Spray Paint Garage Roller Door? 97 Most Correct Answers

Wondering how to paint garage doors?

Depending on the manufacturer of your garage door, there may be specific recommendations on how to properly paint your garage door. Here are two great methods we know of for painting steel garage doors or aluminum garage doors.

How to paint a Raynor steel garage door

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How to paint an aluminum garage door

Step 1: PREPARATION

Wait a few days of good weather before starting. Extreme heat or cold will cause paint drying problems. Like any exterior painting, it cannot be done in the rain.

Clean the garage door before painting. You should use warm soapy water. While aluminum does not rust, harsh chemicals can damage the manufacturer’s finish.

Use a slightly stiff brush to scrub away loose particles or peeling paint. A rough brush results in a rough texture that makes it difficult to paint over.

When your door is clean and dry, place a drop cloth under the door to catch any drips of paint and open the door halfway.

Step 2: PREPARE

Choose an oil-based primer. It is recommended to dilute the primer just a little. There should be instructions on how to do this on your primer. Start painting the bottom panel and move up, rolling the garage door down as needed to reach the higher panels. This saves your back from bending over to reach the bottom panels. Leave the primer on for 24 hours.

Day 2, Step 3: TOPCOAT IT

Choose from either an oil based exterior paint or a 100% acrylic exterior paint. If using an oil based paint, use a brush and not a roller. If your door has texture, you want to work with it, not against it. Work your way up, much like you did with the foundation. Let the paint dry. Your paint may have manufacturer instructions on how long to wait, but be sure to wait until it is completely dry.

Day 3, Step 4 – Second coat

After the first coat has completely dried, you may find that the color is imperfect. The second coat of paint should fix this. Repeat the instructions for Step 3, applying a third coat if needed. A third coat of paint is often unnecessary, but if you’ve had black spray paint on the door, you’ll find that it does.

TIP: Be sure to read all instructions for the materials used. Manufacturers offer great tips on how to use – and clean up after their products. You should clean your brushes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Our Weathershield paint is designed to withstand all weather conditions, but it needs to dry properly before it can do its job, so paint your garage door on a dry day between 8 and 25 degrees Celsius to ensure your paint wears fast dries . You should also put down dusters before painting to avoid staining the floor with drips of paint.

The key to a flawless finish is to thoroughly coat all the nooks and crannies of the door with paint. The only way to get this right is to use a brush instead of a roller as the bristles allow you to get into tricky areas that a roller wouldn’t. Start the paint at the top of your door and work your way down in vertical strokes to catch drips and evenly cover stray splatters.

With the right products specifically designed for the exterior, and our expert know-how, painting your garage door is a lot easier than you think, and it can be done in no time, and you’ll enjoy the results for years to come.

Spraying a garage door with cans of paint can be an expensive proposition. A typical garage door is 7 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and a can of spray paint typically covers about 10 square feet, so you need seven cans for one coat — even more when windy conditions and the logistics of spraying are so large an area produces streaks that require additional coats. The keys to a good job are proper door and work area preparation, having all cans ready before starting, and working in appropriate weather conditions.

Any garage door can be painted whether it is metal, wood, UPVC or a composite.

The main concern of homeowners is whether the painted surface will stand up to wear and tear. Does it withstand abrasion? Will it detach if provoked? Will the paint peel off and peel off the door after a harsh winter?

Here’s everything you need to know:

Best paint for garage doors

Garage doors must be painted with solvent-based exterior paint. The paint can be specially formulated for the substrate (e.g. composite) or it can be multi-purpose as long as it is suitable for outdoor use.

The easiest paints to use are “all-in-one” exterior paints that act as a primer, paint and top coat in a single product. These paints are specially formulated to be simple but effective, with most manufacturers guaranteeing the finish.

At Bespoke UPVC we use an all-in-one coating system and guarantee the finish for 10 years whether your garage door is metal, wood, UPVC or GRP.

Paint garage doors

When painting a garage door, the surface must be prepared. The amount of preparation required depends on the condition of the door. It must be:

Clean

Smooth

Free from old paintwork

Free from corrosion

Some materials need to be primed, either with a special primer or a diluted version of the primary paint. Some surfaces may need a light sanding. If the garage door already has paint, it will need to be sanded to remove loose paint.

The aim of the preparation is to create a clean and ideal surface for the paint to adhere to. This is the key to a finish that lasts and lasts.

Varnish application type for garage doors

Another important aspect is the type of application. You should never paint a garage door with a brush, as this leads to unsightly brush marks.

The cleanest way to paint a garage door is with an electric paint gun with a 12-inch spray fan. With this setup, a garage door can be completely covered from top to bottom with the first coat in less than a minute, with 30 minutes between coats.

The spray paint should be applied in thin, even coats. Most garage doors require three coats for full coverage with additional touch ups in some areas.

If you don’t want to use a spray gun, the next best thing is a roller. A roller will give a smooth, even finish – just avoid brushing!

Cost of painting a garage door

The cost of painting a garage door is around £250 + VAT from a professional company. We spray garage doors rather than brush them.

Spray painting is what they do at the factory because it’s fast and gives an even finish. We spray three coats of paint on the door, leaving 30 minutes between each coat. We use solvent-based paint that is particularly hard-wearing and designed for outdoor use.

If you want to paint your garage door yourself you can’t buy the same sprayers that we have over the counter, but you can get a cheap electric sprayer. These come in handy for various DIY projects.

Painting garage doors is an art form and the goal is always to paint them to look like they left the factory.

If you have a garage door that needs painting, we will provide you with a free quote. Send us a photo to [email protected] or call us on 0800 037 0658. All our spray painting work comes with a 10 year guarantee for total peace of mind.

Often, your garage door is one of the first things people see when they enter your home. But when it shows signs of wear, people wonder how to paint a metal garage door and if that’s even an option. While painting a metal garage door does take some time and effort, it certainly can be done and is a fairly easy way to increase the appeal of your home and potentially give it a whole new look. If you live in the Sacramento area and need help, click here to get your free estimate.

Do I need to prime before painting?

Can you paint a metal garage door?

Now that we know you can actually paint a metal garage door, let’s look at some of the do’s and don’ts to ensure your hard work gets you great results.

Some new garage doors are already primed. That’s nice because they’ve already taken the first step for you. Now all you have to do is apply garage door paint or metal paint to the primer. Remember that if you buy a new garage door and it has been galvanized, the metal paint will not stick to it! You’ll be left with a peeling mess after a few days. We do not recommend painting galvanized doors. That’s why today we’re going to focus on pre-primed metal garage doors or metal doors that have been previously painted.

Best paint for garage door

Acrylic latex exterior paint is generally the best choice for metal garage doors. But don’t make the mistake of buying cheap paint. You won’t regret paying a little more for a color that looks better for longer. You can even save money in the long run by not having to apply multiple coats.

In most cases, one coat of metal garage door paint is sufficient. However, use your judgment after the first coat and go from there. You may need a second coat when painting a light color over a darker shade.

The best finish for your garage door is gloss or satin. Because these paints dry hard, they protect your paintwork from scratches and scuffs. Glossy color also holds up very well in damp or wet climates and wipes clean easily to require very little maintenance. A satin finish is also a good option. Below is a list of the best colors for aluminum or steel garage doors:

Everlast exterior paint by Lowe’s

Behr Ultra exterior

Zinsser Perma-White Rust Oleum

The montage signature color

Diamond Brite general purpose enamel

Rust-Oleum 8781502 when painting galvanized metal

Best primer for metal garage doors

Rust is metal’s worst enemy. A garage door that shows signs of rust can be unsightly. There are a number of primers on the market designed to prevent rust and corrosion. For best results, we strongly recommend using a quality adhesion primer. Here are some primer options that have proven successful:

Kitz primer

Eco-friendly rust converter and primer from Gempler

Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer

Water based corroseal rust converter metal primer

Choosing a color

With the thousands of paint colors out there, it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one. You may want to choose a color that is similar to the color your door was previously painted. But if you’re looking for a change, make sure you choose a color that goes well with your siding, crown molding, and any brick, stucco, or stone accents you have. Most people prefer neutral colors like gray, tan, white, or beige. Just make sure you’ve thought it through and love your choice.

How to paint a metal garage door

With a little guidance, you can paint your garage doors in a weekend. By following these simple steps, your project can run smoothly and get the best results.

Step 1 Consider the weather

It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast a week in advance. You should paint on a day that is not too hot and not too cold or wet. In extreme temperatures, the paint may not dry properly. The ideal temperature for painting is between 50 and 75 degrees.

If you choose to prime and paint with a sprayer, make sure there isn’t a lot of wind. Not only is it frustrating to work in wind, but most of your colors will not reach their destination.

Step 2 Clean the metal doors and frame

Thoroughly wipe metal doors and frames with soapy water. Remove all stains, rust and grease from your doors and dry them with a clean rag. Make sure dust and debris are completely removed.

Step 3 Preparation

When painting over old paint, a light sanding is required to ensure all peeling paint is removed. Wipe clean so no dust or dirt remains from the sanding process.

Use heavy-duty painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted. This includes window locks, trim and the edges of your garage. It may be a good idea to put a tarp on your driveway and garage interior to also protect them from overspray.

For easy maneuvering, disengage your garage door mechanism so you can manually open your door.

Step 4 Prime

Using a paint sprayer or quality roller, apply your choice of primer. A sprayer is a much faster option, but a roller works well. When you’re done, partially open your garage door to keep your panels from sticking together. If your door has recessed panels, prime them first. Allow your primer to dry completely for several hours.

Step 5 Paint

Apply quality exterior paint to your door. Bottom up, starting with the inner panels and working your way outwards. Assess your work. If it looks overcast and meets your standards, consider yourself done. However, if you see imperfections or areas where the old paint is showing through, opt for a second coat. Allow at least 12 hours to cure between coats. When you’re done, remove the tape and don’t open your door until it has had time to dry overnight.

How to paint a metal garage door Conclusion

If you have questions about painting metal garage doors or just don’t have time to paint your door yourself, give PaintRite Pros a call. People live very busy lives and often prefer professionals to take care of tasks they are not entirely comfortable with. Our team of painters will be happy to do all the painting work for you. We have an excellent reputation throughout the Sacramento area because we love what we do and we want you to love it too. We have Spanish speakers if you prefer speaking in Espanol.

Get a free estimate

How long does it take for exterior paint to dry?

Tags: best primer for metal garage doors

A garage door is an extension of your home. You want it to blend in with the rest of your exterior, especially if the garage is connected to the main part of your home. Luckily, painting a garage door can be an easy DIY job.

Finding the right garage door color, prepping your garage door, and making the end result look great is all within reach – even if you’re not a pro. If you’re a new homeowner, painting your garage door can make your home feel more like you. Follow the guide below to learn how to paint a garage door.

8 steps to painting a garage door

Step 1: Choose your garage door color

Most hardware stores sell paint. For a garage door, look for a paint that’s designed for outdoor use to withstand the elements. Acrylic latex exterior paint works well. Be sure to shop around – get color swatches you think might work on your door – so you can test them out before you go all out.

Pro tip: Buy an exterior primer to help the fresh coat of paint apply smoothly and adhere better.

Step 2: Wash your garage door

Proximity to a street can make your home’s exterior and garage door particularly dirty. Since you don’t want the dust mixing with the new paint, be sure to give your garage door a thorough wash. All it takes is a bucket of water – maybe a hose if it’s easily accessible – and a washcloth. For particularly dirty garage doors, you can rent a pressure washer.

Pro tip: After washing the door and before painting, lay out a drop cloth to keep drips off the cement.

Step 3: Watch the weather

If you are planning to paint the garage door, you want to make sure you have a mild and clear day ahead. Warmer weather will help the paint dry quickly and evenly. And if it starts to rain in the middle of work, ugly stains of paint can form. If you plan to prime the door, wait a few days of good weather. The primer must dry for at least 12 hours before a coat of paint is applied.

Step 4: Tape off areas you don’t want to paint

If your garage door has any design, such as rectangular cutouts, patterns, or multiple colors, you’ll need to outline your work area to keep the finished product even and to keep paint away from areas you don’t want to paint. Painter’s tape is cheap and easy to use. Unroll and tape to areas of the door to create even lines that the paint won’t seep through. You only need to do this around the edges of the garage door frame and when using two different colors to paint parts of the garage.

Step 5: Prime the garage door

Start by priming the garage door with a brush. Only a thin layer needs to be applied – just enough to give the paint a base to adhere to. Then wash the brush thoroughly to use it later for painting. Priming can be skipped if you are just touching up the garage door with the same color.

Step 6: Paint in the cut-outs

Once you’re ready to start painting, start with a brush. Go into the recesses of the door, if you have any, then paint the main faces and gently paint into the corners. Try to keep the paint away from the spars (the raised edges) so that the coat of paint is even when you paint them.

Pro tip: When painting with the brush, make sure the edge is wet (but not dripping!) so that the paint doesn’t run or streak.

Step 7: Paint the Spars

Paint the styles next. Since they are above the indentations, the quickest way to do this is with a roller and pan. This keeps your brush strokes smooth and gets the job done quickly.

If you can still see the primer through the coat of paint, do a second one to make it look professional. Allow each coat to dry for about 12 hours before applying the next. A second coat of paint is not usually necessary but may be necessary if you are painting your door lighter than the original colour.

Step 8: Keep it clean

Garage door maintenance goes a long way in keeping it looking fresh. Wash it off gently from time to time so the dirt doesn’t scratch your paint.

Products and tools you need to paint a garage door

Exterior Primer: This will help the paint adhere to the garage door instead of peeling off with old paint underneath.

Garage Door Paint: Acrylic latex exterior paint is a good choice for garage door paint.

Painter’s Tape: Applying painter’s tape will help define edges and keep the paint job looking professional.

Brushes: A set of brushes is convenient; You want more than one size for certain areas of the door.

Roller and pan: With a roller for the bars, the work can be done quickly and cleanly.

Painting Cloth: Place under the area to be painted to keep the background free of paint drips.

Stirrer: Make sure the color hasn’t separated before you start by mixing with a stirrer.

Stepladder: If you are not tall enough to comfortably reach the top of the garage door, you may need a riser.

When to call in a professional to paint a garage door

Although painting a garage door is a job that many people are happy to do themselves, hiring a professional is another option. You can go this route if you have more than one garage door or don’t have enough time to take on the task yourself. You can also opt for this if the garage door is old or has not been painted for a long time and needs more preparation before it can be painted.

The benefit of hiring a professional is that the finished product looks professional, it takes no time and the job gets done quickly. Since they not only bring the materials but also do the work, you have to pay for their time. Depending on the size of the job, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

frequently asked Questions

How long should I wait between coats of paint on a garage door?

Wait at least 12 hours between each coat of paint or primer to ensure it is completely dry and not smeared. That’s longer than you would normally have to wait for the paint to dry in your home.

Do I have to prime the garage door first?

You don’t have to, but the primer will help the paint adhere better. So the job stays nice for longer. If you don’t want to prime the garage door, consider using paint that has a primer built in.

Can I paint a garage door with a roller?

If your garage door is flat, you can roll over everything except the edges. If it contains recesses, only do the spars with a roller to keep them clean.

How much does it cost to paint a garage door?

Depending on the quality of paint you buy and the size of the door, a garage door will cost around $150-$200 to paint yourself. If you hire a professional, the cost can be as high as $1,000.

I wish you could see the dirt that had accumulated on these doors over the years. I know it looks like we kept the original color but I promise we repainted the garage doors a different color! 😉

After picking a color for our siding (“Subterranean” from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams), I felt that our garage doors needed to keep a contrasting color. White was too much of a contrast, so I chose a neutral greige (“Gracious Greige” from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams) that miraculously reads greige in both sun and shade. (Some white/light colors looked blue in the sun and some beige looked yellow…)

Painting the garage doors was actually quite easy and today I’m sharing the exact steps and products we used to do it. Now I know, I know it’s almost Christmas and no one is thinking about outdoor projects right now… but save this post for spring when you’re getting anxious to get outside again! 🙂

1 – Clean

Chris Power washed the garage doors a day in advance to get rid of all the dirt and grime. If power washing isn’t enough, soapy water with a bristle brush should do the job.

2 – Prime

A garage door is an extension of your home. You want it to blend in with the rest of your exterior, especially if the garage is connected to the main part of your home. Luckily, painting a garage door can be an easy DIY job.

Finding the right garage door color, prepping your garage door, and making the end result look great is all within reach – even if you’re not a pro. If you’re a new homeowner, painting your garage door can make your home feel more like you. Follow the guide below to learn how to paint a garage door.

8 steps to painting a garage door

Step 1: Choose your garage door color

Most hardware stores sell paint. For a garage door, look for a paint that’s designed for outdoor use to withstand the elements. Acrylic latex exterior paint works well. Be sure to shop around – get color swatches you think might work on your door – so you can test them out before you go all out.

Pro tip: Buy an exterior primer to help the fresh coat of paint apply smoothly and adhere better.

Step 2: Wash your garage door

Proximity to a street can make your home’s exterior and garage door particularly dirty. Since you don’t want the dust mixing with the new paint, be sure to give your garage door a thorough wash. All it takes is a bucket of water – maybe a hose if it’s easily accessible – and a washcloth. For particularly dirty garage doors, you can rent a pressure washer.

Pro tip: After washing the door and before painting, lay out a drop cloth to keep drips off the cement.

Step 3: Watch the weather

If you are planning to paint the garage door, you want to make sure you have a mild and clear day ahead. Warmer weather will help the paint dry quickly and evenly. And if it starts to rain in the middle of work, ugly stains of paint can form. If you plan to prime the door, wait a few days of good weather. The primer must dry for at least 12 hours before a coat of paint is applied.

Step 4: Tape off areas you don’t want to paint

If your garage door has any design, such as rectangular cutouts, patterns, or multiple colors, you’ll need to outline your work area to keep the finished product even and to keep paint away from areas you don’t want to paint. Painter’s tape is cheap and easy to use. Unroll and tape to areas of the door to create even lines that the paint won’t seep through. You only need to do this around the edges of the garage door frame and when using two different colors to paint parts of the garage.

Step 5: Prime the garage door

Start by priming the garage door with a brush. Only a thin layer needs to be applied – just enough to give the paint a base to adhere to. Then wash the brush thoroughly to use it later for painting. Priming can be skipped if you are just touching up the garage door with the same color.

Step 6: Paint in the cut-outs

Once you’re ready to start painting, start with a brush. Go into the recesses of the door, if you have any, then paint the main faces and gently paint into the corners. Try to keep the paint away from the spars (the raised edges) so that the coat of paint is even when you paint them.

Pro tip: When painting with the brush, make sure the edge is wet (but not dripping!) so that the paint doesn’t run or streak.

Step 7: Paint the Spars

Paint the styles next. Since they are above the indentations, the quickest way to do this is with a roller and pan. This keeps your brush strokes smooth and gets the job done quickly.

If you can still see the primer through the coat of paint, do a second one to make it look professional. Allow each coat to dry for about 12 hours before applying the next. A second coat of paint is not usually necessary but may be necessary if you are painting your door lighter than the original colour.

Step 8: Keep it clean

Garage door maintenance goes a long way in keeping it looking fresh. Wash it off gently from time to time so the dirt doesn’t scratch your paint.

Products and tools you need to paint a garage door

Exterior Primer: This will help the paint adhere to the garage door instead of peeling off with old paint underneath.

Garage Door Paint: Acrylic latex exterior paint is a good choice for garage door paint.

Painter’s Tape: Applying painter’s tape will help define edges and keep the paint job looking professional.

Brushes: A set of brushes is convenient; You want more than one size for certain areas of the door.

Roller and pan: With a roller for the bars, the work can be done quickly and cleanly.

Painting Cloth: Place under the area to be painted to keep the background free of paint drips.

Stirrer: Make sure the color hasn’t separated before you start by mixing with a stirrer.

Stepladder: If you are not tall enough to comfortably reach the top of the garage door, you may need a riser.

When to call in a professional to paint a garage door

Although painting a garage door is a job that many people are happy to do themselves, hiring a professional is another option. You can go this route if you have more than one garage door or don’t have enough time to take on the task yourself. You can also opt for this if the garage door is old or has not been painted for a long time and needs more preparation before it can be painted.

The benefit of hiring a professional is that the finished product looks professional, it takes no time and the job gets done quickly. Since they not only bring the materials but also do the work, you have to pay for their time. Depending on the size of the job, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

frequently asked Questions

How long should I wait between coats of paint on a garage door?

Wait at least 12 hours between each coat of paint or primer to ensure it is completely dry and not smeared. That’s longer than you would normally have to wait for the paint to dry in your home.

Do I have to prime the garage door first?

You don’t have to, but the primer will help the paint adhere better. So the job stays nice for longer. If you don’t want to prime the garage door, consider using paint that has a primer built in.

Can I paint a garage door with a roller?

If your garage door is flat, you can roll over everything except the edges. If it contains recesses, only do the spars with a roller to keep them clean.

How much does it cost to paint a garage door?

Depending on the quality of paint you buy and the size of the door, a garage door will cost around $150-$200 to paint yourself. If you hire a professional, the cost can be as high as $1,000.

Should you paint or replace your garage door? If you’re not sure how to update your door, take a look at the questions to ask first.

Can you repaint your door?

Some garage doors are not easy (or made) to paint. Before you paint or apply a full coat of paint, you need to make sure the paint is properly adhering to the door.

Even if you want to paint your door, you should consider the following:

The material . While you can paint wood, steel, vinyl, or aluminum, some materials are more difficult or require more precision painting than others. A bare wood or older metal door may show slight imperfections when painted.

. While you can paint wood, steel, vinyl, or aluminum, some materials are more difficult or require more precision painting than others. A bare wood or older metal door may show slight imperfections when painted. The condition of the paint. If your door is already painted, a fresh coat of paint will not cover up existing damage. A damaged or severely peeling door may need to be replaced.

. If your door is already painted, a fresh coat of paint will not cover up existing damage. A damaged or severely peeling door may need to be replaced. The type of color. Each type of door requires a specific type of exterior primer and paint. If you’re not sure if your door needs an oil or latex based paint, this seemingly easy DIY project could quickly go wrong.

If you don’t know what your garage door is made of or are unsure if it’s possible to paint it, consult a professional contractor. An experienced garage door professional can help you decide if you should paint or replace the door.

What condition is the garage door in?

Whether the door is already painted or not, an older or damaged garage fascia may require replacement. The top reasons to consider a replacement (instead of repainting) are:

Age . According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the average lifespan of garage doors is between 20 and 25 years. If your door is at the higher end of this range, repainting is not the solution.

. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the average lifespan of garage doors is between 20 and 25 years. If your door is at the higher end of this range, repainting is not the solution. Damage . A dented metal door, chipped wooden door, or cracked aluminum model may need to be replaced. While you can cover up minor imperfections with paint, a fresh coat of paint will not completely hide serious damage.

. A dented metal door, chipped wooden door, or cracked aluminum model may need to be replaced. While you can cover up minor imperfections with paint, a fresh coat of paint will not completely hide serious damage. Wear and tear . While you may not have dented your door, wear and tear can still cause serious problems. If time has damaged the exterior of your garage door, a simple coat of paint may not make much of an impact. Instead, you may need a replacement.

A new coat of paint can change the appearance of the door, but it only makes an aesthetic difference. If the damage to your door goes beyond cosmetic surface issues, you should look for a replacement option.

What does the expert say about your options?

The decision to paint (if your door is empty), repaint, or replace your door isn’t one you have to make alone. Contact a garage door builder about your potential home improvement project and ask:

Why swap the door? The contractor can inspect your garage door and give you expert advice on why you should (or should not) consider replacing it.

The contractor can inspect your garage door and give you expert advice on why you should (or should not) consider replacing it. Is it advisable to repair the damage? If your door has visible damage or problems due to wear and tear, the contractor can explain what repair options are available. If the repair plus the cost of the repaint service is more than a replacement, you may want a new door.

If your door has visible damage or problems due to wear and tear, the contractor can explain what repair options are available. If the repair plus the cost of the repaint service is more than a replacement, you may want a new door. Does a new color bring advantages? If the door is in fair condition, ask the contractor about the benefits of a new coat of paint.

Has the garage door manufacturer recommended a replacement? If the professional thinks that a new coat of paint won’t solve your door’s problems, you need to learn more about replacement options. This can be a door similar to the existing one or a completely different material/model.

Need help with your next garage door project? Contact J&B Doors Inc. for more information.

Often, your garage door is one of the first things people see when they enter your home. But when it shows signs of wear, people wonder how to paint a metal garage door and if that’s even an option. While painting a metal garage door does take some time and effort, it certainly can be done and is a fairly easy way to increase the appeal of your home and potentially give it a whole new look. If you live in the Sacramento area and need help, click here to get your free estimate.

Do I need to prime before painting?

Can you paint a metal garage door?

Now that we know you can actually paint a metal garage door, let’s look at some of the do’s and don’ts to ensure your hard work gets you great results.

Some new garage doors are already primed. That’s nice because they’ve already taken the first step for you. Now all you have to do is apply garage door paint or metal paint to the primer. Remember that if you buy a new garage door and it has been galvanized, the metal paint will not stick to it! You’ll be left with a peeling mess after a few days. We do not recommend painting galvanized doors. That’s why today we’re going to focus on pre-primed metal garage doors or metal doors that have been previously painted.

Best paint for garage door

Acrylic latex exterior paint is generally the best choice for metal garage doors. But don’t make the mistake of buying cheap paint. You won’t regret paying a little more for a color that looks better for longer. You can even save money in the long run by not having to apply multiple coats.

In most cases, one coat of metal garage door paint is sufficient. However, use your judgment after the first coat and go from there. You may need a second coat when painting a light color over a darker shade.

The best finish for your garage door is gloss or satin. Because these paints dry hard, they protect your paintwork from scratches and scuffs. Glossy color also holds up very well in damp or wet climates and wipes clean easily to require very little maintenance. A satin finish is also a good option. Below is a list of the best colors for aluminum or steel garage doors:

Everlast exterior paint by Lowe’s

Behr Ultra exterior

Zinsser Perma-White Rust Oleum

The montage signature color

Diamond Brite general purpose enamel

Rust-Oleum 8781502 when painting galvanized metal

Best primer for metal garage doors

Rust is metal’s worst enemy. A garage door that shows signs of rust can be unsightly. There are a number of primers on the market designed to prevent rust and corrosion. For best results, we strongly recommend using a quality adhesion primer. Here are some primer options that have proven successful:

Kitz primer

Eco-friendly rust converter and primer from Gempler

Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer

Water based corroseal rust converter metal primer

Choosing a color

With the thousands of paint colors out there, it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one. You may want to choose a color that is similar to the color your door was previously painted. But if you’re looking for a change, make sure you choose a color that goes well with your siding, crown molding, and any brick, stucco, or stone accents you have. Most people prefer neutral colors like gray, tan, white, or beige. Just make sure you’ve thought it through and love your choice.

How to paint a metal garage door

With a little guidance, you can paint your garage doors in a weekend. By following these simple steps, your project can run smoothly and get the best results.

Step 1 Consider the weather

It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast a week in advance. You should paint on a day that is not too hot and not too cold or wet. In extreme temperatures, the paint may not dry properly. The ideal temperature for painting is between 50 and 75 degrees.

If you choose to prime and paint with a sprayer, make sure there isn’t a lot of wind. Not only is it frustrating to work in wind, but most of your colors will not reach their destination.

Step 2 Clean the metal doors and frame

Thoroughly wipe metal doors and frames with soapy water. Remove all stains, rust and grease from your doors and dry them with a clean rag. Make sure dust and debris are completely removed.

Step 3 Preparation

When painting over old paint, a light sanding is required to ensure all peeling paint is removed. Wipe clean so no dust or dirt remains from the sanding process.

Use heavy-duty painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted. This includes window locks, trim and the edges of your garage. It may be a good idea to put a tarp on your driveway and garage interior to also protect them from overspray.

For easy maneuvering, disengage your garage door mechanism so you can manually open your door.

Step 4 Prime

Using a paint sprayer or quality roller, apply your choice of primer. A sprayer is a much faster option, but a roller works well. When you’re done, partially open your garage door to keep your panels from sticking together. If your door has recessed panels, prime them first. Allow your primer to dry completely for several hours.

Step 5 Paint

Apply quality exterior paint to your door. Bottom up, starting with the inner panels and working your way outwards. Assess your work. If it looks overcast and meets your standards, consider yourself done. However, if you see imperfections or areas where the old paint is showing through, opt for a second coat. Allow at least 12 hours to cure between coats. When you’re done, remove the tape and don’t open your door until it has had time to dry overnight.

How to paint a metal garage door Conclusion

If you have questions about painting metal garage doors or just don’t have time to paint your door yourself, give PaintRite Pros a call. People live very busy lives and often prefer professionals to take care of tasks they are not entirely comfortable with. Our team of painters will be happy to do all the painting work for you. We have an excellent reputation throughout the Sacramento area because we love what we do and we want you to love it too. We have Spanish speakers if you prefer speaking in Espanol.

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Highlights Painting a garage door typically costs $1 to $4 per square foot.

It costs about $120 to $500 to paint a two car garage door.

You can save money by painting your garage door yourself.

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Your garage door takes up quite a bit of visual space in your home, so keeping it in tip-top shape goes a long way to making a great first impression of your home. If your garage door has seen better days, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Typically costing between $200 and $500, painting your garage door is a simple and easy way to update the look of your home. You can apply a bold shade to add a fresh pop of color or apply a neutral shade for a more grounded, organic look.

Whether you’re painting your garage door for maintenance or looking for an aesthetic refresher, find out how much it costs to paint a garage door based on factors like square footage and whether you should hire a professional to do it.

Painting a garage door typically costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the type of paint, labor costs, and the current condition of your door. For example, an existing garage door with a lot of loose or peeling paint that needs to be removed before repainting drives up labor costs because the job takes longer to complete.

Related Article How to Inspect Your Garage Door A garage door inspection can spot problems before they’re locked out of a simple fix

How much does it cost to paint a garage door by type?

Not sure how many square feet your garage door is? No problem. Here’s a quick breakdown of the average garage door paint cost by type.

Type of garage Cost One car garage $100 – $230 Two car garage $120 – $500 Three car garage $170 – $680

Garage door paint cost breakdown

Photo: marchello74 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The cost of painting garage doors usually includes labor, size, and materials.

work

If you hire a professional to paint your garage for you, you will have to pay for the labor costs. This is typically between $20 and $50 an hour. Depending on the size of your door and the complexity of the job, it typically takes two to eight hours to finish painting a garage door.

size

Because larger garage doors require more time and materials to paint, they cost more than smaller doors. For example, it typically costs about $100-$230 to paint a one-car garage door, while painting a three-car garage door costs anywhere from $170-$680. The price increases with the number of square meters and because of the increased working time.

materials

The materials required to paint a garage door typically include paint, primer, a roller or sprayer, tape, and cleaning supplies. You may also need surface repair materials when repairing damage to your garage door before painting it. All in all, you can expect to pay around $65 to $155 for these materials.

Cost to paint a garage door yourself

If you paint a garage door yourself, you save money because you only have to pay the material costs.

Cost of painting a garage door yourself versus hiring a professional

If you choose to take on this project yourself, you can completely avoid the labor costs, which typically range from $20 to $50 an hour. Since it typically takes two to eight hours for a pro to complete this job, you can expect to save at least $100 or much more if you treat it as a DIY project.

However, it may take you longer to get the job done than an experienced painter. Painting a garage door can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when you have a lot of existing paint to remove. If you don’t like the idea of ​​taking on the project yourself, you can always hire a local garage door painter to help you out.

Related article How much does it cost to install a garage door? On average, installing a garage door costs about $1,200

Questions and answers about painting garage doors

What color does a garage door need?

Which finish your garage door needs depends on the material of the door. Aluminum garage doors generally require an acrylic exterior paint, while vinyl and wood doors typically require a latex exterior paint. Latex and oil based paints are usually recommended for steel doors.

How many liters of paint do I need?

Painting a two car garage typically requires 1 gallon of paint, which should give you enough for the two to three coats recommended for the job. However, if you are painting a lighter color over a darker color, you may need more.