Garage Door painting guide
Painting your outdated garage door can give your home’s exterior an entirely new look at a relatively low cost and with very little effort. Plus, painting is the perfect way to cover up chipped, oxidized doors that are ruining your home’s curb appeal. For a high-quality appearance that will last for years to come, there are a few key steps to take when prepping and painting a garage door. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Garage Door Restore, will walk you through the entire process and show you how our expert team can help transform your garage door.
Why Choose Garage Door Restore?
Garage Door Restore is Perth, Western Australia’s premier garage door repainting service. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we ensure your garage door not only looks great but also stands the test of time. Our expert team uses top-quality materials and follows industry best practices to deliver outstanding results. We understand that a well-painted garage door can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
Preparing for Garage Door Repainting
Choosing the Right Paint
One of the most common mistakes people make when painting a garage door is purchasing the wrong paint. Garage doors are made from a variety of materials including vinyl, aluminum, wood, and more, and it’s important to buy the appropriate exterior paint for the job. Before purchasing, carefully check the manufacturer’s label to make sure you find the best paint and primer for the job.
Checking the Weather
Before painting, check the weather. You should plan for two to three days of mild temperatures, no rain, and mild humidity. For specific ideal conditions for painting, it’s best to consult the label on your specific paint. Remember, flat surfaces like garage doors, especially metal ones, will often be hotter than the outside temperature.
Safety Considerations
Whenever you use paint and painting products such as brush cleaner, mineral spirits, and other similar chemicals, you should always wear a mask rated for fumes. Additionally, wearing eye protection is a good idea when chipping or sanding old paint, as well as when painting—especially when painting surfaces above eye-level.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Equipment
- Scraper
- Stiff wire brush
- Sanding pad
- Hose with sprayer
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Handheld paint pail
- Roller pan
- 6-inch roller frame
- Fume-rated mask
- Safety glasses
Materials
- Exterior paint
- Exterior primer
- Painter’s tape
- 3/8-inch roller heads
- Paintbrush
- Paint stirrers
- Rags
Step-by-Step Guide to Repainting Your Garage Door
1. Scrape and Sand the Door
Start the prepping process by using a stiff wire brush, a scraper, and a sanding pad to remove any chipping paint. If your door is vinyl or wood, be careful not to damage the material during this process.
2. Wash and Rinse the Door
Once all chipping paint has been removed and sanded smooth, it’s time to wash the garage door. Dish soap is a great soap for removing dirt and grease from the surface, allowing the paint to better adhere. After spraying down the door, mix a little dish soap with water in a bucket and thoroughly wash the door with a sponge. Once clean, rinse away all soap.
3. Wipe Down the Door
Dry the door using a rag, making sure you wipe all nooks and crannies. Allow the door to fully air dry in the open position, as this will leave the gaps between the panels open for better drying. If painting a wood garage door, check for smoothness after drying to determine if you should sand once more.
4. Tape off the Door
Once the door fully dries, tape off the door. This includes hardware, trim, windows, gaskets, and anything else you don’t wish to get paint on. To easily tape off the gaskets surrounding the garage door, open the door and place tape along the length of the front of the gasket with some excess hanging over the edge. Then, fold the tape around to the back and close the garage door. To avoid hard-to-clean drips on the concrete, lay out a drop cloth.
5. Prime the Panels
Stir your primer and pour a little into a handheld paint pail, or use a sprayer. Use an angled paintbrush to paint the inside details of each panel. Wipe any excess from the rails and stiles before moving on to the next panel.
6. Prime Stiles and Rails
Stiles are the vertical pieces on either side of the door panel, while rails are the horizontal pieces. Together, they surround the door panel. Once the panels are primed, use a 6-inch roller frame fitted with a 3/8-inch nap roller to prime the rails and stiles. Work in small sections to maintain a wet edge. Let the primer dry with the garage door in the open position, so the cracks don’t dry together and seal shut.
7. Paint the Door
Once the primer is dry, repeat the same painting process with the exterior paint. For the best end product, apply at least two coats of paint, allowing ample dry time between coats.
8. Paint the Trim
Paint the garage door trim if needed at this point. This will help it blend in cohesively with the door or to add contrast. Use a premium acrylic latex or oil-based exterior paint for the longest-lasting coverage.
9. Maintain the Painted Garage Door
The best thing you can do for a painted garage door is to simply keep it clean and free of dirt. For areas with a lot of sun exposure, occasionally deep cleaning and recoating with exterior paint will ensure the finish stays pristine and prevent the need for a full refinish job in the future.
Why Hire Garage Door Restore?
Expertise and Experience
At Garage Door Restore, we have a team of skilled professionals who are experts in garage door repainting. Our team follows a meticulous process to ensure your garage door looks new and stays protected against the elements.
Quality Materials
We use only the highest quality exterior paints and primers to ensure a durable and long-lasting finish. Our selection of premium acrylic latex and oil-based paints is designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate.
Comprehensive Services
From preparation to final touch-ups, we handle every aspect of the repainting process. Our services include:
- Thorough surface preparation, including scraping, sanding, and washing
- Expert application of primers and paints
- Detailed painting of panels, stiles, and rails
- Precision painting of trim and hardware
- Post-painting cleanup and maintenance advice
Customer Satisfaction
Our goal is to exceed your expectations with every project. We take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our team is always available to answer any questions and provide guidance throughout the process.
The Benefits of Repainting Your Garage Door
Enhanced Curb Appeal
A freshly painted garage door can dramatically improve the appearance of your home. Whether you choose a bold color to make a statement or a neutral shade to blend seamlessly with your exterior, a new coat of paint can make a significant difference.
Increased Home Value
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to the value of your home. A well-maintained garage door can boost your home’s curb appeal and increase its overall market value.
Protection Against the Elements
Repainting your garage door not only improves its appearance but also provides a protective barrier against the elements. Quality paint and primer can help prevent rust, corrosion, and weather-related damage.
Cost-Effective Home Improvement
Compared to other home improvement projects, repainting your garage door is a relatively low-cost way to enhance your home’s exterior. With proper preparation and application, the results can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Garage Door Paint Color
Consider Your Home’s Style
When selecting a paint color for your garage door, consider the architectural style of your home. Traditional homes often look best with classic colors, while modern homes can benefit from bold, contemporary shades.
Coordinate with Exterior Colors
Your garage door should complement the overall color scheme of your home’s exterior. Take into account the color of your siding, trim, and roof when choosing a paint color.
Think About Sun Exposure
Colors can appear different in varying lighting conditions. Consider how much sunlight your garage door receives throughout the day and choose a color that will look good in both direct sunlight and shade.
Test Samples
Before committing to a color, test a few samples on your garage door. Observe how they look at different times of day and in different lighting conditions to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Repainting your garage door is a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect it from the elements. At Garage Door Restore, we offer expert garage door repainting services in Perth, Western Australia, using high-quality materials and industry best practices. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering outstanding results and ensuring your complete satisfaction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your garage door the makeover it deserves.
Visit our website at Garage Door Restore to learn more about our services and view our portfolio of completed projects. Let us help you transform your garage door and boost your home’s curb appeal with our professional repainting services.
