The right paint can make a big difference in the appearance of your garage door. But, it’s important to take the necessary steps before beginning your project to ensure that you get a smooth, even finish.
You’ll need a few tools and supplies to complete the job, including a bucket of paint, a brush and a bucket and stir stick. read more.
Choose the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint is essential for any painting project but especially important when working with metal. It’s best to work with a high-quality, oil-based or latex exterior paint designed for metal surfaces. Ensure you consult the product’s manufacturer’s guidelines for application, temperature and sunlight requirements and the number of coats required.
If you are not sure what paint to use, consider consulting with a local painting pro for color recommendations that will complement the rest of your home’s exterior colors. Then, test the chosen paint on a small section of your garage door to determine whether it adheres properly and dries to a smooth finish.
Finally, thoroughly clean the surface of your metal garage door to remove any dirt or grime. Ideally, this should be done on a day with mild temperatures and no rain in the forecast.
Prep the Surface
When painting a garage door, adequate surface preparation is critical to ensuring the project goes well and results in an aesthetically pleasing finish. Cleaning, sanding, and priming the surface will create a clean, stable canvas for the paint, resulting in improved adhesion and durability.
Scrub the surface of your metal garage doors with a scrub brush and soapy water to remove any dirt, grease or grime. Then, sand any rough areas for a smoother finish.
Before you start staining your garage doors it is a good idea to have the following supplies on hand: * A gel stain (this dries faster than regular wood stains) in your chosen color * Painter’s tape to cover handles, locks and any other areas that you don’t want stained * Plastic sheeting or drop cloths to protect your driveway from drips
Apply a Coat of Primer
Once you’ve rubbed down the area, washed it and degreased it, it’s time to apply a coat of primer. You can use a spray-on variety or a paintbrush or roller, depending on your preference and the size of your door.
A primer is recommended as it helps the paint adhere to the metal surface, and will minimize bleed-through from a dark color to a light one. It’s possible to skip this step if you’re using an efficient, high-quality metal paint that specifies that no primer is required.
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to apply your metal garage door paint! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a flawless finish. The result is a gorgeous door that will elevate your home’s curb appeal and provide protection from the elements.
Apply a Coat of Paint
If you want your new garage doors to last, make sure they are properly prepped and painted. Use a wire brush or light sandpaper to remove chipping paint, then wipe down the surface with a cloth. You may need to apply a primer, which will enhance adhesion and provide extra durability. Choose a quality acrylic latex primer or oil-based primer that is designed for metal surfaces.
Start with the recessed areas and corners, using a high-quality brush for precise work. Once you get these areas covered, switch to a roller for the larger, flat sections of the garage door.
If you have chosen a premium acrylic latex exterior paint that is rated for metal surfaces, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the rate of coverage and drying time between coats.
Finishing Touches
A fresh coat of paint can instantly make a room feel clean and updated. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to improve your home’s value or simply want to redecorate, a little bit of effort can result in a stunning and professional-looking finish.
Investing in proper surface preparation is the key to painting like a pro. This includes filling cracks and holes, sanding the wall, and taping off edges and trim. This may seem tedious, but it creates a smooth canvas and ensures clean lines in the finished product.
It’s also important to use high-quality paint and applicator materials. This ensures your paint job lasts longer and looks better. A high-quality roller with a short nap works well for flat surfaces and helps avoid rolling marks, while a high-quality brush is ideal for detailed work on trim and hard-to-reach areas.