How To Properly Paint A Faded, Peeling, Or Chipped Garage Door
Posted on: 9 May 2017
Garage doors can take up a lot of visual space on some homes, especially doors on double-car garages facing the street. That is why a faded, peeling, or chipped door can greatly detract from a home's overall appearance.
Fortunately, homeowners can successfully paint their garage doors provided they use the right tools and materials. Below are the supplies you will need for repainting and a step-by-step guide to performing the job.
Tools and Materials Needed
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Paint roller cover
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Paint roller and extension pole
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One-inch paint brush
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100-grit sanding sponge
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Exterior primer
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Exterior enamel
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Plastic bucket
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Trisodium phosphate powder
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Sponge
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Garden hose
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Newspapers
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Masking tape
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Sand the garage door
Before you begin painting, the first step is to lightly sand the surface of the door. Sanding strips away the outermost layer of oxidation and helps remove dirt and grease from the door.
First, release the door from the garage door opener by pulling the release cord. This will disconnect the door latch from the trolley and allow you to freely move the door up and down by hand.
Next, use a 100-grit sanding sponge to scour the exterior of the garage door. This will scrape away oxidation and help create a fresher surface for primer adhesion. Be sure to sand the edges of the door and the crevices between the door panels, too. You may need to reach around the sides of the door where the door begins rolling inward to access these areas.
2. Clean the garage door
Once you have sanded the door lightly, the next step is to clean it using a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Mix the TSP and water in a clean bucket per the TSP manufacturer's directions, then saturate a sponge with the solution.
Wipe the garage door with the sponge to remove sanding dust and any other debris. Next, lower the door and rinse it with a garden hose to remove the TSP solution. Allow the garage door to dry completely before moving to the next step.
3. Apply a coat of primer to the garage door
After the door has been cleaned, the next step is to apply a coat of exterior primer to the garage door. The primer will increase adhesion for the subsequent layer of paint.
To prevent primer and paint from staining the concrete floor of the garage, lay down newspapers in the space immediately beneath the garage door. Use tape if necessary to hold the newspaper in place.
Once the floor is protected, use a roller and extension pole to apply primer to the large flat areas on the front of the door. Next, use a one-inch paint brush to apply primer to the inner areas where the door panels meet as well as along the edges of the door. Be careful not to prime the trim along the edge of the door unless you intend to also paint it.
4. Apply paint to the garage door
After priming the garage door and allowing the primer to dry for at least 24 hours, the door is ready to be painted with exterior enamel paint. Be prepared to apply two coats, as the first coat may not be sufficient to cover the primer.
As before, use a paint roller to apply enamel to large areas and a brush for difficult spots. Allow the paint to dry the recommended amount of time before applying a second coat, if necessary.
In addition, apply paint to the trim if desired, and use masking tape to protect the garage door from accidental paint splashes.
5. Verify the door operates properly
Once paint has been applied to the door and trim, if desired, the final step is to clean up the newspapers and tape. In addition, verify the door is able to open and close smoothly by reconnecting it to the garage door opener.
If any primer or paint is on the hinges or rollers and interferes with the door's movement, use a utility knife or scraper to remove the paint from the affected component.
Keep in mind that before you repaint a garage door, it's best to consult a company like Georgia Garage Doors Inc. to inspect the door for any potential needed repairs. After all, you don't want to change the appearance only to find out the whole door needs to be replaced.
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