Tools and Materials
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Painting Your Garage Door
Here’s a general overview for painting a typical garage door. Keep in mind that your instructions may vary depending on your door and the tools and materials you use. Always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions on all products.
Step 1: Prepare the Work Space
Before you begin, check the weather forecast and plan for a day with no rain and mild weather. Temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are the ideal range. Move vehicles, tools and outdoor furniture away from the work area. If you have an automatic garage door opener, disconnect the power and pull the safety release chain to open the door manually.
Always disconnect the power to a garage door opener before working on or near an automatic garage door opener.
Step 2: Sand and Clean the Garage Door
A clean surface ensures your primer and paint adhere properly, giving you a smoother, longer-lasting finish. If you have a metal or composite garage door, begin by sanding the existing paint away to create a smooth surface that the new paint can adhere to.
After sanding, apply an exterior cleaner and degreaser using a pressure washer on the appropriate setting to remove dirt and residue. Allow the cleaner to remain on the garage door surface for the recommended amount of time, then use the pressure washer to rinse the solution away. Let the garage door surface dry completely.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the cleaner. Wear the appropriate safety gear, such as cleaning gloves and safety goggles, when sanding and using a pressure washer.
Step 3: Cover Any Surrounding Surfaces
Use painters tape, masking paper and plastic sheeting to cover siding, trim and the driveway. Double-check that any windows, light fixtures and nearby plants are covered before painting. Remove any locks or door hardware.
Step 4: Prime the Garage Door
Before painting, it’s best to use a primer. Even if your paint includes primer, using a separate primer coat underneath helps protect the garage door against UV rays and improves paint durability. It’s also important to wear coveralls, a respirator, safety goggles, cleaning gloves and any other protective gear the manufacturer recommends when operating a paint sprayer.
Stir the primer and load it into the airless paint sprayer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hold the sprayer about 12 inches from the surface and move side to side in long, even passes. Be sure to overlap each stroke by at least 50 percent and “feather out” the spray at the end of each pass to blend strokes seamlessly. If the spray isn’t covering correctly, adjust the PSI setting accordingly. Keep a consistent distance to avoid streaks or uneven coverage.
If your garage door rolls up in sections, start spraying at the top and lift the door as you go, so you can keep spraying each section at eye level. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours or as long as the manufacturer recommends. Clean and dry the paint sprayer.
If you’ve never used a paint sprayer before, it’s a good idea to practice using a large piece of cardboard, so you can learn the correct motions for even coverage. For help with using this convenient, time-saving tool, see our how-to video.
Step 5: Paint the Garage Door
Once the primer is fully dry, stir the paint and load it into the sprayer. Apply the first coat in overlapping strokes for consistent coverage, just as you did with the primer. Let the paint dry per the manufacturer’s instructions — typically 2–4 hours. Apply a second coat for added protection and color depth. Allow the second coat to dry completely before operating the door. This may take 24 hours or more.
Look for a fade-resistant exterior paint and primer to guard against the elements and extreme sun exposure.
Step 6: Clean Up and Reattach the Hardware
Remove the tape and masking materials carefully. Reattach the door hardware, reconnect the power and check that the door opens and closes smoothly. Clean the paint sprayer and allow it to dry.
Maintenance Tips
- Wash your garage door a few times per year to prevent dirt buildup.
- Touch up chips or scratches as soon as you notice them.
- Repaint every 5–7 years, depending on your climate and sun exposure.
- If your garage door has rust, structural damage such as warped panels, or electrical problems, contact a professional for service.
Recap and Key Takeaways: How to Paint a Garage Door
- Prep for success: Choose a mild, dry day between 50–85 degrees Fahrenheit and clear your workspace.
- Disconnect power: Always unplug or disable automatic garage door openers before starting work.
- Clean thoroughly: Wash the door with a cleaner and degreaser, then rinse and let it dry completely.
- Protect nearby areas: Mask off siding, trim, and driveways using painters tape and masking paper and/or plastic sheeting
- Prime first: Apply an even coat of exterior primer using an airless paint sprayer and let it dry for 24 hours.
- Apply paint: Use long, overlapping strokes with a high-quality exterior paint.
- Finish strong: Add a second coat for durability, remove masking materials and reattach hardware.
- Maintain the look: Wash the door periodically and touch up chips or scratches as needed.
- Safety reminder: For rust, structural or electrical issues, call a pro before painting.
Ready to Paint Your Garage Door?
It’s easy to repaint your own garage door with helpful, detailed step-by-step instructions as well as the right tools and materials from Lowe’s. Here are some popular product categories Lowe’s DIYers rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions Lowe’s customers often have when planning to paint a garage door.
Do I Need to Remove the Old Paint First?
Yes, you should sand and clean the garage door before painting it.
Can I Use a Roller Instead of a Sprayer?
Yes, you can paint your garage door using a paintbrush or roller. However, a paint sprayer provides faster, more even coverage, especially on textured or paneled doors.