How to Paint Your Garage Door

If it’s time to update the look of your home, painting your garage door is a great place to start. It’s a simple project that you can do in a weekend, but the impact will make all the difference. Get creative with color and make sure that you can be completely proud of your home, from the porch to the garage door.

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 Metal Garage Doors

Now that you’ve chosen the right color, it’s time to get it on the door. For homeowners who have metal garage doors, there’s some unique preparation before you get to work. First, it’s essential to choose a cool and dry day to paint. Block out at least three days to get the project done.

1. Give you metal garage door a good cleaning. Remove all dust and other debris to ensure that your paint will adhere smoothly to the door. Next, allow the door at least an hour to dry.
2. Define the area that you’re going to paint with tape.  You’ll want to mask off any windows, hardware, and weather stripping. This will help you achieve clean lines and precision. Using a drop cloth is also a great idea to keep drips off the floor.
3. Cover the surface with a metal primer to help give the surface a smooth, even finish. This helps the paint adhere better. You can use any primer designed for metal, whether a spray-on variety or liquid applied with a paintbrush. Remember to leave ample time to allow the primer too completely dry.
4. Using the same method as the primer, apply your chosen garage paint. Be sure to select a brand specifically designed for metal and exterior application. If necessary, apply a second coat.

How to Stain Wood Garage Doors

If your garage doors are made of wood instead of metal, choosing a new stain is a great way to update the look. With a similar approach to painting, you can create a stunning effect. Before you get started, you’ll need to sand the wood to strip it of any existing stain or paint.

1. Rub the stain into the wood with a dry, clean cloth, a bristle brush, or a foam brush. The tone of the stain and how much you apply will influence the richness and depth of the final look.
2. Use long, continuous strokes to ensure a smooth and even application.
3. Wait about five minutes and wipe away the excess stain. If you prefer a darker finish, wait longer before wiping away the excess.
4. Let the stain dry for about four hours before adding additional coats.
5. Use a polyurethane sealant to protect your wood.

How to Spray Paint Fiberglass Garage Doors

For homeowners who have fiberglass garage doors, the most efficient way to paint them is to use spray paint. Unlike wood, fiberglass is nonporous. However, like metal, it does require some preparation before you get started.

1. Clean the surface of your fiberglass door with dish soap. Allow it to dry.
2. Use 400-grit sandpaper for sanding the fiberglass and get rid of any existing chipped paint.
3. Wipe the fiberglass with a tack cloth.
4. Apply a coat of primer before you paint. Use your paint sprayer gun and allow the primer to dry for at least four hours.
5. Once the primer has dried, use your paint sprayer gun to apply an acrylic spray paint. Allow it completely dry before applying subsequent coats.