Contents
How to Paint a Steel Garage Door – Learn the best techniques for painting your steel garage door to give it a fresh, new look.
Checkout this video:
Selecting the right paint
When you are ready to paint your steel garage door, there are a few things you need to take into consideration in order to make sure you select the right paint. The type of paint you choose will be determined by the type of metal your garage door is made of. If your garage door is made of aluminum, you will want to use a latex paint.
Decide if you want a one-coat or two-coat paint system
If you have a new garage door, or one that’s in good condition, you can probably get away with a one-coat paint system. This system consists of a primer and either latex or oil-based paint. latex paint is preferred because it’s easier to work with and cleanup is minimal.
If your garage door is old or in poor condition, you’ll probably want to use a two-coat system. This system consists of a primer, an undercoat and either latex or oil-based paint. The undercoat provides a barrier between the primer and paint, which helps prevent peeling and chipping. latex paint is again the preferred type because it’s easier to work with and cleanup is minimal.
Choose an acrylic or latex paint
Before you start painting your steel garage door, it’s important to select the right type of paint. Acrylic or latex paint is best for steel garage doors, as oil-based paints can cause adhesion issues. If your garage door is already painted with an oil-based paint, you’ll need to remove this completely before repainting with an acrylic or latex paint.
Preparing the door for painting
Before beginning any paint project, it is important to properly prepare the surface you will be painting. This is especially important when painting a steel garage door, as the paint will not adhere well to a dirty or rusty door. Begin by giving the door a good cleaning with a hose and a stiff brush. If the door is particularly dirty or rusty, you may need to use a power washer. Once the door is clean, apply a rust-inhibiting primer to any areas that are rusty.
Clean the door with a pressure washer
You will want to clean the door with a pressure washer before painting. This will remove any dirt, debris, or grime that may be on the door. You may also want to use a degreaser to remove any grease that may be on the door. If you have any areas that are rusted, you will want to sand those down before painting.
Remove any rust with a wire brush
If you’re painting a steel garage door, it’s important to remove any rust on the surface before you start. This can be done with a wire brush. If the door is very rusty, you may need to use a wire brush attachment on a power drill. Once all the rust has been removed, wipe down the door with a cloth to remove any debris.
Apply a primer
A primer will help the paint to better adhere to the door and will also protect the door from rust. If your door is a light color, you will need to use a white primer. For dark colors, you can use a grey or black primer. Apply the primer with a brush or roller, using long, even strokes. Allow the primer to dry for at least four hours before painting.
Painting the door
The first step is to sand the door with medium-grit sandpaper. This will remove any existing paint or rust and give the new paint something to grip onto. Next, you’ll want to wash the door with a degreaser or trisodium phosphate solution to remove any grease or dirt. Once the door is clean and dry, you can start painting.
Paint the door with a brush or roller
To paint your steel garage door, you’ll need a primer specifically for metal, paint made for high-humidity areas, and either a brush or roller. Start by cleaning the door with a degreaser and removing any loose paint with a wire brush or sandpaper. Apply two coats of primer, letting each coat dry for at least four hours before moving on to the next. Once the primer is dry, paint the door with two coats of paint, letting each coat dry for at least four hours before moving on to the next.
Apply a topcoat
Now that the door is primed and the first coat of paint is dry, it’s time to add a topcoat. A topcoat of paint is just as important as the primer in protecting your door from the elements and giving it a long-lasting finish.
To apply a topcoat, open the door and begin painting at the top panel, using smooth, even strokes. Work your way down to the bottom panel, taking care to evenly coat all sides of each panel. Once you’ve reached the bottom, close the door and paint the center stile. Allow the paint to dry completely before opening and closing the door.
