• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Home Remodeling » Painting

    Published: Apr 14, 2021 by Rachel

    How To Paint Garage Doors

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    223 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Tutorial Print Tutorial

    Learn how to paint garage doors with this step-by-step tutorial. It is an affordable project that will boost the curb appeal of your home!

    Beaten up garage doors before painting.

    If you have been following along with our remodeling of my childhood craftsman style log cabin home, you know we have given this home some love with one of my favorite makeover tools: paint! After re-staining the house exterior, painting the concrete and foundation, and laying a new walkway we set our sights on painting the garage doors to give them a more modern look that pops against the brown and white.

    Contents show
    1 Step By Step Instructions
    2 10 Tips for Painting Garage Doors
    3 FAQs and Expert Tips
    4 Painting Garage Doors

    Step By Step Instructions

    Step 1: Prep for painting

    A simple pressure washing is all you need. We have done well with this pressure washer, but if you do not have one, you can use an exterior house wash and a hose. Use a scrub brush for any grime or loose paint. Make sure to let the doors dry completely before you begin painting.

    Step 2: Tape off edges using painter’s tape

    Prevent mistakes and bleeding onto the outside trim or brick, windows, and any hardware that you are unable to remove with painter’s tape. Make sure the surfaces are completely clean and dry so that it adheres correctly.

    Step 3: Do I need to prime before painting?

    Generally, garage doors do not need to be primed before painting. Most paints today specify that they are a paint + primer combo, so that should be enough.

    If you can answer “No” to ALL of these questions, then you can definitely skip priming:

    • Have the doors NEVER been previously painted? (Answering “Yes” means that they have never been painted)
    • Am I substantially lightening or darkening the color (i.e. going from white to dark blue)?
    • Is the door I am painting smooth and shiny? (paint probably won’t stick to it well)
    • Does it have stains that are likely to seep through the paint?

    The lightening of a color, especially to white, often takes a few coats. It may be in your best interest to buy a quart or gallon of primer, which is generally much cheaper than paint.

    Step 4: Paint

    Use a high quality 2-inch sash brush to paint any crevices and inset panels in your garage door. Paint the flat surfaces of the door using a small, thin roller.

    Allow paint to dry about four hours before applying a second coat. Be sure to check the instructions on your can of paint for specific drying time as it may vary.

    Taping around garage windows and boy painting a garage door with a roller.

    10 Tips for Painting Garage Doors

    • Do not paint in direct sunlight or if the door is hot to the touch.
    • Don’t paint if the humidity is above 70% generally or the temperature is below 40 degrees F – these values vary and are usually listed on the paint can.
    • A small, thin roller make it easier and faster to paint the flat panels of the garage door. We used a brush to paint the crevices.
    • We used a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin or semi-gloss is generally easier to maintain and wash than a flat. We used a satin as a happy medium so that it would not reflect too much shine.
    • It took 2 gallons for us to cover both sides of these two doors with two coats of paint.
    Painted grey garage door with stone facing around it.
    • Use a high-quality exterior paint that is weather and fade resistant.
    • Tape everything off that you don’t want to get paint on.
    • To get into the areas covered by the outside frame, we gradually lifted the door and painted in the open corners.
    • Let it dry with the door fully open (to also avoid the sunlight).
    • If you like decorative windows, these carriage style door kits are a really fun and super easy addition.
    Garage doors painted black on a cabin style home.

    It’s a big difference! What do you think? I love the pop against the rest of the brown and white exterior. I think it gives the door a touch of class amid the rustic charm.

    Take a peek at some of our other easy DIY projects to spruce up the garage:

    • HOW TO PAINT YOUR GARAGE FLOOR WITH A NON-SLIP COATING
    • GARAGE ORGANIZATION IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS
    • PAINTING EXTERIOR CONCRETE

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Can I use these same steps if my garage doors are made of a different material?

    These particular doors we were painting are made of wood, but the tips are the same if you have metal, composite, or wood garage doors.

    Do I need to sand wooden garage doors before painting?

    Sanding is not necessary. You will need to be sure that all the dirt and grime is removed so that finished paint looks as even as possible.

    What are some ways to maintain a wooden garage door?

    Your doors are exposed to all types of weather and heat. Be sure to inspect it often for marks or rotting areas. Wood, in particular, can attract certain pests that other materials do not. Prevent buildup of moisture and dirt that can cause damage by periodically cleaning the surface with a mild soap and water solution and a rag.

    Black painted wooden garage door against stone exterior.
    Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

    Grab our free series "Weekend Home Projects that will Transform Your Life"

    Sign up below to receive updates including free printables, organization tips, home improvement projects, recipes and more!

    More Exterior Projects

    Front of craftsman log cabin house with bay window and staircase that are stained.
    Tips for Painting the Exterior
    Gravel walkway path with stones on each side.
    Make A Budget Friendly Landscape Path
    White outdoor table with black chairs on a deck.
    How to Spray Paint Outdoor Furniture
    Patching concrete with concrete patch tube.
    How To Paint Concrete

    PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!

    Gray garage door with windows.

    Painting Garage Doors

    A step-by-step tutorial on how to paint garage doors like a pro.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Project Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $75

    Tools

    • Paint Tray
    • Small Paint Roller
    • 2-inch Paintbrush

    Supplies

    • High Quality Exterior Paint
    • Painter's Tape

    Instructions

    • Clean garage door surface with pressure washer or hose. Use a brush to remove any loose paint or buildup.
      Beaten up garage doors before painting.
    • Tape off edges, windows, and hardware with painter's tape to prevent bleeding.
      Taping around garage windows and boy painting a garage door with a roller.
    • Determine whether or not priming is necessary. If needed, apply primer to entire surface before painting.
      Gray garage door with windows.
    • Apply paint to inset panels and around trim using a 2-inch paintbrush. Using a paint roller, apply paint on all flat surfaces on garage door. Allow to dry according to suggested drying time listed on your paint product. Repeat process with second coat.
      Gray garage door with windows.

    Notes

    Should I sand the garage doors?
    Generally, Sanding is not necessary unless you have glossy garage doors. You will need to be sure that all the dirt and grime is removed so that finished paint looks as even as possible.
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!

    « Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    Easy Greek Salad and Tangy Homemade Dressing Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. avish says

      August 23, 2020 at 3:42 am

      5 stars
      Enjoyed reading the article above , really explains everything in detail,the article is very interesting and effective.
      Thank you and good luck for the upcoming articles

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity