Painting your garage door is a great option if you want a way to give your home’s exterior a facelift. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, but it is also a quick and easy project that can make a big difference in the overall look of your house. Plus, if you have a door starting to show signs of wear and tear, painting it can help disguise those imperfections.
When it comes time to paint your garage door, there are a few key steps you will need to follow to ensure the best possible results. But first, consider the following factors:
Choose the Right Paint For Your Garage Door
One of the most common mistakes people make when painting a garage door is choosing the wrong paint. Different materials, such as vinyl, aluminum, and wood, are used to make garage doors, so it is important to get the right exterior paint. Ensure you carefully check the manufacturer’s label before purchasing to get the right type of paint and primer for your project.
Consider the Weather Before Painting Your Garage Door
Check the weather forecast in Omaha, NE, or the surrounding areas before painting. It would be best if you painted on days when the temperature is moderate, there is no rain, and humidity is low. Read the label on your paint can for specific instructions regarding the ideal painting environment. Remember that flat surfaces, like garage doors, can often be hotter than the surrounding air temperature.
Safety Considerations
It is important to wear a mask rated for fumes when using paint and painting materials. It is especially important when cleaning brushes, mineral spirits, and other compounds. In addition to wearing a mask, you should wear eye protection when painting. That is especially important when painting surfaces above eye level and sanding or chipping old paint.
Equipment and Materials for Painting a Garage Door
-
- Scraper Exterior paint
- Hard wire brush Exterior primer
- Sanding block Plaster tape
- Sprayer-equipped hose 3/8″ roller heads
- Bucket Paintbrush
- Sponge Stirrers for paint
- Portable paint bucket Rags
- Rolling pan
- Rolling frame, 6 inches
- Mask rated for fumes
- Security glasses
If you want to give your garage door a new look, follow these steps. Depending on your garage door model, you may need to adjust the steps to accommodate the door material better.
Sand and Scrape the Garage Door
To prepare your door for painting, use a stiff wire brush to remove any chipping paint. Then, use a scraper and sanding pad to smooth the surface. Be careful not to damage the door material if it is made of vinyl or wood.
Wash the Garage Door Thoroughly
It is time to give your garage door a good cleaning. Dish soap is a great way to remove dirt and grime, allowing the paint to adhere better. Mix a little dish soap with water in a bucket and wash the door with a sponge. Once clean, rinse away all soap residue.
Dry the Garage Door Off
First, dry your door, and use a rag to remove any moisture from the surface. Next, open the door fully and allow it to air dry. Before painting your garage door, please wait until it is completely dry before checking for smoothness.
Taping Off Garage Door Areas
Before you paint your door, fully dry it and tape off all hardware, trim, windows, gaskets, and anything else you do not want to get paint on. To avoid drips on the concrete below, lay a drop cloth for protection.
Apply Primer
Before you start painting, mix your primer and pour a small amount into a paint pail. Once you have your supplies ready, begin by painting the inside details of each panel with an angled paint brush. Wipe away any excess paint from the rails and stiles before moving on to the next panel. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve great results!
Apply Primer to Stiles and Rails
Once all the panels are primed, use a 6-inch roller frame fitted with a 3/8-inch nap roller to apply primer to the rails and stiles. Again, work in small sections to avoid having the primer dry before you finish the section.
Paint the Garage Door
Once you have allowed the primer to dry, you can begin painting with your exterior paint. For best results, apply at least two coats of paint, leaving adequate time for each coat to dry before starting the next.
Care Instructions for a Painted Garage Door
Regular cleaning and removing any dirt or debris is important to keep your garage door looking its best. For areas that get a lot of sun exposure, you may also need to deep clean and recoat the door occasionally to prevent damage and keep the finish looking new.
Garage Door Services from Titan Garage Doors NE
It is no secret that painting a garage door takes time. But many people do not know that it can also be quite challenging, especially if you are not used to it. That is why it is always best to leave the job to professionals.
At Titan Garage Doors NE, we provide a wide range of garage doors Omaha services, including garage door repair, garage door installation, garage door maintenance, and garage door replacement. Additionally, we offer high-quality insulated garage doors and garage door openers. For any of your garage door needs, call us today.
