Giving Your Garage Door a Facelift

A garage door can add a lot to the overall curb appeal of your home. However, over the years, the elements can turn your garage door into a weathered, rusty, and peeling mess. One of the best ways to give your garage door a facelift is by painting it. This easy step can do wonders for not only the door itself, but the overall look of your house. To make sure the job is done correctly, here are some things you need to consider.

The first thing is the actual color of the paint that you will select. Just because your garage door was one color before, doesn’t mean you have you to stick with that same color now. Pick a color that compldments the overall style of your home and that is pleasant on the eye. It’s best to pick a latex-based paint that is meant to be used outdoors.

Pick the right day to paint – in particular a day that has the right temperature. If the day is too hot or too cold, it will affect the ability of the paint to dry correctly. It’s also important to pick a clear, sunny day, with no chance of rain.

Before you start painting, you need to correctly prepare your garage door surface. Sand off any existing peeling paint or rust on the door so you have a clear surface. You also want to thoroughly clean the door with either a hearty scrub or with a power washer. Any leftover dirt, grime, paint or rust will affect the way the pain adheres to the door and mar the finished look.

Once your door is clean, the time has come to prepare the area around the door. The most important two steps are to tape off any surfaces that shouldn’t be painted and put down a drop cloth or plastic to cover your garage floor and driveway. This will help protect against any spills or drips.

At this point you’re ready to prime your door. This is particularly important if you’re using a different color than before (especially a dark one). Use a primer that is meant for outdoor use and paint the entire door. Use a small brush to go around any edges or details and a roller for the larger areas.

Once the primer is dry, you are finally ready to paint the door. Use thin layers. Finish one layer, let it dry, and then start the next layer. This will help your garage door have an even and polished appearance.