In general, avoid flat paint for garages. While flat finishes can hide wall imperfections, they are difficult to clean and absorb stains easily. Instead, opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes. Satin offers a subtle
Garage Wall Paint Finishes If you want your garage wall to be easy to clean and wipeable, a paint finish with more of a sheen to it is best to use. I would recommend eggshell or satin. Satin finishes will be a little more shiny and wipeable than eggshell.
Garage walls should be painted satin if you want them to be easy to clean, wipeable, and reflect more light. Flat paint is more difficult to clean and is best for low traffic spaces.
Interior latex paint, specifically varieties formulated for high-traffic areas, is what's best for garage walls thanks to its fast-drying speed, minimal odor, and easy clean-up compared to oil-based versions.
For garage walls, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a cost-effective and useful choice because of its quick setup, insulation, and simple installation. Because OSB is constructed of wood strands linked together with resin, it is an affordable yet durable solution for garage walls because of its insulating properties.
The best material for finishing garage walls is usually considered to be drywall. It increases the fire resistance of walls and is easy to install. However, you do have another garage wall-covering option. Oriented strand board (OSB) can be screwed to the wall framing but does not require taping and finishing.
Do You Need To Prime Garage Walls Before Painting? Normal paints are not made for drywall, which is a porous material. Therefore, if your garage walls are unpainted, you will need good surface drywall or PVA primer (polyvinyl acetate). A PVA primer seals the pores in sheetrock and creates an even coat.
Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
White or Off-White
"Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore's White Dove are two great off-white colors to consider, but beyond the actual color, remember that garage walls will get dinged or scuffed, so consider the paint finish as well. My personal preference for garages is eggshell or satin."
For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, go for flat or eggshell finishes. They're elegant and don't shine too much. But if you're tackling high-traffic spots like hallways or kitchens, satin or semi-gloss finishes are the way to go. They're durable and easy to clean, perfect for those inevitable messes.
Top Picks from Sherwin Williams
Alabaster (SW 7008): A warm white paint that creates a clean, open feel. It's a popular choice for garages used primarily for storage space. Naval** (SW 6244): A bold choice, this deep navy blue can turn your garage into a stylish retreat or a unique storage area.
Soft gloss or satin are the best paint sheens for garage doors, forming a hard, protective coating that is easy to clean. Flat finishes may cover blemishes well, but they scratch or scuff more easily.
In general, avoid flat paint for garages. While flat finishes can hide wall imperfections, they are difficult to clean and absorb stains easily. Instead, opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes. Satin offers a subtle sheen and is moisture-resistant, making it easy to wipe clean.
The amount of paint needed can vary based on the size of your garage and the type of paint, but typically, a 2-car garage could require around 5-6 gallons for two coats of paint.
Tip: Eggshell vs. satin finishes. Both are both popular for high-traffic areas and are considered the best for painting walls. Experts recommend choosing satin over eggshell when painting areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Is satin paint too shiny for walls? In most cases, satin paint isn't too shiny for walls. In fact, satin is likely the glossiest sheen that will work on walls. However, if you're looking to hide imperfections on your walls, opting for a flatter finish will be better.
Eggshell is always an interior designer's preferred paint finish, which is why we chose this as our ultimate finish for walls. The name eggshell stems from the fact the finish appears mostly flat with just a touch of luster... similar to a chicken egg!
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
Semi-Gloss: Semi-gloss finishes provide a slight shine and are highly durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like garage walls. Gloss: Gloss finishes offer a high sheen and maximum durability, but they can highlight imperfections in the wall surface.
You should seal and prime your concrete floors before you paint them. If you skip this step, your paint finish won't look good, and your floor won't be protected. Do I need to wash concrete floor before painting? The first step in preparing concrete for paint is to thoroughly clean the area.
Number of paint coats: You need at least one coat of paint for garage walls that have already been primed. However, if you do not use a primer, you will need at least two coats to give your color a long-lasting look.
Unlike traditional drywall, PVC wall and ceiling panels are non-porous and 100% waterproof. They never absorb water, making them resistant to mold and mildew. This makes them particularly suitable for use in garages, which can occasionally experience high humidity levels from spills or moisture.
The majority seem to agree that insulated, unheated garages, should be allowed to breathe. If the garage is heated, you will need a vapor barrier, otherwise you will get frost and mold.
Shiplap is a popular wall material to match a farmhouse aesthetic; plus, it is very durable and can be affordable for your budget. It's also easy to install, so you may be able to do it yourself to save money. Oriented strand board (OSB board). OSB is also a highly affordable option.