How to Paint a Metal Garage Door

Are you looking to give your metal garage door a fresh new look? Whether you want to enhance your property's curb appeal or protect the door from outside elements, painting your garage is a cost-effective and rewarding solution. A well-maintained garage door not only adds beauty to your home or commercial space, but also adds value to your property.

At Cougar Painting, we understand that a poorly painted garage door can be an eye-sore for homeowners. With metal in particular, it can be tricky to find the right look you desire. In this blog post, we will provide a walk through of steps and materials needed to properly paint a metal garage door and give it the look you desire. 

Garage doors are exposed to various weather conditions throughout the year, which can lead to wear and tear over time. Cracked or peeling paint isn’t just an aesthetic blemish, but it also exposes the metal surface of your garage door to possible rust and corrosion.

Applying a new coat of paint to your metal garage door will add a protective barrier against the elements and also upgrade its appearance and crub appeal, among other benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what else a new coat and properly done paint job can do for your garage door.

Benefits of Painting your Metal Garage Door

UV Protection for Garage Interior

The sun’s UV rays can actually cause discoloration and fading of items that are stored in your garage. Applying a new coat of paint on the exterior of the door can help create a barrier, reducing the amount of UV light that passes through into your garage’s interior.

Improved Insulation

While this isn’t as effective as other traditional insulation techniques, a painted metal garage door can offer a slight boost in thermal insulation. It reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, which can help regulate your garage’s temperature.

Enhanced Property Value

Choosing to invest in your home’s appearance and maintenance can truly help increase its overall value. Potential buyers and tenants are more likely to be interested in properties that have a well-painted and cared-for garage door.

Rust Protection

As we mentioned before, metal garage doors are susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in area with harsher weather conditions. A layer of high-quality paint will help prevent moisture from seeping into the metal. This helps extend the lifesapan of your metal garage door by avoiding costly repairs or a full-on replacement.

Personalization

Choosing to paint your metal garage door can give you the opportunity to express some personality and add some fun flavor to your home. It’s a great chance to add some uniqueness to your property and elevate its curb appeal.

The Painting Process

Some common tools and materials needed for painting a metal garage include:

• Exterior-grade Paint
• Primer
• Mild Detergent
• Sandpaper
• Painter’s Tape
• Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting
• Clean Rags
• Paintbrushes
• Paint Roller and Tray
• Spray Gun (optional)
• Wire Brush
• Scraper
• Safety Gear

Now here’s a look at the process of painting a garage door to ensure each coat is properly applied:

1. Clean the Garage Door
   Don’t forget this step. The first thing you should always do before painting is to clean the metal garage door’s surface to make sure it’s free from dirt, dust and grime. You can use a mild detergent mixed with water to wash the door thoroughly. If there are stains or grease you or the painting company may use a scrub brush.
   
   Make sure you allow the door to dry completely before starting the next step.
   
   
2. Prepare the Surface
   Examine your garage door for signs of chipping or peeling paint. To remove, use a wire brush or sandpaper. Then lightly sand the entire garage door which should create a slightly rough texture. This allows the new paint to adhere better to the metal surface. Wipe away sanding dust with a cloth.
   
   
3. If needed, Apply Primer
   Some high-quality paints include primers, but using a separate primer can help enhance adhesion and durability. A professional will make sure to use paints that are suitable for metal surfaces.
   
   
4. Choose the Right Paint & Start Painting
   Use exterior-grade paint designed for metal surfaces. If you live in an area with intense sun exposure or face harsh weather conditions, make sure to use paint with UV protection and weather resistance. Once the paint is chosen you or the painting company you hired can get started!
   
   
5. Allow Proper Drying Time
   After applying the new coat of paint it’s important to allow for the proper drying time between your next coat, if needed. Rushing this can lead to uneven results.
   
   
6. Apply Second Coat (if needed)
   In many cases, applying that second coat of paint will help you achieve a vibrant finish that lasts long. Be sure to focus on consistency and smoothness throughout.
   
   
7. Final Inspection
   Inspect garage door for any missed spots or problem areas and provide touch-ups as needed.
   
   
8. Cleanup
   Cleaning painting tools immediately after use is always the best move. If doing it yourself, follow manufacturer instructions on proper cleaning and paint disposal. A professional painting company will handle cleanup for you.
   

Your Property, Your Style. Cougar Painting Can Bring Your Vision To Life.

Painting your metal garage door goes beyond just adding a fresh coar of color. It’s a process that will help elevate your home’s curb appeal and provide protection from rust. There are important steps to ensure a high-quality job, and if you are unsure about taking it on yourself, give Cougar Painting a call.

Our team specializes in a variety of exterior painting and interior painting projects and has served the Overland Park area for years. If you need your metal garage door painted, don’t hesitate to reach out. Cougar Painting will come prepared with experience and high-quality paint and tools to complete the job efficiently.