Traditionally, the garage has been one of the main features of countless homes in the US. Many of us like aluminum doors to keep our valuables safe. However, with times everything fades away. And, the garage door is no exception.
In this article, I’m about to share with you how to paint an aluminum garage door the right way and upgrade its curb appeal. I tried adding some relevant FAQs at the end so that you have all the information in one place.
With that being said, let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
Painting Aluminum Garage Door: Is It Necessary?
Aluminum doors often come with a thin layer of zinc coatings. And this may make you wonder if an additional painting over this would be necessary.
Generally speaking, aluminum is quite rust-proof with an extra coating to act as a good barrier. Oxidation is, therefore, won’t be a major concern.
Factory-produced coatings don’t require much attention either. Oil-based paint, on the other hand, emits VOCs to some extent and is a bit hard to clean. Experts, therefore, do not suggest painting an aluminum garage door unless there is a sign of wear.
Having said that, harsh weather can bring several faded points on the door. A round of fresh paint will restore the appearance in this instance and will keep the door in good shape over the year.
What Is The Best Paint To Use On An Aluminum Garage Door?
When it comes to choosing the best paint for garage doors you should be selective and look for high-quality, UV resistance products.
You can’t use paint designed for garage walls and expect good results at the same time. It should be specialized for garage doors only. Oil-based formulas and acrylic substances work best for painting metal doors.
Painting Your Aluminum Garage Door
Day 1:
Mind the Weather
Quite simply, you can’t carry out an outdoor project in the rain. The rain will ruin the coat of paint and won’t let it dry.
The same applies to extreme cold or hot conditions. Therefore, check the forecast and pick a day when there is no real threat of elements coming in. Usually mild seasons are the best period to paint a garage door.
Early Preparation
Cleaning your garage door is necessary prior to the paintwork. This will reduce your effort to less than half later on. Cleaning the peeling paints beforehand with a scraper will come in handy.
Avoid using a hard brush and going over rigorously. After treating the rough texture wipe away the loose dirt with a warm soapy cloth. You can spray all-purpose cleaner over the door and make it easier for you.
To prevent paint drips from spreading here and there lay a tarp under the door surrounding. Keep the door open halfway and let it dry.
Prime Your Door
Applying a thin layer of primer will allow the fresh paint to stick better on the surface. You should select an oil-based primer for your aluminum door. Usually, it takes 24 hours for the primer to dry properly.
Day 2:
Choosing Paint Color
Adding the right color will make a big difference to enhance the impression of your garage. When white complements all the styles, the deep wood tone fits better with nature and makes it cozier.
However, professionals recommend choosing a contrasting color with the home to boost the overall aesthetics.
Applying Top Coat
As mentioned earlier, I would select oil-based paint and grab my brush for the project. However, if you go for an acrylic option using a paint roller would be necessary.
Carefully observe whether the door has a specific texture. If it does, work your way up following the texture. It’s important to work smarter than faster so that the paint can penetrate deeper into the crevices. Don’t forget to detail the smaller areas and the molded depressions.
To prevent discomfort on your back roll the door down to paint the bottom panels. You can also use a ladder and work on the hard-to-reach areas.
A Second Coat Of Paint
For a solid finish, a second paint-over will be beneficial. It also fixes imperfections on the first color. However, you must wait at least 12 hours before applying the next coat.
Once done, allow the paint to sit for a whole day before it’s safe to touch. Leave the door closed and keep your cars at a safe distance.
Taking Care Of Your Garage Doors
By using high-quality paint you can cut down the rigor of routine maintenance in the first place. That said, don’t leave the door untreated entirely just as you wouldn’t do to the other parts of your home’s exterior.
Inspect the door periodically for dirt and clean it as soon as possible. Don’t go for cleaning solutions. The harsh chemicals may damage the enamel paint. Instead, drop a washcloth on warm water and wipe away the dirt.
Painting Aluminum Garage Door: FAQs
Should I Paint My Garage Door?
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u003cstrongu003eHow Much Will I Incur Buying A Professional Garage Door Painting Service?u003c/strongu003e
u003cstrongu003eWhat brands sell the best paint for garage doors?u003c/strongu003e
Final Words
Honestly speaking, sometimes all you need is the right tips to gather your paint and brushes. And, I believe this article regarding how to paint an aluminum garage door is useful in this respect.
Lastly, I hope you’re able to transform your shabby garage door with colors. In the end, it’s all that matters.
