How to Properly Paint or Stain Your Garage Door

Your garage door is one of the most visible parts of your home’s exterior. If it’s starting to look a bit worse for wear with peeling paint or fading colors, it can drag down the overall look of your home. Updating your garage door with a fresh coat of paint or new stain is a simple way to improve curb appeal.

Different materials, like fiberglass or metal, require specific techniques and products for a proper coat and seal, so knowing what type of garage door you have is key.

Painting a Metal Garage Door

Painting a metal garage door requires a few careful steps to achieve a professional-looking finish that lasts. Preparation is essential, and the right products will help ensure that your garage door is well-protected from the elements.

1. Clean the door: Start by removing dirt and debris with a mild detergent and water.
2. Mask off key areas: Use painter’s tape to protect any areas that shouldn’t be painted, such as windows, weather stripping and door hardware.
3. Apply metal primer: A metal primer will help the paint adhere properly. Make sure to let the primer dry completely before moving on.
4. Paint with acrylic latex: Use an acrylic latex paint suitable for metal surfaces, applying it with a brush for an even coat. This type of paint is durable and resistant to weathering.
5. Allow ample drying time: Be patient with drying times to avoid smudges or streaks. If necessary, consider adding a second coat for a richer color.

Re-Staining Wooden Garage Doors

Staining wooden garage doors is a fantastic way to highlight the wood’s natural beauty while adding a layer of protection against weathering. Stain is generally less expensive and more durable than paint, though certain woods take stain better than others. Choosing the right stain and properly preparing the wood can make all the difference.

1. Address any wood rot: Check for any wood rot, holes or imperfections and fill them with a quality wood filler. This step is essential for a smooth, uniform finish.
2. Clean and sand the door: Clean the door, then sand the entire surface to remove any old finish and create an even surface for the stain to adhere to.
3. Prep the area: Use painter’s tape to cover handles, levers and window edges, and place drop sheets around the door to protect your driveway and garage floor from getting stained.
4. Apply the stain: Choose a high-quality, weather-resistant stain and apply it evenly across the door. Use smooth, even strokes to avoid streaking.
5. Finish with a varnish: Once the stain is fully dry, add a protective varnish to seal the color and increase durability.

Painting a Fiberglass Garage Door With Spray Paint

Using spray paint is often the best method to get an even finish on fiberglass without brush marks. With the right prep work, spray paint can create a smooth, professional look that lasts.

1. Clean thoroughly: Wipe down the fiberglass surface to remove dirt and debris, as any dust will interfere with adhesion.
2. Sand the surface: Lightly sand the door, paying attention to any areas with chipped paint, to ensure a smooth base for your new color.
3. Prep the area: Use painter’s tape to cover handles, levers and window edges, and place drop sheets over anything nearby that you might accidentally spray.
4. Apply a fiberglass-safe primer: A primer specifically made for fiberglass will help the paint adhere more effectively.
5. Spray with acrylic paint: Choose a high-quality acrylic spray paint and apply it in even, overlapping passes. This will create a solid, consistent finish without brush marks.

Call Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for Garage Door Services

While DIY painting or staining can give your door new life, Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie is here to help with anything beyond a paintbrush or spray can. Whether it’s a repair, replacement or installation, our team has served Central Indiana with trusted service and expertise for over 80 years. From maintenance to repairs to installation and replacements, you can count on us for dependable service.

Contact us to schedule expert garage door services in Indianapolis or Muncie.