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How to Paint Your Garage Door

How to Paint Your Garage Door?

Mehr’s Garage Doors has been installing and fixing garage doors in St. George, Utah homes for many years. Painting your garage door is one of the easiest and most noticeable ways to give your home a fresh appearance. 

With a professional paint job, your curb charm will improve, and your door will be protected from the elements. We’re here to guide you through the process, whether you want to change an old color or just give your garage a fresh makeover. Let’s look at the step-by-step process for painting your garage door like a pro.

Assessing Your Garage Door: Determining Material and Condition

Identifying Your Door Material:

Mehr’s Garage Doors has worked on every kind of garage door you can think of. Determine the material of your door as the first step in painting it. Steel is used to make most garage doors in St. George because it is strong and offers a smooth surface for painting. Wooden doors, which provide a classic look but require more upkeep, are also encountered.

Another choice is aluminum doors, which are popular due to their low weight and resistance to rust. Fiberglass doors are sometimes seen, which don’t need much upkeep and can look like wood grain. Different things about each object affect the painting process.

Evaluating Door Condition:

Take a close look at your door before you open that paint can. We recommend a thorough inspection of the entire surface. Check for paint that is chipping or peeling. This is common on older doors or doors left out in the weather. Look for rust spots on steel doors, especially along the bottom edge where water likes to gather.

Before painting, look for dents or dings that might need to be fixed. Wooden doors should be checked for cracks or bowing, which can worsen if not handled. Also, look for signs of water damage, which can make it hard for paint to stick and cause problems in the future.

Checking for Repairs:

Address any problems you spot during your inspection before painting. By making small repairs now, you can avoid bigger problems later. Mehr’s Garage Doors helps homeowners with many pre-painting repairs. One example is using car body filler to smooth out dents and make the surface smooth.

We recommend sanding down to bare metal and applying a primer that prevents rust on steel doors with rust spots. In cases of serious damage, it may be necessary to replace specific panels. Do not forget to fix any loose hardware before painting over it. If you do not, the paint could chip in the future.

Remember, the key to a long-lasting paint job is a properly prepared surface. Don’t hesitate to contact Mehr’s Garage Doors if you have questions about the state of your door or need assistance with repairs. You can always count on our help and expertise for your garage door painting job in St. George.

Gathering the Necessary Supplies and Tools:

Choosing the Right Paint:

Selecting the right paint is essential for a finish lasting at Mehr’s Garage Doors. Depending on your door type, we recommend exterior-grade paints for garage doors in St. George’s.

Due to their longevity and fading resistance, acrylic latex paints are great for most garage doors. For extra safety, consider painting metal doors with paints that stop rust. We usually recommend slick or semi-gloss finishes because they are easier to clean and don’t let dirt build up as quickly as flat finishes.

Selecting Brushes, Rollers, and Other Equipment:

Having the right tools is essential if you want the finish to look professional. We recommend a combination of brushes and rollers for most garage doors. High-quality synthetic bristle brushes are best for cutting around edges and painting precise areas.

A small foam roller (4-6 inches) can provide even, smooth coverage for more extensive areas. Painter’s tape, drop cloths, and a firm stool are other necessities you should remember. If your door has many small details, use foam brushes to get into the cracks.

Preparing the Garage Door Surface:

Cleaning the Door Thoroughly:

It’s essential to clean your garage door well before you paint it. We start at Mehr’s Garage Doors by washing the surface with water and light soap. If the dirt is tough, you might need a cleaner.

We pay extra attention to the door’s bottom, where dirt and other things tend to gather. After washing the door, always rinse it with clean water and let it dry all the way through. This step ensures that the new paint sticks well and lasts longer.

Removing Loose or Peeling Paint:

If the paint on your door is peeling or chipping, you need to remove it. To remove loose paint, we use a combination of sandpaper and scraping tools. Wire brushes can be helpful for removing rust spots from metal doors. Making the surface smooth is essential for the new paint to stick. Take your time with this step; careful preparation is crucial to a finish that looks professional.

Sanding and Smoothing the Surface:

Before painting, we sand the whole door to roughen the surface so the paint can stick to it. For metal doors, we start with 120–150 grit sanding and then move on to 220 grit for a smooth finish.

In particular, wooden doors may require more intensive sanding if there are rough spots or old marks. A tack cloth is always used to clean the door after sanding to remove all the dust.

Applying Primer (If Needed):

Applying a primer is often necessary, especially for bare metal or wood. We use high-quality paints that are made for the type of door at Mehr’s Garage Doors. A primer that stops rust is often best for metal doors.

A stain-blocking primer is suitable for wood doors. Not only does primer help the paint adhere better, but it also offers an extra layer of security for your door. Before painting, we usually let the primer dry all the way through, which generally takes overnight.

Protecting Surrounding Areas:

Covering Hardware and Windows:

Protecting non-paintable surfaces is a top priority at Mehr’s Garage Doors. First, remove any gear that can be removed, such as handles or locks. Then, use painter’s tape to cover any set elements carefully.

We recommend covering the entire window in your garage door with plastic sheeting or newspaper and taping it down if it has windows. This keeps paint splatters or overspray from damaging these surfaces.

Using Drop Cloths and Painter’s Tape:

It is just as essential to protect the area around your garage door as it is to prepare the door itself. We always put old sheets or drop cloths on the ground under the door to catch any drips or spills.

We use good painter’s tape along the door frame and any walls next to it to get clean edges. This extra step ensures the lines look clean and professional and stops paint from getting on areas you don’t want it to.

Applying the Paint:

Choosing the Right Painting Technique:

Picking the proper painting method can make or break the look of your garage door. Mehr’s Garage Doors usually starts with a brush for smaller areas and edges. For more extensive, flat surfaces, they switch to a roller.

A foam roller can provide an even, streak-free coating for metal doors with a smooth finish. Some doors, like wooden ones, have a rough surface, so a short-nap roller is the best way to get into all the cracks.

Painting Panels and Recessed Areas:

When tackling them, we always paint the inner areas of a paneled garage door first. We carefully apply paint to these areas with a brush to ensure even coverage in the corners. It’s essential to work quickly but carefully and keep the edge wet to avoid getting lap marks. We frequently recommend painting one panel at a time to get the best effects.

Painting Large Flat Surfaces:

If your garage door has many flat areas, we switch to a roller. This lets coverage go faster and be more even. In order to get full coverage, we roll in one direction, usually vertically, and overlap a little between passes. Do not put too much on the roller, which can cause drips and an uneven finish. Instead, we apply thin, even coats, giving each layer enough time to dry.

Allowing Proper Drying Time Between Coats:

Remember that patience is vital to getting a good paint job. Before applying the next coat, we always wait for the previous one to fully dry. This usually takes a few hours in St. George’s, but for the best results, we recommend following the paint manufacturer’s directions. Rushing through this process can result in paint bubbles or peeling in the future. We typically apply at least two coats for the best coverage and longevity.

Few things are as complex as painting a garage door; we at Mehr’s Garage Doors know that. Please feel free to contact our team of professionals if you are stressed or want to ensure you get a perfect finish. We want your garage door to be one of the best parts of your St. George home.

Adding Final Touches and Details:

Addressing Trim and Accents:

Here at Mehr’s Garage Doors, we think that small things make a big difference. After painting the garage door’s main surface, it’s time to paint the trim and other details. We carefully paint around your door’s window frames, artistic handles, and anything else that gives it personality.

Consider painting these elements in a color that complements or contrasts with the rest of the room for a more finished appearance. This can give your garage door more depth and visual interest, making it a standout feature of your St. George home.

Inspecting for Touch-Ups:

Once the paint is fully dry, we inspect it in various lighting situations. This helps us spot any areas that may need to be touched up, like thin edges or missed edges.

To address these areas, we carefully blend the new paint into the old coat with a small brush. This attention to detail will give you a perfect and professional finish, and you’ll be happy to show it off to your neighbors.

Caring for Your Newly Painted Garage Door:

Proper Maintenance Tips:

Regular upkeep is vital to maintaining the fresh paint job on your garage door. We recommend washing it every couple of months with a light detergent solution to get rid of dirt and grime.

Do not use rough cleaners or pressure washers on the paint; they can damage it. Because of the temperature, it’s essential to watch for any signs of sun damage or loss in St. George’s. Applying a UV-resistant clear coat every couple of years can help protect the paint and make it last longer.

Touch-Up Techniques:

Even with proper care, your garage door may occasionally need to be touched up. For this reason, we recommend saving some extra paint. When you notice a scratch or chip, clean the area carefully, sand it lightly if needed, and then apply a small amount of paint with a fine brush.

Carefully blend the edges so the repair only stands out a little. If there are more extensive damage areas, don’t hesitate to get professional help from Mehr’s Garage Doors.

Seasonal Checks:

The weather in St. George can change the paint on your garage door. At the start of each season, we recommend performing a visual inspection. Any signs of peeling, breaking, or shrinking should be looked for.

Pay extra attention to the bottom of the door, as it is more likely to be damaged by water. If you catch problems early and address them, your garage door will look great all year long.

Here at Mehr’s Garage Doors, we want to help you keep your garage door looking good and working well. Whether you need help with maintenance or professional help, our team is always here to ensure it stays a part of your St. George home.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

Dealing with Paint Drips or Runs:

No matter how carefully you put paint on, Mehr’s Garage Doors knows that drips and runs can happen. To blend in with the surrounding area, if you notice these while the paint is still wet, gently brush them out.

We recommend lightly sanding the area with fine-grit sandpaper to remove dried drips before applying a thin layer of paint to smooth the surface. This method helps keep a smooth, professional finish that doesn’t show lines or areas of unevenness.

Fixing Uneven Coverage:

Even coverage can be annoying, but it happens often, especially on rough surfaces. After the paint has dried, you might notice some patchy areas. We advise applying another thin coat of paint to these areas and feathering the edges to blend in with the rest.

In more significant areas where coverage is uneven, apply another full coat to the door to even it out.

When to Consider Professional Painting Services:

Recognizing Complex Situations:

Many St. George homeowners paint their garage doors successfully, but there are times when you need professional expertise. If your door has significant damage, complicated patterns, or signs that require specialized painting methods, it might be time to call in the pros. We at Mehr’s Garage Doors have the tools and knowledge to handle these tricky situations and guarantee a perfect finish that will last over time.

Benefits of Professional Painting:

Going with professional painting services has many benefits. Our Mehr’s Garage Doors team uses high-quality, commercial-grade paint and equipment that homeowners might need help accessing.

We also have the expertise to properly prepare surfaces, including fixing underlying problems that could affect the paint’s longevity. Professional painting comes with guarantees, which gives you peace of mind about your purchase.

Time and Convenience Factors:

Inexperienced people may find painting a garage door time-consuming. By using professional services, you can avoid the stress of tackling a large job and save time.

We work quickly so that we don’t interfere with your daily life, and we can often finish the job in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. This can be especially helpful for busy homeowners in St. George or for those who have a lot of garage doors to paint.

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Coordinating Garage Door Color with Your Home’s Exterior

Analyzing Your Home’s Color Scheme: At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we think that your garage door should complement your home’s general look. Take a step back and observe the color palette that is already in your home.

Think about the roof, siding, trim, and gardening elements. Depending on your preferences, the color of your garage door can either blend in with these elements or stand out as an addition.

Exploring Color Psychology: Different colors can make you feel different things and set the tone for how people first see your home. We’ve seen how some colors make a home stand out in St. George’s lively neighborhood.

Cool blues and greens can make it feel like you’re in a refreshing oasis, while warm colors like clay and brick can make the desert look like a scene. Think about the mood you want to set and how it fits with the design of your home.

Staying Current with Trends: Classic colors have their place, but we also keep an eye on what’s new in the design world. Deep, rich colors like navy blue and charcoal gray have recently become more prevalent in St. George. 

With these colors, your home can look more current and classy. We always suggest striking a balance between trendy and classic to ensure your choice will look good for years to come.

Considering Neighborhood Harmony: While it’s important to show off your own style, it’s also smart to consider how the colors you choose will fit in with the rest of your neighborhood.

We often advise walking or driving around to observe the color schemes of other homes in your area. This can help you pick a color that stands out without going against the neighborhood’s style.

Testing Before Committing: We recommend testing your color choices before making a final decision. Many paint companies sell sample sizes that you can use to paint a small part of your garage door or a cardboard cutout. 

Check these out at different times of the day to see how the color looks in various amounts of light. This step can prevent disappointment and ensure that you’re happy with your choice. 

There’s nothing we love more than helping St. George homeowners improve their exteriors. We’re here to help you select the ideal garage door color to improve your home’s curb appeal, whether you’re looking for subtle beauty or a bold statement.

Conclusion:

At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we think a freshly painted garage door can make the outside of your St. George home look much better. By following these steps, from careful assessment and preparation to the finishing touches, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years.

Remember that painting your garage door isn’t just for looks; it’s also to protect it from the elements. We’re here to help you every step of the way, whether you decide to do this job yourself or hire us to do it as professionals.

If you do it right, your freshly painted garage door will become a standout feature, showing off your style and raising the value of your home.

FAQ’s:

How often should I repaint my garage door in St. George’s climate? 

We typically recommend re-painting every 5 to 7 years, but this can change depending on the amount of sun the house gets and the weather. 

What type of paint is best for metal garage doors? 

For metal doors, we recommend rust-inhibiting exterior-grade acrylic latex paint. 

Can I paint my garage door without removing it? 

Yes, you can paint your garage door while it is still in place, but the best results come from careful preparation and skill. 

How long does it take for garage door paint to cure fully? 

In St. George’s, complete drying usually takes 7–14 days, even though paint may feel dry to the touch in just a few hours. 

Should I use a primer before painting my garage door? 

Yes, most of the time. Primer helps paint stick better and last longer, especially on metal or wood surfaces that aren’t already painted.