Can you paint a garage door?

With spring in full swing, you might be looking for a way to spruce up your home’s exterior, and one way to do this is by changing the colour of your garage door. Perhaps you’ve got a garage door in neutral colours and you’d like to give it a pop of bright colour for the warmer weather? Or maybe you’d like to add a sleek, dark tone for a more sophisticated look? 

One way to achieve this is with a fresh lick of paint, but how do you paint a garage door? The team at Shutter Spec Security has written this handy guide to help you.

Can you paint a garage door?

The good news is that yes, you can paint a garage door, regardless of the material it’s made from. This is a common practice and it can actually help your garage door to last for longer by preventing corrosion and providing an extra layer of protection against the elements. However, you must remember to prepare the door correctly and use the right kind of paint to ensure it adheres properly. 

How to pick a garage door colour

Nowadays, it’s possible to get your garage door painted in practically any colour. But with so much choice, it can be difficult to pick the right shade. There are a number of factors that you should consider before choosing your garage door colour, such as:

• Front door: If you’d like a cohesive look, you may be able to colour match your garage door to your front door.

• Maintenance requirements: Bear in mind that if you choose a lighter garage door colour, then dirt and scuffs will show up more easily, so it will likely require more frequent cleaning to keep it looking good.

• Architectural style: Choose a colour that complements your exterior; period properties typically look best with traditional colours whereas contemporary homes can suit bolder shades.

• Preferences: Garage door paint can last a while, so the most important thing is to choose a colour that reflects your taste and, most importantly, makes you happy!

How to paint a garage door

Equipment you’ll need:

• Mask and goggles (for sanding)
• Dust sheets
• Paint and primer
• Paintbrushes and/or rollers
• Sanding block or light sandpaper
• Masking tape
• Degreaser
• Cloth

1. Once you’ve got the correct equipment on hand, put some dust sheets down and wet a cloth with some degreaser. Then, thoroughly wipe down the door to remove any dirt.
2. Sand the door with a sanding block or light sandpaper to remove any old paint and create a smooth surface for painting.
3. Clean the door again with a damp cloth to get rid of dust.
4. Tape up the door frame, handle and any other fixtures that you don’t want to get paint on.
5. Apply the appropriate primer to the garage door, whether that be wood or metal primer. Apply multiple layers and leave for around 30-60 minutes between each coat.
6. Next, apply the paint. Use a roller for the bulk of the door and a paintbrush for the edges and narrower sections.
7. After three hours, apply another layer. Repeat this step until your garage door is evenly coated.
8. Enjoy!

When to replace your garage door

If you’ve got an older garage door or your garage door is showing signs of wear, it might be easier and more cost-effective to get a garage door replacement. It’s also important to consider that as soon as you paint your garage door for the first time, it will require periodic repainting and it can’t go back to being a low-maintenance surface. Therefore, a garage door replacement might be the best choice to ensure long-lasting results for minimal effort.

If you’re looking to upgrade your garage door in Oxford, Aylesbury, Thame, Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke or beyond, the team here at Shutter Spec Security has an extensive range available. With numerous colours and styles available, there’s bound to be a product that suits your home. Our friendly experts have over 20 years of combined experience and can replace your existing garage door – simply get in touch to find out more.