
- Vinyl: Requires a paint specifically formulated for vinyl surfaces to prevent peeling and warping. Note: Please contact us for specific instructions if you are painting one of our overlay doors as not only do they require special paint, but the paint’s LRV (light reflective value) must be considered.
- Fiberglass: Needs an acrylic-based paint that adheres well to slick surfaces.
3. Existing Paint & Coating
If your garage door was previously painted, you’ll need to remove loose or peeling paint and sand down glossy surfaces to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Weather Conditions
Paint adheres best in temperatures between 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or during rainy weather to ensure even drying and a smooth finish.
Picking the Right Color
Save yourself some time and stress by having a strategy for picking the right color before you paint your garage door. If it just needs a fresh coat, then it’s easy to refresh the existing color. If you can’t find an exact match, choose a color as close to the original as possible. This will make it much easier to cover.
Another tip is to choose a color that complements the design of your home. Use color theory and the complementary color wheel to help you find the perfect match. For example, if your home is a shade of blue, choosing a color on the opposite side of the wheel is a great way to create high contrast and impact.
Don’t forget to consider the bigger picture. Take a look at your home from the street so that you’re able to fully think about how the color you choose will affect the curb appeal. From an architectural point of view, the color you pick will help make certain areas of your home stand out. Even if you’re refreshing what’s already there, reviving the paint could make a big difference.
How to Paint Your Garage Door: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To achieve a professional finish, you’ll need:
- All-purpose cleaner and sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Sandpaper (80-220 grit)
- Wire brush (for metal doors)
- Rust-inhibitive primer (for metal doors)
- Exterior primer (for all other materials)
- High-quality exterior paint
- Paintbrushes (angled sash and flat sash)
- Paint roller and tray
- Ladder
- Gloves, safety glasses, and mask
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
- Clean the garage door thoroughly using an all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and grime. For mildew, use a mixture of ¼ cup trisodium phosphate (TSP), ¼ cup bleach, and 1 gallon of water.
- Rinse with water and let it dry completely.
- Sand any rough areas and remove any loose paint.
- For metal doors, scrub rust spots with a wire brush and apply a rust-inhibitive primer.
Step 3: Protect Surrounding Areas
- Cover the driveway and nearby surfaces with drop cloths.
- Use painter’s tape to cover windows, handles, trim, and hardware.
How to Paint Metal Garage Doors
- Choose a cool, dry day for painting.
- Clean the door thoroughly and let it dry for at least an hour.
- Tape off any windows, hardware, and weather stripping for clean lines.
- Apply a metal primer using a spray-on variety or liquid applied with a paintbrush.
- Let the primer dry completely before applying your exterior metal paint.
- Apply two coats of metal-safe paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.
How to Stain Wood Garage Doors
- Sand the wood to remove existing stain or paint.
- Rub the stain into the wood with a dry cloth, bristle brush, or foam brush.
- Use long, continuous strokes for even application.
- Wait about five minutes and wipe away the excess stain.
- Allow the stain to dry for about four hours before applying additional coats.
- Finish with a polyurethane sealant for protection.
How to Spray Paint Fiberglass Garage Doors
- Clean the surface with dish soap and let it dry completely.
- Use 400-grit sandpaper to remove chipped paint and smooth the surface.
- Wipe the fiberglass with a tack cloth.
- Apply a coat of primer before painting, using a paint sprayer gun.
- Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours.
- Apply an acrylic spray paint, letting it fully dry before applying additional coats.
Step 4: Remove Painter’s Tape & Clean Up
- Carefully remove painter’s tape before the paint fully dries to avoid peeling.
- Clean brushes and rollers with soap and water (for latex paint) or mineral spirits (for oil-based paint).
- Let the door cure for 24-48 hours before using it.
FAQs About Painting Garage Doors
Typically, every 5-10 years, depending on weather exposure and paint quality
Yes! Just ensure you prime it properly if making a dramatic color change.
No, but cover them with painter’s tape and plastic sheeting.
Yes, but you’ll need a high-quality paint sprayer and careful masking of nearby surfaces to prevent overspray.
Custom Factory-Painted Garage Doors
Looking for a professionally painted garage door without the hassle? At Forest Garage Doors, we offer custom factory-painted garage doors in a variety of colors to match your home’s aesthetic perfectly. Our factory-applied finish ensures a flawless, durable, and long-lasting coat that outperforms traditional DIY painting. Whether you want a unique color, a specific finish, or a high-end look, we can customize your door to your exact specifications.
Final Thoughts
Painting your garage door is an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. By using the right tools, techniques, and paint, you can ensure a long-lasting and professional-looking finish. However, if your garage door is outdated or in need of repair, consider upgrading to a high-quality, pre-finished garage door from Forest Garage Doors. Contact us today to explore your options!
