Painting a metal garage door is an easy way to refresh your home’s exterior and enhance its curb appeal. While a clean, updated garage door can add serious value to your home, it’s something many of us tend to overlook. But when it starts looking worn out, you might not know the best way to move forward. With the right vision and paint choices, you can give it a whole new look without too much hassle. It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think.
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Best Paint For a Metal Garage Door
Acrylic latex exterior house paint is your best bet when painting a metal garage door. It adheres well to metal surfaces, providing durable protection against weather and wear. Its flexibility allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing cracking. Since it’s water-based, clean-up is easier, and it’s more environmentally friendly compared to oil-based options.
While it’s tempting to go for cheap paint, it often leads to disappointing results. Low-quality paint can chip, peel, or fade quickly, forcing you to repaint much sooner. By investing in high-quality paint, you get a longer-lasting finish and avoid extra work down the road.
Usually, one coat of paint will do, but adding a second coat can improve the overall look and life of the paint job. If you’re covering a dark color with a lighter one, a second coat always provides better coverage. Opt for gloss or semi-gloss finishes since they dry hard and protect against the scuffs and scratches that garage doors often endure. These finishes are also easy to clean and hold up well in humid climates. Satin is another great option for a less shiny yet still durable finish.
Here are some of our top paint options for aluminum or steel garage doors:
- Behr Ultra Exterior
- Diamond Brite All Purpose Enamel
- The Montage Signature Paint
- Everlast Exterior Paint
- Zinsser Perma-White Rust-Oleum
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior
- Valspar Duramax Exterior
Best Primer For Metal Garage Doors
Priming your garage door before painting is a must, especially since rust is definitely not your friend. A rusty garage door doesn’t just look bad; it can actually shorten the life of the door. Rust weakens the metal and causes damage over time, so it’s important to stop it before it starts. Using a high-quality bonding primer gives your paint a solid foundation and helps keep that rust away for good.
We recommend using one of the following high-quality primers:
- Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer
- KILZ Adhesion Bonding Primer
- Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer
- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer
- Valspar Anti-Rust Armor Primer
How To Paint a Metal Garage Door
Painting a garage door doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you follow a few simple steps.
1. Clean the Door
Start by cleaning the garage door thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and grime. You can use a mixture of water and mild detergent, then rinse it down with a hose. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on.
2. Scrape and Sand
If there’s any peeling paint or rust, scrape it off with a wire brush or scraper. After that, sand the door lightly to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.
3. Prime the Door
Apply a high-quality bonding primer to the door. Let the primer dry completely before the next step.
4. Tape and Cover
Use painter’s tape to cover any areas you don’t want to paint, like the handles, windows, or trim. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the driveway from drips.
5. Paint the Door
Once the primer is dry, start painting. Use acrylic latex exterior paint and apply it with a brush or roller. Work from the top of the door to the bottom, making sure you get an even coat. Let it dry, and if needed, apply a second coat for better coverage.
6. Let It Dry and Inspect
After painting, give the door ample time to dry. Once it’s dry, check for any spots you might have missed and do touch-ups as needed.
Best Colors
When choosing the best color for your garage door, think about how it complements the rest of your home. Neutral colors like black, white, and all shades of gray paired with white or cream are popular for a reason. They create a clean, modern look that works with almost any style. These shades not only blend well but also make your home look polished and timeless.
If you’re unsure, it can help to drive through your favorite neighborhoods or browse online for inspiration. Seeing what works on other homes can give you new ideas and help you visualize how certain colors might look on your garage door. You’ll get a sense of what’s trending and find unique combinations you may not have thought of.
For a bolder look, consider matching your garage door to the trim or other exterior accents. Brown or navy blue can make a striking statement, especially if it ties in with other features like window frames or shutters. Just remember to pick a shade that complements your overall home design.
Weather Considerations
When painting your garage door, timing is everything. Weather affects how well the paint adheres and dries. It’s best to choose a day that’s dry and mild, avoiding extreme temperatures or windy conditions. Hot weather can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to uneven patches or bubbles. Cold or wet weather can slow down drying and weaken the durability of the paint. In Sacramento, the best months for painting are typically between April and October, when temperatures are steady, and there’s less chance of rain. Ideally, aim for days when temperatures range between 50°F and 85°F.
Humidity plays a big role, too. High humidity makes the paint tacky and harder to apply, while low humidity can cause it to dry too quickly. In low humidity, the paint may crack or peel over time. If you live in a humid area, try painting early in the morning or late in the evening. You can also use paints designed to withstand high humidity for the best results.
Painting a Metal Garage Door Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance will keep your garage door looking fresh and help extend the life of your paint job. We recommend regular cleaning with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers that could damage the paint. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe away dirt or grime.
Watch for small chips or scratches, as they can get worse over time. Garage doors go through a lot of wear and tear. It’s smart to touch up any problem areas as soon as you notice them. Keep extra paint from your project handy for quick touch-ups. With some basic care, your garage door will stay looking great and continue boosting your home’s curb appeal for years.
The Guide To Painting A Metal Garage Door Conclusion
Painting your garage door is one of the best ways to upgrade your home’s exterior and make it stand out. From choosing the right paint to picking the perfect color, a little effort goes a long way. At DL Painting, we’re here to help with any of your home painting needs. Whether it’s your garage door, interior, or exterior, our team is known for delivering exceptional results that you’ll love coming home to.
