With the right color design, your garage door can magically change your home property’s appearance. Depending on the material, there are multiple paint colors to choose from that can bring back life and shine to your garage door. And while hiring a pro can provide faster results, doing the job on your own allows you to have a personal touch on your property, and it’s downright fulfilling, too.
If you still don’t have the budget for a new garage door, you can stick with your old door and save money. As long as you’re not having a problem with its functionality, there’s always a way to make your garage door look brand-new. A garage door repaint will only cost you a few bucks, way cheaper than buying a new door. With the right tools and equipment and with a little help from a family member or friend, you’ll surely get the job done in no time.
Here is a step-by-step guide in garage door repainting:
Step 1: Gather all the tools and materials you need
This is a preparation step for your painting job. Of course, you don’t want to leave your painting task every now and then to look for the next tool to use. All your painting tools must be easily accessible and within reach, once you start working. Shop a few days or a week before your actual DIY project to make sure you got all you need.
For your garage door repainting, here are the necessary materials to collect:
- Exterior primer
- Exterior paint
- Paintbrush and roller
- Ladder
- Dropcloth
Step 2: Clean the surface
Dirt and debris sticking in the door surface will show even when covered with paint, giving you an ugly painting result. To avoid a costly and time-consuming painting redo, make sure to wash the entire door surface first. You may use an all-purpose cleaner and sponge to get rid of the dirt and rinse it off with a garden water hose. Wipe it dry with clean rags or towels and leave for at least an hour.
While waiting for your garage door to dry completely, take the time to prepare your working space. Cover areas that you don’t want the paint to reach with a painter’s tape such as the locks, handles, and windows. To protect your garage door interior and driveway, you can use a drop cloth placed inside and outside the door.
Step 3: Paint the garage door
This is a crucial step, so make sure you do it carefully and accurately. First, apply a primer paint product that is suitable for your door material. Start with the inset panels, stiles, and trim, then let it dry completely for a few hours.
Once the primer is completely dry, start painting your garage door with a quality exterior paint from top to bottom. It’s important to make the right pick when it comes to the paint color since it will have a huge impact on your entire house design.
Step 4: Give a final touch
Once you’re done with the paint application, take a step back and examine your work. Look for uneven spots or patches and apply a second coat of paint as needed. You may also start removing the tape and clean up your work area. Make sure that the paint is completely dry before putting your garage door back to use. It is advisable to let it dry overnight.
Painting a garage door is not as scary as it seems. All you need to do is a little research and advice from friends or neighbors who have successfully completed a similar project. Keeping in mind the helpful tips mentioned above will also help you approach your DIY painting job with ease and confidence. If you want to learn more about improving your garage door’s appearance and functionality, feel free to visit the Garage Door Repair Calgary website. There is no better advice than those you can get from the pros!