How to Paint a Wood Garage Door

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By jdement12b
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Painting a wooden garage door is a moderately easy and rewarding experience. Most new doors come sealed with primer and ready to paint. A nicely painted garage door adds style and curb appeal to your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A medium sized paintbrush suited to the type of paint used
Paint roller
Primer if door is not already primed and sealed
Exterior quality paint
Painter's tape
Solvent for cleaning if using oil based paint
Tacky or damp rag
4 Sawhorses
Someone to help you move the door

Step 1

Support the door on sawhorses in a well ventilated area. If the door is mounted already it can be painted in the same way.
Step 2

If the door has windows or any parts that you do not want paint on, use the painter's tape to mask it off. It is a good idea to wipe the door down with a tacky or damp rag to remove dust and ensure the paint sticks evenly.
Step 3

If it is a new door and already primed then skip this step. If the door is not already primed and sealed, give it a coat of primer. Make sure the primer is compatible with the paint you will be using. Use a paint roller to paint the wide flat parts. Use the medium paint brush to paint all areas you couldn't get with the roller.
Step 4

Paint the door with a good quality exterior paint. Latex paint can be cleaned up with warm soapy water. Oil based paint must be cleaned up with solvent or paint thinner. A small paint roller can be used to paint the wide flat parts or they can be painted with the paint brush. Use the medium paint brush to paint all areas you couldn't get with the roller. Prevent runs by going easy on the paint. You can always touch up or add a second coat if needed. Good quality paint will cover with one coat. If you get a run, the sticky side of a piece of painter's tape can be used to fix it. Gently press the tape to the run and pull it away. The excess paint should stick to the tape. Remember you can touch up later. Allow one side to dry completely before flipping it over on the sawhorses to paint the remaining areas. Most garage doors are quite large. If the door is not mounted get someone to help turn the door. Don't forget to tape off needed areas on this side too.
Step 5

Let the paint dry, then recoat or touch up as needed. After the final coat or final touch ups allow the paint to dry completely.
Step 6

Remove the painter's tape from masked off areas and step back to enjoy your newly painted garage door! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Comments

jdement12b said

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on 9/11/2009 If you paint the seams between door panels with the door laying flat, obviously the seams will crack when it flexes. You have to paint the inside of the seam between panels and let them dry completely. You can do this when the door is installed, or do it with the door on sawhorses. If you have ever painted before that should be a given. This is really a simple project. If in doubt, call a professional. :)

joeriehl63 said

on 9/11/2009 How do you handle the seams between panels? If you paint with the door closed, won't the paint crack on the seams when opened? Do you open the seams/door and paint parts at a time?? Thanks