How To Paint An Exterior Garage Door
Have you ever noticed how vibrant that garage door is on that cute little house down the street? The thing is, that’s exactly what your neighbors wanted — they used that specific colour to help it stand out! That stand-out garage door is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the paint acts as a shield from Toronto’s ever-changing weather. We’ll go over garage door paint tips that you’ll find useful whether you have an aluminum, vinyl or metal garage door. And we’ll also cover finding the right paint colour for you. So, if you want your garage door to be the one your neighbors covet, keep reading!
Signs You Need to Paint Your Garage Door
Before you decide on the colour and type of paint, it’s crucial to recognize when your garage door needs a fresh coat of paint. Here are several telltale signs:
- Peeling or Flaking Paint: This is the most obvious sign. If you notice the paint on your garage door starting to peel or flake, it’s time for a new paint job. This not only affects the appearance but can leave the door open to damage from the elements.
- Fading Colour: Over time, the vibrant colour of your garage door will fade due to exposure to sunlight and harsh weather. A fresh coat will revive its appearance.
- Rust and Corrosion: For metal doors, rust and corrosion are clear indicators that the protective paint has deteriorated, and a new layer is needed to protect the door’s integrity.
- Wood Rot: If your garage door is made of wood, look for signs of rot or warping. Painting can protect against further decay.
Benefits of Painting Your Garage Door
Refreshing with a new coat of garage door paint offers several benefits beyond aesthetics:
- Protection Against the Elements: A quality layer of paint provides a protective barrier against rain, snow, and sun, preventing rust, corrosion, and decay.
- Increased Curb Appeal: A freshly painted garage door can dramatically enhance the look of your home’s exterior, making it stand out in the neighbourhood.
- Improved Home Value: Along with increased curb appeal, a well-maintained and vibrant garage door can also increase the overall value of your home.
- Cost-Effective Update: Painting your garage door is a relatively inexpensive way to update your home’s exterior without the need for significant renovations.
By understanding the signs that your garage door needs a new paint job and recognizing the benefits of painting it, you can ensure your home remains both beautiful and protected.
How to Paint a Garage Exterior
Materials That You Will Need:
- Exterior Primer
- Exterior Paint
- Paint Roller/Paint Tray
- Paintbrush
- Rags
- Cleaning Solution
- Painter’s Tape
- Sandpaper
- Drop Cloth/Tarp
- Paint and Primer in One (optional)
- Paint Gun (optional)
1. Pick The Right garage door Paint colour
Some might say don’t match the garage door colour with the front door if you have it painted an accent colour already. Others might say that’s the only way to go! If you are considering picking a bold colour for your garage door, make sure that it doesn’t clash with the rest of your home. If your garage is attached, and your house is classically painted, blending in your garage door with the same colour as the majority of your house would work quite nicely.
However, you may choose to colour match with some bolder details around your property. Some people like to match up their garage door colour with items like the mailbox or shutters. This does work to create a cohesive message and helps to effortlessly blend things together while still exuding personality.
2. Clean & Prep
Prepare the garage door by making sure it’s clean of any dirt and sand off any part of the door that isn’t smooth. If you have a metal garage door it might be a good idea to use an abrasive scouring sponge. Then use a strong cleaning solution and wash off any excess dirt.
Once the garage door is clean, use painters tape and tape off the boundary where you will paint. The painters tape acts as a shield for the areas that you don’t want paint on. Put down a drop cloth or tarp to protect your driveway from spills.
3. Prime
Get your paint tray and roller out and pour some primer into the tray. Use your roller and dip it in the paint, rolling it around so it is evenly covered before you start applying the primer to the garage door. You could use a paint and primer in one if you choose, in which case you would skip this step. If you can’t get to every spot evenly with the roller, use a paintbrush. And then, simply let it dry!
4. Paint your garage door
After you have let the primer dry, now is time for the fun part! You can get your paint ready in a tray and start painting over the primed garage door with the roller. Again, use a paintbrush for areas that the roller cannot fully cover. For a lighter shade of garage door paint you may need to apply a second coat.
If you are applying a second coat of paint, and you painted the first coat of paint horizontally, paint the second one vertically or vice versa. This works to create a professional look. And then, simply give it enough time to dry.
5. Finish
Once the paint is almost completely dry, pull off the painters tape. Removing the painters tape just before the paint is dry will help the tape come off smooth. It avoids pulling any paint from the painted surface.
Remove the tarp or drop cloth you put down and tada — you just painted your garage door! Step back and appreciate your new garage door paint colour and all the hard work you just accomplished.
Hints:
Try not to paint on too warm of a day with lots of sun. When you paint outdoors you need to factor in the weather forecast so you don’t overheat and exhaust yourself. A day that is partially cloudy/overcast would be the ideal day to choose for this project.
With a metal door, some might choose to use a paint gun. It is not necessary but a good alternative to the roller if you are confident with that tool.
Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest page for all sorts of exterior painting inspiration!
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