How to repaint a garage door?

Your garage door takes up a big chunk of your home's front view. Over time, it can fade, chip, or just look plain tired. Repainting it is one of the most impactful and budget-friendly ways to instantly boost your home's curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can turn a neglected door into a vibrant focal point, perfectly complementing your home's overall style. Here's how to do it yourself for a professional-looking finish.

Prep: cleaning, sanding, and taping trim

Proper preparation is the most important step for a lasting paint job.

1. Clear Area: Move cars and anything else away from the garage. Lay down drop cloths to protect your driveway.

2. Clean Thoroughly:

   • Wash the entire garage door with a mild detergent (like dish soap) and water. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub away dirt, grime, cobwebs, and any mildew.

   • For stubborn mildew, use a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water.

   • Rinse the door completely with a garden hose to remove all soap residue.

3. Dry Completely: Let the garage door dry fully. This might take several hours or even overnight, depending on humidity and temperature. Any trapped moisture can cause the paint to peel later.

4. Inspect and Repair: Check the door for any loose paint, rust spots, or peeling.

   • Loose Paint/Rust: Use a a wire brush or sandpaper (medium grit like 80-120) to remove any flaking paint or rust.

   • Dents/Holes: Fill small dents or holes with exterior-grade wood filler (for wood doors) or Bondo/epoxy filler (for metal/fiberglass). Sand smooth once dry.

5. Light Sanding (Optional but Recommended): Lightly scuff the entire surface with 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge. This creates a "tooth" for the new paint to stick to, especially important for glossy or smooth surfaces.

6. Tape Off: Use high-quality painter's tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as window panes, hardware (handles, hinges, weatherstripping), and the trim around the door frame.

Choose primer and exterior paint

The right paint makes all the difference for durability.

• Primer:

  • Recommended for: Unpainted doors, heavily chalked or faded surfaces, areas where old paint was removed (exposing bare material), or when changing colors dramatically (e.g., dark to light).

  • Type: Use a high-quality exterior-grade acrylic primer. For metal doors, an anti-corrosive metal primer is crucial for rust prevention.

  • Application: Apply a thin, even coat of primer according to the manufacturer's directions. Let it dry completely.

• Choosing Exterior Paint:

  • Type: Always use a 100% acrylic exterior paint. This type is flexible, durable, and made to withstand weather, resisting cracking, fading, and mildew.

  • Color: Pick a color that goes well with your home's exterior trim, front door, or roof. Consider lighter colors for heat reflection, especially in sunny areas.

  • Finish: A satin or semi-gloss finish is usually recommended. They're durable, easy to clean, and have a subtle shine that looks good. Avoid flat finishes, as they can trap dirt.

Use brush for panels and roller/sprayer for flat sections

Work methodically, following the natural lines of your garage door.

1. Work Top to Bottom: Start painting at the top of the door and work your way down.

2. Brush for Details: Use a high-quality angled sash brush to "cut in" around windows, raised panel edges, and recessed areas. This ensures crisp lines and full coverage in crevices.

3. Roller or Sprayer for Flat Panels:

   • Roller: Use a small to medium-sized roller (with a 3/8-inch nap for smooth surfaces, 1/2-inch for textured) to paint the larger, flat sections of each panel. Roll in even, overlapping strokes.

   • Sprayer: If you have an airless sprayer, it provides the fastest, smoothest finish. Requires significant masking.

4. Two Thin Coats: Always apply two thin coats of paint instead of one thick one. Thin coats stick better, dry faster, and are less likely to drip or crack. Allow enough drying time between coats (check the paint can).

Dry times & ideal weather conditions

• Optimal Weather: Paint on a mild, dry day, typically when temperatures are between 50-90°F (10-32°C). Avoid painting in direct hot sun, high humidity, or if rain is expected within 24-48 hours.

• Drying Times:

  • To Touch: Usually 1-4 hours.

  • Recoat: 4-8 hours (check manufacturer's instructions).

  • Full Cure: Can take several days to a few weeks. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive contact until fully cured.

Sealant/coating recommendations

Most high-quality exterior 100% acrylic paints don't require an additional sealant on top. They are formulated to be durable and weather-resistant on their own. However, if your garage door faces extreme weather or sun, some homeowners opt for a clear exterior topcoat for added UV protection, but this is usually not necessary with a good quality paint.

Maintenance tips for longevity

• Regular Cleaning: Periodically wash your painted garage door with a mild soap and water solution to remove dirt, mildew, and pollutants.

• Inspect Annually: Once a year, check the door for any signs of chipping, peeling, or fading.

• Touch-Ups: Address small imperfections or chips promptly. Keep a small can of your paint for touch-ups. Clean the area, lightly sand if needed, and apply a small amount of paint with a fine brush.

Following these steps will help ensure your garage door looks fantastic and stands up to the elements for years to come.