Painting an old or worn garage door is a budget-friendly way to refresh your home's exterior and boost its curb appeal without paying for the cost of replacement. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances the look of your garage but also helps protect it from the elements, potentially extending its lifespan. Even if there's rust present, you can address it by cleaning, priming, and painting over it for a seamless finish.
Sanding your garage door before painting is an important step that helps the paint adhere properly and last longer. It smooths out rough spots, removes peeling paint or rust, and gets rid of dirt and debris that could affect the finish. If your door has a glossy finish, lightly sanding it will also help the paint stick better.
Painting a garage door takes two to three days from start to finish, including preparation, painting, and drying time. This allows each coat to dry fully and ensures a professional-quality finish. Hiring a professional painter and taking the time to do it right helps achieve a long-lasting, durable paint job.
One gallon of paint covers close to 400 square feet, which is often enough for two to three coats on a standard one- or two-car garage door. This ensures complete coverage and an even finish, especially if the door is properly prepped and primed. If you’re using a darker color or painting over a contrasting shade, you may require more coats to achieve your desired finish.