What are some Tips for Painting My Garage Door?
Q: What are some tips for painting my garage door?
A: If you’re looking to improve your curb appeal and bring some colour to your garage door, here’s what you need to know. As a large part of your home’s facade, a beautiful, clean garage door makes a HUGE difference in curb appeal. Repainting your door will give you that refreshed look and extend its life - and it’s actually one of the more simple home improvement projects you can do, usually only taking a day or two to complete, depending on how many coats you require.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Drop cloth
Step stool
Sanding sponge
Old brush for dusting
Rags
3-inch latex brush
Masking tape
Stir stick
Paint can opener
Paint bucket
Exterior paint (semi-gloss sheen recommended for easy maintenance)
PREPARATION
The most difficult part of painting anything on the exterior of your home are the variables beyond your control (like the weather, dirt, etc). You just have to do your best to minimize their impact. Aim for a day that isn't too cold or too warm (your door shouldn't feel warm to the touch) and choose a time when you won't be working in the direct sunlight. Windy and rainy days, for obvious reasons, should also be avoided. Taking the time to ensure the proper conditions will greatly reduce your stress levels and keep the job nice and easy!
Once you've marked the day on your calendar, you'll need to buy your supplies. Factors to take into consideration are the material of your door, whether you'll need a primer, and how much sanding and stripping will be necessary. Most modern doors are made of aluminum, which is easy to paint and most exterior paints will work - but it’s always recommended to at least check with the paint dealer.
If you’re simply refreshing your door’s current paint job, and your door is in decent shape, you probably won't need to worry about priming. But if you’re drastically changing the colour or really want that impeccable, professional look, buying a primer (or a paint / primer combo) is a safe bet.
The amount of paint and primer you’ll need will depend on the size and material of your door. For example, wood doors will generally require more paint. Take the measurements with you when you go to buy your paint; it may be a good idea to buy more than you think you'll need.
To make your life significantly easier while painting, your first step needs to be to put your garage in manual lift mode. To do this, you'll need to locate the garage’s emergency release cord (give us a call if you need help finding it).
For most garage doors in average condition, a simple cleaning and good rubdown with a sanding sponge should be preparation enough for your paint job. But cleaning your door is essential, so don’t skip this step! Every exterior door will have some oxidized paint, dust, rust and dirt. Also be sure to wipe down the door thoroughly after sanding (including the gasket at the bottom).
When it comes to masking, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you intend on painting the trim of the garage the same color, you’ll save a bit of prep time, but it’s still important to ensure the non-painted areas are covered. A large drop cloth is essential too, as it’s very difficult to get paint out of concrete.
PRIMING & PAINTING
Priming and painting require basically the same steps with about a 12 - 24 hour dry time in between. Be sure to give your paint a good stir, even if it was shaken at the store. Pour about a quart at a time in a separate paint bucket and be sure to close the original can tightly in between uses.
If you begin your painting and priming at the bottom of the door, you can open it to a level that's comfortable to you and move it down as you go. Be sure to avoid painting the gasket at the bottom. Paint the door one panel at a time to keep track of your progress. Before you get to the top, make sure your drop cloth will be under the door when it closes.
TRIM & CLEAN UP
If you've decided to paint the trim of your garage, you can do it at the same time. Once you’re completely done, do a good once-over scan to make sure you don't have any drips or missed spots. Allow at least 12 hours of drying time in between coats, and ensure everything is completely dry before removing your masking tape.
One weekend of fun and voila - a shiny new garage door!
We’re Here to Help You!
Local: 905.957.4432 | Toll free: 1.877.664.4432
Visit our Showroom:
8268 Regional Rd 20, Smithville, ON
(Article courtesy of San Diego Precision Door)