Mehr’s Garage Doors has been giving homes in St. George, Utah, new looks for more than 40 years with our professional garage door services. We all know how much a freshly painted wooden garage door can make your home look better from the street.
Painting your garage door is a cheap way to make a big difference, whether you’re preparing to sell or just want to update the appearance of your home. This guide shares our expert advice to help you achieve a long-lasting, beautiful finish on your wooden garage door.
Good planning is the key to a paint job that lasts. Here’s how we recommend preparing your wooden garage door for its fresh coat:
Mix warm water and light soap and wash the door first. If the dirt is tough, use a sugar soap mix of 1 part sugar soap and ten parts water. Scrub with a sponge or brush, paying close attention to the lines and designs. Let it fully dry after rinsing with clean water.
Next, sand the door to be ready for the new paint. Start with 60–80 grit sandpaper to remove loose paint if you’re dealing with old, flaking paint. For a smoother finish, use 120–150 grit afterward. In the direction of the wood grain, always sand the wood.
Check the door for holes, cracks, or gaps. Fill in these areas with high-quality wood glue. Use a putty knife to apply the filler, slightly overfilling so it won’t shrink when it dries. After it’s dry, sand these areas to make them smooth.
Apply oil-based external primer to any areas sanded down to bare wood. This helps the paint stick better and protects the wood underneath even more.
Remember that proper preparation may take some time, but it’s necessary for a paint job that looks good and lasts a long time. At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we always say, “If you don’t prepare, prepare to fail.” If you follow these steps, your newly painted garage door will look great for years to come and be able to handle the different types of weather in St. George.
We’ve seen how the right paint can make all the difference in the longevity and appearance of a wooden garage door. The best paint for your project can be chosen using this guide:
Consider the Climate: Because it is warm and dry in St. George, your garage door’s paint must withstand direct sunlight and heat. We recommend high-quality outdoor paints that offer UV and fading resistance.
Oil-Based vs. Latex Paints: Oil-based paints offer superior longevity and a smooth finish, but they take longer to dry and can turn yellow over time. Latex paints are more environmentally friendly, more accessible to apply and dry faster. Plus, they stay more true to color in direct sunlight. We recommend using high-quality latex exterior paint on most wooden garage doors.
Sheen Matters: The sheen of the paint affects both its appearance and its functionality:
A satin or semi-gloss finish works best for garage doors. Compared to flat surfaces, they are simpler to clean and offer better moisture protection. High-gloss paints tend to bring out flaws in the wood, so stay away from them.
Our Top Recommendations: Dulux Weather Shield for outdoor wood has produced excellent results for us. It offers great covering and is specially made to resist harsh weather conditions. Consider Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior if you want a high-end choice.
Color Considerations: White is a standard choice, but don’t be afraid to look at other colors too. Choosing a garage door color that goes with the outside of your house can make it look much better from the street. Remember that darker colors soak up more heat, which could mean that clothes wear out faster in our warm environment.
Using the right paint can only achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your wooden garage door. We at Mehr’s Garage Doors are here to help you decide which product to use. We are always happy to share our expertise to assist you in making the best decision for your home.
Having the right tools is very important for getting a paint job that looks great. Here’s what you need to paint your garage door made of wood:
Good brushes are essential for a smooth finish. We recommend using high-quality synthetic brushes for latex paint and natural bristle brushes for oil-based paint. Having both 2-inch and 4-inch sizes on hand is helpful for easily tackling different areas of the door. A 4-inch roller with a 1/4-inch nap can speed up the process and ensure the coat is even on bigger, flat door parts. Bring a strong paint tray to keep your paint handy and get to it quickly while you work.
The surface must be adequately prepared for a paint job to last. You will need different grades of sandpaper. For heavy sanding to remove old paint, you will need 60–80 grit. You will need 120–150 grit to finish and clean the surface. While a putty knife is essential for applying wood filler to any cracks or holes in the door, a robust scraper helps remove loose or flaking paint.
It’s important to clean everything well before painting. Use one bucket, rags or soft cloths, and light soap or sugar soap to remove dirt and grime. If you have a handy outdoor hose or pressure washer, rinse with it, but be careful not to damage the wood with too much power.
Taking care of your surroundings is just as important as painting the door. Use drop cloths to protect your driveway or garage floor from paint drips. Painter’s tape is essential for keeping hardware, weatherstripping, and edges clear so the lines are straight. You can cover nearby plants or cars with old sheets or plastic wrap.
Safety should always come first. During sanding, wear a dust mask to protect your lungs and safety goggles to keep dust and paint from getting into your eyes. Gloves will also protect your hands and keep them clean.
Remember the things that can help you do your job better. A strong ladder is essential for safely reaching the top of the door. Have stirring sticks on hand to mix the paint well before using it. This will make sure that the color and consistency are even. Lastly, ensure you have many clean rags on hand to wipe up spills and clean brushes.
Our team at Mehr’s Garage Doors always has the right tools for the job, which helps us give our St. George customers the best results. Remember that spending on quality paint tools can significantly impact how your garage door turns out. With these tools, you’ll be ready to tackle your garage door painting project like a pro.
For over 40 years, Mehr’s Garage Doors has worked to improve our painting process so that our St. George customers get the best results. Here’s how to paint your wooden garage door like a pro:
Start with a coat of primer if you’re painting over bare wood or areas where you’ve sanded down to raw wood. For wood garage doors, we recommend applying an oil-based outer primer. Spread the primer evenly and follow the wood grain using a brush or roller. It usually takes 24 hours to dry out thoroughly in our dry St. George climate, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When painting the door, focus on the panels and hidden areas. Use a brush to reach these hard-to-reach places. Painting in the direction of the wood grain can achieve a smooth finish. Be careful not to apply too much paint to these areas to avoid drips and pools.
When you’re done with the hidden areas, move on to the higher parts of the door. For edges and minor features, use a brush instead of a small roller for more extensive flat regions. It’s essential to paint in the direction of the wood grain again.
Paint the door from top to bottom to avoid drips on newly painted areas. This way, you can track what you’ve painted and ensure the spread is even.
Several thin coats are preferable to one thick coat. Thin coats are less likely to drip or sag when they dry. We usually recommend two to three coats for the best coverage and stability.
Allow the previous coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. This typically takes 4 to 6 hours in St. George’s warm environment, but always check the paint manufacturer’s suggestions. Ensure the door stays open during this time so it doesn’t get stuck.
Don’t forget to paint the door’s sides, top, and bottom edges. These areas are essential for protecting the wood from moisture but are often overlooked.
Once the last coat is dry, look at the door carefully in good light. Fix any flaws or spots that you missed.
When painting a garage door key, remember to be patient. If you rush the process, you might have a sour finish that can’t withstand the brutal sun and rain in St. George. At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we take the time to ensure every coat is put correctly. This gives your home a beautiful, long-lasting finish that looks better from the street.
We are proud of delivering top-quality results. To help you give your wooden garage door a finish that looks like a pro did it, here are some secret tips:
If you can, paint your garage door when it’s not in direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can dry the paint too fast, leaving brush lines and an uneven finish. Because it is warm in St. George, this usually means painting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
When applying paint with a brush, always follow the direction of the wood grain. To mix the strokes, lightly brush over the wet edge of the last line after each one. This method, called “laying off,” removes brush marks.
Dip your brush about 1/3 of the way into the paint, then tap (don’t wipe) it against the side of the can to remove excess. For rollers, use a roller grid and roll off excess paint before applying it to the door. This prevents drips and ensures an even application.
The best weather for painting is between 50°F and 90°F with low humidity. The weather in St. George is usually great for painting, but be careful of quick temperature changes that can shorten or lengthen the drying time.
When the paint feels dry to the touch, applying the next coat immediately can be tempting. However, follow the manufacturer’s directions and let each coat dry thoroughly. These extra steps pay off with a smoother and longer-lasting finish.
Paint can sometimes dry out too fast in St. George’s dry environment. For longer drying times and fewer brush marks, use a paint conditioner, such as Floetrol, for latex paints.
To avoid peeling off dried paint, remove the painter’s tape while the paint is still wet. For the best line, pull the tape away at a 45-degree angle.
If you took off door knobs or other hardware, don’t put them back on until the paint is dry, which could take up to a week. This keeps the hardware from getting paint on it.
Following these professional tips can help you finish your garage door so it looks like it was done by the experts at Mehr’s Garage Doors. If you take your time, you’ll have a beautiful garage door that will make your home look better for years.
Proper care is the key if you want your newly painted wooden garage door to look great and last long. Here are some tips from our experts on how to keep your door looking fresh and bright in St. George’s weather:
Over time, dust and dirt can build up on your garage door, making it look dull. We recommend cleaning your door at least twice a year. Use a soft cloth or sponge with water and light soap for a gentle clean. Do not use rough chemicals or materials that could damage the paint.
Many people in St. George live busy outdoor lives, so garage doors often get nicks and scratches. Take care of these minor flaws immediately to prevent moisture from entering the wood. Keep some extra paint on hand for quick touch-ups.
Every year, set aside some time to check your garage door carefully. Check for signs of paint wear, such as peeling or popping, especially along the bottom edge, where moisture can gather. By catching these problems early, you can keep the damage from getting worse.
The frequency of painting your garage door depends on several factors, such as the quality of the paint you use, how much sunlight it receives, and the weather where you live. We recommend painting garage doors every three to five years in St. George’s sunny and dry environment.
But make sure to see a lot of fading, chipping, or peeling before this time. Repainting sooner is preferable to avoid damaging the underlying wood. Remember that doors facing south or west may require more frequent painting due to greater sun exposure.
When it’s time to repaint, use the same careful cleaning and painting process. This ensures the new coat sticks well and protects for a long time.
Think about these protective steps to increase the life of your paint job:
Once every two years, use a UV-protective clear coat to keep the color from fading. This is very important if you pick a dark color for the paint. Ensure that water doesn’t pool at the base of your garage door in case it rains a lot. Ensure the road dips away from the garage so water doesn’t damage the door’s bottom.
Because we live in a desert, the weather changes significantly from season to season. These changes can cause wood to grow and shrink, damaging your paint. Seasonally adjust the close limit switch on your garage door to account for these changes and keep the painting surface from getting too much stress.
Even though it doesn’t directly affect the paint, keeping the door’s moving parts well-oiled can help protect the paint job in a roundabout way: every year, grease hinges, wheels, and tracks with a silicone-based product.
If it’s not already there, add weatherstripping to the bottom of the door. The bottom part of the door, which is most vulnerable to moisture damage, is helped to protect.
Follow these care tips to keep your garage door looking fresh and appealing for years to come, which will also increase the life of your paint job. Remember that a garage door that is well taken care of looks better and works better and more efficiently. In beautiful St. George, Mehr’s Garage Doors is always here to assist you in maintaining its top state.
Many do-it-yourself painting projects need to be corrected. Avoid these common mistakes when painting your wood garage door.
The weather in St. George’s can make painting challenging. When painting the door, stay out of direct sunlight on sweltering days and when it’s raining or wet.
Instead, choose early or late afternoon when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F. Before you start a project, you should always check the weather report. If you wait for the right conditions, the finish on your garage door will be better and last longer.
A good prep job is necessary for a lasting paint job. Make sure to clean, sand, and paint areas of bare wood. Use wood filler to fix any holes or cracks and clean up any dust you get while sanding.
Give the food enough time to dry after each step of preparation. Attention to these details during preparation will improve the paint’s adhesion and finish quality, so your garage door will look great for years.
Picking the right paint is essential for a long-lasting finish. Avoid using low-quality outdoor or indoor paints. We recommend high-quality exterior latex paint specially made for wood to survive our sunny environment.
For the best safety, look for items made to fit garage doors. Investing in quality paint will save you time and money in the long run by lowering the frequency of painting.
Concerns about the environment are growing; we at Mehr’s Garage Doors understand that. Many of our customers in St. George are choosing paints that are better for the environment. Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints are the best for wooden garage doors.
These paints are better for you and the earth because they don’t put out as many chemicals that are bad for you. In our dry environment, they work just as well as regular paints, lasting longer and keeping their color.
We recommend Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Harmony, and Behr Premium Plus. These paints lower your carbon footprint and smell, so you can use your garage sooner after painting.
While many St. George individuals paint their garage doors successfully, sometimes it’s best to call the experts. Before painting your wooden door, it may need to be fixed by a professional if it has a lot of damage, like rotting wood or deep cracks.
Also, if you have lead-based paint on an old door, you need to have it removed by a professional to keep everyone safe. Professional skills might also be required for patterns with many colors or shapes.
Since painting a garage door can be time-consuming and physically taxing, Mehr’s Garage Doors also recommends hiring a professional painter if you need more time or physical strength to do it yourself. In these challenging cases, our team has the right tools and knowledge to ensure a perfect finish.
Cost is a common factor when deciding between do-it-yourself and professional painting. DIY painting usually costs between $100 and $200 for a regular wood garage door call in St. George. This price includes paint, primer, brushes, and drop clothes.
This does not, however, take into account the time you spend, which can be very important. Depending on the size and state of the door, professional painting costs between $300 and $700. Professional painting usually lasts longer because it is better prepared and uses higher quality materials despite being more expensive.
Mehr’s Garage Doors offers free quotes to help you make an informed choice. When deciding what to do, consider several factors, including the door’s state, the amount of time you have available, and the significance of a quality finish.
At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we’ve helped countless St. George homes through the paint-your-garage-door process. Proper preparation, quality materials, and attention to detail are critical to a beautiful, long-lasting finish, whether you decide to tackle this project yourself or hire professional assistance.
Remember that a well-painted garage door makes your house look better from the street and helps protect the wood from the harsh, hot sun. We have a team of experts ready to help you get the most out of your garage door purchase whenever needed.
We recommend painting wooden garage doors every three to five years in our sunny, dry environment. If you notice major fading, chipping, or peeling, it’s best to reapply the paint sooner to avoid damaging the underlying wood.
We recommend using high-quality exterior latex paint made especially for wood surfaces. These paints are more resistant to UV light and flexible enough to handle how wood expands and contracts in our hot climate.
Try to avoid painting in full sunlight. It can dry the paint too quickly, leaving brush marks and an uneven finish. We recommend painting the door early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it will be out of the sun.
Priming is essential if you paint over bare wood or areas sanded down to raw wood. For well-kept regions that have already been painted, a thorough cleaning and light sanding may be all that is needed before applying new paint.
In our dry St. George climate, the paint usually takes 24 to 48 hours to completely dry, so follow the manufacturer’s directions. Ensure the door stays open during this time so it doesn’t get stuck.
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