How to Paint a Garage Door: Your Complete DIY Tutorial

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How to Paint a Garage Door: Your Complete DIY Tutorial

So long as your garage door opens and shuts on command, it’s a common part of the home that people tend to ignore or even forget about. Ultimately, this leads to neglect, and every homeowner knows how neglect can affect your curb appeal.

Essentially, it’s the same as failing to mow your lawn or clean your windows. It lets the rest of your home down, no matter how modern it is on the inside.

Here’s a simple guide on how to paint a garage door to keep your curb appeal on-point.

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Paint a Garage Door

The great news is that there’s nothing a lick of paint cannot solve- unless you need a major garage door repair.

Not only does a fresh coat of paint enhance the appeal of a curb-front garage, but it also offers protection from the elements and extends its lifespan.

But like any outdoor paintwork, this job is a time-eater, so you’ll need to set aside at least two-three days to complete a thorough job. Other than that, the process is pretty simple.

Step One: Plan the Task Appropriately

By appropriately, we mean check the weather forecast before you go about cleaning, priming, and painting your garage door!

Ideally, you want to begin your project with little-to-no chance of rain and a milder temperature. Shoot for a day or two with temperatures ranging from 50-75 degrees and a little cloud coverage.

Step Two: Gather Materials

This step depends on the condition of your garage door. If it doesn’t need any major repair, then select paint and primer to promote durability and adhesion. The type of primer and paint you go for also depends on the material of your door.

Whether your garage door is aluminum, wood, or PVC, be sure to double-check with the paint experts at your local hardware if you aren’t too sure. Bear in mind that a gallon of paint should be enough for a two-door garage, with a little to spare.

Step Three: Prepare Your Garage Door

It’s super important to prepare the garage door before priming and painting so that your paint job hold up well to the elements.

Don your protective gear such work gloves and safety goggles and remove any spots of rust, chipped paint, dirt, and other debris. You’ll then need to sand down these rough, damaged areas for a smooth base.

Your final step here is to wash down the door(s) with an all-purpose cleaner and soft sponge, then rinse with a garden hose. Leave it to air dry before priming.

Step Four: Prime Your Garage Door

If your garage door is comprised of panels, as most doors are, you must prime the inset panels first. Use a two-inch paintbrush for this with nylon bristles.

Once this is complete, move onto the stiles using the same brush- don’t forget about the inserts or ”lips” of the horizontal door panels too.

You may need to lower the door as you go so you can easily reach each panel section until you reach the top of the door. Save the garage door trim for last. You must let the primer set for at least 12 hours before moving onto the paint.

Step Five: Paint Your Garage Door 

Once the primer dries, move onto painting your door with high-quality all-weather paint. Follow the same painting method as you did when priming the door- begin from the bottom and work your way to the top.

Remember to begin painting the inner panels of the door first, working your way outward towards the door stiles. Once you have completed your first coat of paint, take a step back and assess your work. Do you need another coat? Does it look uneven and streaky?

If so, you’ll need to apply another coat, but make sure to leave the first coat to dry for 12 hours before applying the second coat.

Find Home and Lifestyle Inspiration

Now that you know how to paint a garage door, find color and style inspiration for your home’s exterior by exploring the rest of this website.

Check back on the regular for home DIY, cleaning, decor, and design tips.

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