A: Painting a metal garage door follows the same process outlined above. If your metal garage door is already painted and in sound condition, you can apply a new coat of paint after washing. If you notice rusted spots, you'll want to remove loose debris and spot-prime those areas with a rust-inhibitive primer like Kem Kromik Universal Metal Primer.
How to Paint a Garage Door
Are you hoping to boost the look of your home's exterior with a simple and cost-efficient project? Then consider painting your garage door! Giving your garage door a fresh coat of paint can drastically improve your home's curb appeal while simultaneously protecting this essential piece of your home from the harsh outdoor elements. Plus, you can choose a color that showcases your style and personality - whether that's a bold, dark hue or a clean, classic white shade.
Painting your garage door has numerous benefits and Sherwin-Williams wants you to experience the joys of this renovation without headaches or hassles. That's why we're providing this guide with details on how to paint a garage door, including step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful project from start to finish!
Cost: $$
Skill Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 day
STEP 1
Clean & Prep Your Garage Door
Achieving results you're proud of starts with a clean and properly prepared garage door. Start by unplugging your garage door opener so that you can move it manually while painting and avoid having it move on its own while you work. Next, wash your garage door with a mild detergent and remove any loose or peeling paint. Then, sand any remaining rough paint edges to create a smooth surface.
If you're painting a metal garage door, removing any loose rust with a wire brush or other scraper is crucial. Then, you'll want to spot-prime those areas with a rust-inhibitive primer, like Kem Kromik Universal Metal Primer.
Tip: As you're sanding your garage door to remove rough edges of dried paint, avoid contacting the windowpanes with the sandpaper, as this can cause scratches on the glass.
STEP 2
Apply Painter's Tape
Once your garage door is cleaned and prepped, the next step is placing painter's tape around the areas you want to protect from paint. We recommend applying painter's tape around the trim, door hardware and windowpanes (if applicable).
STEP 3
Paint Your Garage Door
After you've placed painter's tape wherever necessary, it's time to start priming and painting your garage door. For this step, we recommend using a reliable primer like Extreme Bond Primer and a durable paint like SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex. When applying the primer and paint, starting at the top panel and working your way down the door is ideal. Use a brush to paint the recessed areas of the top panel, beginning at the corner and continuing around the perimeter, finishing with the inner area until the whole panel is coated. Repeat this process for each recessed panel.
Next, use your brush to cut in around the edge of the entire garage door, creating a 2" to 3" wide perimeter by starting at the top corner and working down along the walls. Then, you can switch to your roller to paint all the remaining flat surfaces. Lastly, allow ample dry time before applying a second coat of paint, following the same order as the first coat.
Tip: If your garage door was previously painted and still in good condition, a primer may not be necessary. However, if you're covering a dark color with a lighter shade or want to promote better adhesion, applying one coat of primer before painting is the best option.
STEP 4
Remove Painter's Tape & Clean Up
Now that you've painted your garage door, all that's left is cleaning up. While the final coat of paint is still wet, remove the painter's tape around the trim, windows and anywhere else you placed it. Plus, be sure to reconnect your garage door opener.
Tip: When removing the painter's tape, be sure the paint is still slightly wet to achieve crisp, clean lines. Removing painter's tape when the topcoat is dry can cause paint chips and other imperfections.
STEP 5
Admire Your Newly Painted Garage Door
Cleaning up after you've painted is the hard part; however, the easy part is admiring your stunning, newly painted garage door! While the garage door was a functional piece of your home before, now it's a testament to your creativity and DIY skills. Plus, you get to enjoy the boosted curb appeal, additional protection from weather and the personal touch this renovation adds to your home.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Project Supplies
Paint & Primer
BRUSHES, ROLLERS & FRAMES
OTHER TOOLS & SUPPLIES
