How to Paint Aluminum Garage Doors

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild soap or detergent

  • Heavy scrub brush and sponge

  • Oil-based priming paint

  • Paint thinner

  • Acrylic latex exterior house paint

  • Paint brush or roller with paint tray

Aluminum Garage Door

If your aluminum garage door's factory-painted finish has faded or has areas where the paint is completely worn, it's time for a new coat of paint. Painting aluminum doors is relatively simple. You will save a lot of money by painting the garage doors yourself rather than hiring someone. Painting aluminum is a slightly different process than painting an interior or exterior wall, so use paint designed to adhere to aluminum.

Advertisement

Step 1

Apply a mild soap or detergent with a scrub brush and sponge, thoroughly washing the entire surface of the garage door. Be sure to remove all loose paint chips and other debris. Allow the garage door to dry for at least 24 hours before continuing.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Apply a coat of thinned-down oil based priming paint. The recommended mix is one pint of paint thinner for every one gallon of oil-based primer. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.

Advertisement

Step 3

Apply an exterior coat of paint in the color of your choice. Acrylic latex exterior house paint works best. Allow the first coat to dry completely before determining whether a second coat is needed. If you can see blotchy areas, or can see the aluminum underneath the first coat of paint, paint another coat on the garage door. Continue this step until there's a smooth, consistent finish.

Tip

Cool, overcast days are the best for painting aluminum.

You may want to spread out a layer of newspaper on the ground below the door to avoid getting any unwanted paint on your garage floor or driveway.

Warning

You should not paint aluminum on windy days as this causes the paint to dry faster. The finish paint needs to dry slowly for the best results.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources