July 22, 2021

How to Paint a Metal Garage Door

If you’re renovating your home or preparing to sell, a drab metal garage door can spoil the overall kerb appeal of your house. A fresh coat of paint is the ticket to revitalising the look of your garage door – and your entire façade. Not only does it transform the visual impact of your drive, but it also weatherproofs the door against wind, rain and sun.

If you’d like to avoid the high costs of outsourcing the work, then we have some good news – this is a task you can easily do yourself. From preparing surfaces beforehand to choosing high-quality garage door paint, read on to discover how to paint a metal garage door.

Choosing the right garage door paint

The first step is to ensure that your paint is suitable for use on metal, as not all paints are the same. Frenchic’s durable and weatherproof Al Fresco range is especially suited to garage doors. Developed for outdoor use, this paint range adheres to metal, as well as various other materials.

You can also save time by using a self-priming paint. Many paints require a primer in order to adhere to metal, which means buying extra products as well as adding time to the project. Self-priming paints – like the entire Frenchic range – cut out a lot of the hassle.

Don’t neglect the style! Think carefully about the impression you want to create before you buy paint for a metal garage door. Will the paint colour complement your front door? Or stand out against the red brick walls?

Assess your door before painting

You’ve chosen your colour! But hold your horses – it’s important to assess your door before opening the tin.

First, check the door is in a good condition for painting. Signs of wear and tear could create problems later down the line. Rust will need treatment, whilst any algae, mould or moss should be removed. These can generally be removed with outdoor cleaning solutions. Always wear protective gear, including a mask and rubber gloves, when cleaning mould.

What do I need to paint a metal garage door?

To get started, you will need:

• Garage door paint (self-priming)
• Sugar soap solution, with a cloth or sponge
• Dust sheets
• Mask
• Goggles
• Sandpaper
• Paint brushes and/or rollers
• Masking tape

Selecting the right day to paint

Choosing the right date and time to paint is also important because it impacts how well your paint will apply and cure (harden). Don’t paint outdoors if, for the next 48 hours, one of the following applies:

• The air temperature is forecast below 10 degrees.
• Rain is forecast.
• Moisture is likely to be in the air.

Generally speaking, it’s best to do your outdoor painting within the warmer months. Painting in direct sunlight can also spell disaster, though, as it speeds up the drying process. This can lead to uneven coverage and overworked paint, so check the weather forecast before getting out your brushes.

The best way to paint a metal garage door

There is no one-size-fits-all guideline for how to paint a metal garage door – it will ultimately vary based on your needs. However, it’s important to follow the instructions on the tin of paint carefully. Check the rate of coverage and drying time between coats, as these can vary between paints.

Preparing the surface for painting

Fail to prepare? Prepare to fail. Preparing the surface of your door is just as important as the painting stage itself. With proper preparation, you’ll find it easier to get a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Here are some key steps to follow:

• First, set down a dust sheet, and put on your goggles and mask. Remove any previous flaking or peeling paint from the door.
• Give the door and sides a good scrub with the sugar soap solution and a sponge/cloth to remove any traces of dirt and grease. Rinse off thoroughly, then allow to dry .
• Next, if you’re using one of Frenchic’s self-priming Al Fresco paints, use some sandpaper to hand-sand the door. This abrades the surface, helping the paint to lock on.
• Wipe off any remaining traces of dust, and congrats, you’re ready to begin the painting process!

How to paint a metal garage door: painting preparation

Before you start painting, ensure you follow these key preparation steps to achieve the best end result:

• Make sure you keep your dust sheet down. Spillages do happen, and it’s easy to tread door paint all over the place.
• Use masking tape to cover any fittings on or surrounding the door that you don’t want to get paint on.
• Ensure you have all the necessary equipment to hand, including a ladder, if required.
• If you’re not using a self-priming paint, you’ll need to prime the metal door. This can add extra time to the process. Apply metal primer across the entirety of the door from top to bottom – and don’t forget the sides. If you’ve used our self-priming Al Fresco paint, there’s no need to worry about this stage.

Painting the door

Now it’s time to get painting! Large, flat surfaces can be a challenge to paint evenly. Practice your technique and ensure that you’re using good equipment beforehand.

When you’re ready to start, here are the steps to follow:

• Start by opening the door and painting the edges.
• Next, paint the rest of the door, using the direction of any panels as a guide.
• Once the first coat is complete, check your tin for information about rate of application and time between coats.
• When you’re happy with your handiwork, remove any masking tape. It’s important to do this before the paint begins to dry.
• Curing is a progressive process, which can take up to 3 weeks for the paint to fully harden. Treat the painted surface with care during this time.

And…voila! There you have it – a beautifully painted metal garage door! The most exciting moment of the process is when you can step back and admire your handiwork.

Get started on your metal garage door

Now you know how to paint a metal garage door, it’s time to get started! Ready to paint? Check out our Al Fresco Inside/Outside paint range today. This range is expertly tailored to all your outdoor painting needs, including wood and metal doors. It’s long-lasting and super easy to apply – no need for priming!

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Photo credit: @sarah_dreamofhome

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