DIY Painting Your Garage
Your garage door is an extension of your home; painting it can add curb appeal, especially if it connects to the rest of your home’s exterior. Fresh paint protects your garage door from harsh weather elements and makes it durable for a few more years before you make a replacement. While this project can be an easy DIY, the nitty-gritty of getting everything right, like prepping your garage door for painting, may require the help of a professional. Below is a guide on how to go about DIY painting your garage door.
Clean the door
Over time, your garage door accumulates many dust particles and stains, either due to the weather, environmental elements, or oil and grease. Before painting your garage door, ensure you wash off the dirt to prevent its mixture with the paint. All you need is a hose, if accessible, a bucket of water, a washcloth, and soap.
If you want to get a smooth and clean finish with your painting job, consider stripping off existing paint and rust with a wire brush and paint scraper, respectively. Alternatively, you can use a sanding sponge or a chemical stripper to prep your door.
Choose paint
The kind of paint you choose for your garage door should depend on whether you’re painting the exterior or interior and its compatibility with the rest of your house outlook and color. You can find paint for your garage door in almost all home improvement stores. The exterior paint is formulated to survive harsh weather elements like the sun, rain, and snow. However, it is not suitable for the interior as it contains anti-mildew additives that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled.
Prime your garage door
Before you paint your garage door, determine the kind of material you’re working with. Whether you have a custom garage door made of metal or a wooden one, especially if your home is a bit aged, it’s essential in choosing a primer. Use a paintbrush or paint roller to apply primer and clean it thoroughly afterward if you will use it to paint. If you will be using a paint sprayer, shield the surrounding areas with cardboard and allow it to dry for approximately 12 to 24 hours.
Ensure safety
Painting a garage door may seem easy, but when dealing with many abrasives and climbing extra heights, you need to take extra precautions to enhance safety. If you have no experience in doing a painting job, it might be a good idea to seek help. Use protective clothing, such as goggles, overall, chemical-resistant boots, and gloves. Also, consider having someone with you when you climb the ladder to paint the topmost parts of your garage door.
How to paint your garage door
Once everything is ready for you to begin painting, take your paintbrush and get into the recesses of your garage door if they are there. Afterward, paint the significant surfaces and move carefully to the corners. Maintain a wedge to create an even coat and avoid having runs and streaks. Lastly, paint the stiles fast using a pan and roller while keeping your strokes smooth.
The garage is an essential part of the home as it offers protection and space for tools, the vehicle, bikes, sports gear, and lawn equipment. However, it is also the most forgotten and neglected; give it a facelift by getting a custom garage door or painting your existing one.
