Keeping Your Garage Door Working

How To Update Your Garage Door With Paint

23 May 2017 by Perry Wilson

Garage doors aren't cheap. Depending on the type you want to purchase, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on a brand new door. If your garage doors are still in good shape, you can update them to give them a new look and save you some money. Follow the instructions and tips below to help update your garage doors.

Tools And Materials For The Job:

• Exterior latex paint (whatever color you prefer) or gel stain (for a wooden look)
• Paintbrushes
• Foam rollers and extensions
• Ladder
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloth
• Pressure washer
• TSP cleaner

Instructions:

1. To begin with, you'll need a clean surface to work with. Clean your garage door using a strong cleaner such as TSP to help remove tough dirt and grime. Use protective gloves when using this cleaner, and eye protection. Scrub your garage doors with a soft bristle scrub brush so as to not damage your doors. Rinse your doors clean with a pressure washer, or a garden hose. Allow your garage doors to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
2. Next, apply painter's tape to the area surrounding your garage door to prevent paint from getting onto any other trim or surfaces surrounding your door. Also set the drop cloth on the ground below in case of paint splatters or spills.
3. Use the paintbrush and begin to cut in the paint around the edges and around any indented areas. 
4. Then use the roller to roll the paint onto your door and blend the paintbrush marks in with the rest of the door.
5. You may need to open your garage door slightly in order to get in between the door panels. When doing so, be sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly in between the panels before putting your garage door back down again to prevent the paint from sticking when closed.

Take your garage doors to the next level by adding trim pieces to give your door a carriage door look without the cost. You can find trim pieces at your local hardware store, some of which are magnetic so you don't have to damage your door. You can also give your door faux windows by painting black squares (using  high gloss black paint) or using vinyl cutouts attached to the upper panel of your garage door.

This is a cheap way to update your garage door to give it a new look, but if your door is not in good shape, as in it has a lot of dents, holes or is not in good working order, you may want to invest in a new door instead. Contact a business that specializes in garage door service or sales for more information.