How to Paint a Steel Roll Up Garage Door

Steel roll up garage doors can be painted.

Steel roll up garage doors can be painted the same way that other steel garage doors are painted. As with any painting job, the trick is to properly prepare the surface before painting and then use the right paint for the job. Painting garage doors is actually easier than painting some other surfaces because they rarely require priming and, unless painted with a high gloss paint, need very little sanding.

Things You'll Need

• Power sprayer Soft-bristled brush Phosphate free detergent Fine steel wool Painter's tape Drop cloth Galvanized and aluminum primer Latex primer Latex exterior house paint Paint brushes or rollers

Instructions

1. Remove any wax and peeling paint from the garage door by lightly scrubbing it with with a gray 3M ScotchBrite scuff pad and soapy water.

2. Lightly sand the garage door with a fine steel wool to reduce the gloss if it has been previously painted.

3. Sand any scratches or other surface imperfections with 0000 steel wool or 400 grit sandpaper until they are smooth. Try not to expose any bare metal beneath the paint.

4. Clean the door thoroughly to remove any dirt, salt and grease on the door. You will want to use a low-pressure power sprayer and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse it with water. Allow the door to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.

5. Cover the handles and trim with painter's tape and place a drop cloth beneath the door.

6. Cover any exposed bare metal with a primer designed for galvanized metal. You only need to use this primer if there is exposed metal.

7. Paint the door with a coat of latex primer, if desired. Primer is not always necessary unless you're drastically changing colors. Do not paint the joint and edge seals.

8. Paint the door with a coat of latex exterior house paint. Do not paint the joint and edge seals.

9. Let the paint dry for at least 30 minutes and then apply a second coat of paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Repainting a garage door may void any warranty on them. Do not paint in direct sunlight or if the door is warm to the touch. Do not paint your garage door a dark color if it faces the south or west because the sun may cause the paint to peel. Oil-based paints are not recommended for garage doors.

Resources

• A New Generation of Garage Doors: Maintenance and Painting Tips