There’s no doubt that a garage has a huge role to play when it comes to curb appeal and painting garage doors can enhance the look of an entire property. With that in mind, here are a few pointers if you’re considering painting your garage door:
- Choosing the paint:
The three main things to think about when choosing the paint for your garage door, are type, color, and size of your garage door. Certain paints and primers work best on certain garage doors, for instance, for a garage door made from steel or wood, a latex or oil-based paint works best. If your doors are vinyl, then a latex-based primer and a paint that contains a bonding agent are most effective, and lastly, if made from aluminium, then an acrylic paint will be the best choice.
- Knowing how much paint you’ll need:
For an average two-car garage, the doors will require approximately a gallon of paint, and this should be enough to give the doors 2 or 3 good, solid coats. Take note though, that the precise amount of paint needed will depend on the material your garage doors are made from, and their size.
- Getting ready to paint:
You must firstly prepare and clean the garage door(s) to make sure that when the paint is applied to the surface, that it sticks effectively. Always wear a dust mask and eyewear to protect your eyes when scrubbing or sanding the door to remove debris and loose paint. When finished, give it a quick wash with a large sponge and a cleaning solution, before hosing it down.
- Next, when the garage door is completely dry, place painter’s tape around the edges and cover anything that can’t be taken off. It’s advisable to place a large sheet over your driveway and on the ground directly under the garage door to prevent unsightly paint splashes. Apply your chosen primer on each panel at a time from top to bottom; a roller is quickest for the large areas, but any areas with texture will require a paintbrush. This should ideally be left on to dry for at least 12 hours before you begin painting.
- Try to use long and steady strokes when painting to make sure that it doesn’t streak (nothing will decrease your home’s curb appeal quicker than a streaky paint job!) and leave plenty of time for the paint to dry before starting on another coat.
- Use painter’s tape to help you paint the trim of your garage door(s), that way you should always have tidy, crisp lines.
If this all seems like too much effort but you still want to boost your curb appeal with a set of beautiful, painted garage doors, why not browse the selection available at your local garage door suppliers? While this may cost more than having your original doors painted, it would save you the hassle and would give you doors that are painted professionally, which can make all the difference, particularly when you consider that garage doors are usually at the front of a property to be seen by anyone walking or driving past.
