Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Paint a Garage Door

Age and the elements can wreak havoc on your garage door, yet it’s easy to overlook this area when planning home improvements. With a little prep work, a good primer and the right can of paint, a garage door makeover can add to your home’s beauty and value. Whether your garage door is a sectional, tilt-up canopy or tilt-up retractable, you only need a few materials and a little know-how to transform it into a showstopper. Choose a separate primer and paint or opt for an all-in-one paint and primer like this one, called Free Wheeling, shown above.

Shop Paint Shop Paint Supplies Shop Garage Doors

Before You Begin Painting

There are a few key things to consider before you begin your garage door painting project.

Preparing to Prime and Paint a Garage Door

Select exterior primer and paint that are suitable for the door’s material.

Aluminum: Select an oil-based primer and an oil-based or 100% acrylic exterior latex paint.

Wood: Select a latex- or oil-based primer and latex exterior paint.

Fiberglass: Select an oil-based primer and an oil-based or 100% acrylic exterior latex paint.

Steel: Select a primer designed for metal and 100% acrylic latex exterior paint.

Good to Know

1 gallon each of primer and paint should provide adequate coverage for a two-door garage. Plan to use a second gallon of each if you’re painting a light color over an existing dark color.

Allow at least 12 hours for the primer to dry completely before painting or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for proper drying time.

Our guides can help you choose the right type of paint as well as the perfect color to complement your home.

Make sure the weather forecast in your area calls for two or three rain-free days with moderate to low humidity and temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Ideally, to prevent dew from forming on painted surfaces and causing the water in the paint to evaporate slowly, nighttime temperatures shouldn’t drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Paint requires several days to cure, so plan for this before you begin painting.

Examine the garage door for any damage. If you’ll be painting over existing paint, remove any peeling, flaked, blistered or cracked paint with a paint scraper. Wear eye protection and a respirator when scraping and sanding.

If your garage door is wood, fill any cracks or holes with wood filler. Remove any old primer and/or paint using a power sander with 50- to 100-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding block for smaller patches.

Caution

Paint on homes built before 1978 may contain lead. Check with your local health department or the Environmental Protection Agency if you have questions or concerns about lead paint.

Paint adheres better to a clean surface. Before applying any primer or paint, use soapy water and a sponge, washcloth or brush to thoroughly clean the door to remove dirt and debris. Rinse the door well with a garden hose and allow it to fully dry before proceeding.

For metal doors, after cleaning and rinsing, apply a degreasing cleanser, acetone or mineral spirits according to the product instructions.

Allow the door to dry. Use painters tape to mask off hardware, locks, trim, weather seals, windows and any other elements you don’t want to paint over. Put down a tarp on the concrete to catch excess paint and protect the driveway and garage floor.

Good to Know

Disengage the emergency manual-release cord to operate the door manually. This will allow you to raise and lower the door so that it’s at a comfortable level for painting.

If your garage door is damaged, corroded or rotted, it may be time for a new door. Our guide can steer you in the right direction.

Priming and Painting a Garage Door

Now that the prep work is done, you’re ready to prime and paint the garage door.

How to Prime and Paint a Garage Door

Once you’ve cleaned the door and it’s dry, use an angle-cut nylon or polyester paint brush that’s 2 to 2-1/2 inches to apply a thin layer of primer to the recessed areas of the door panels. Work in small sections so that you can keep a wet edge. Make sure to wipe away any excess primer for a smooth finish. Next, use a 3/4-inch paint roller to apply primer to the vertical stiles and the horizontal rails on the door. Save the frame and trim for last.

If you have a new garage door made of steel, chances are it’s already been factory primed. If it hasn’t, or if the door is old, you’ll need to remove the old paint, sand it and apply primer.

If your garage door is sectional, make sure the door is open during drying to prevent the primer from sealing the cracks.

Tip

If you’re only touching up existing paint on the garage door, you can skip priming. Allow at least 12 hours for the primer to dry completely before painting or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for proper drying time.

Paint Your Garage Door and Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal