Can I Paint My Garage Door?

Having a quality garage door at the front of a property is extremely important.

Whether it’s a domestic property or commercial business, a garage door can assist with security, insulation and, of course, aesthetics.

Many people wonder about painting garage doors, either as a way to address wear and tear or simply because they fancy a change in design.

Whatever the case for you, it’s important to understand whether you can paint your garage door, and the appropriate ways to do so.   

At Rollerdor, we’ve put together this article outlining everything you need to know about painting garage doors. 

Can I Paint My Garage Door?

Any garage door can be painted, but it’s most common for wooden garage doors to have new paint applied. 

While Aluminium and steel garage doors tend to offer greater durability and longevity, it depends on the model of door as to if painting is recommended, for sectionals and up and over doors it is possible to paint but it’s not advisable for roller garage doors. This is because they roll up on themselves which could cause paint to end up in the joints causing potential problems with the door. As an alternative to  painting your roller garage door you could consider replacing the curtain with a colour of your choice.    

However, if you’re determined to paint yours we’ve outlined some best practices in order to ensure the best possible results.  

How To Paint A Garage Door

If you’re considering painting your garage door, important you understand how to do so correctly. By following the steps below, you can ensure your newly painted garage will both look great and keep your garage protected long into the future.

Clean The Area

Before you start, it’s important to properly clean the surface of your garage door. Brush the door to remove dirt and debris, and go over it with soapy water. If you spot any cracks or dents on the door, fill them in with a filler that you can purchase from your local DIY or hardware shop.

It’s also important that the surface of your door is smooth before you begin painting. Use sandpaper to even out the surface, and this can also help with adhesion. 

Once the door has been fully cleaned, you’re almost ready to start. But first, make sure to cover your door’s guide runners and handles, and lay down a dust sheet to protect your floor.

Apply A Primer

Before you apply your paint, it’s important to coat the garage door surface with a primer. This will help the paint correctly adhere to the door. Use a brush or roller to apply the primer and allow it to dry by following the instructions on the packaging.   

Paint The Door

Once the primer has dried, you can paint your garage door. If you’re painting the door frame as well, this should be painted first. Then, do the door itself. We’d recommend going from top to bottom so any drops will drip downwards, creating an even look across the door.   

Give It A Second Coat

You might want to give your door a second coat once the first one has dried. This will help to give it a better finish and enhance its weather protection. 

It’s important that you carry out the painting on a dry, mild day to achieve the best results. The drying process cannot be properly carried out if it’s raining, so make sure none is forecast. Between 8°C and 25°C is believed to be the best temperature to paint a garage door.

At Rollerdor, we offer a bespoke approach to our clients, providing people nationwide with access to roller garage doors that suit their unique needs and preferences. This includes supplying people with a wide choice of garage door colours. If you’re wondering how to choose the right garage door colour for you, check out our previous blog on the topic. For more information on what we do, contact our team today.