Before applying any primer or paint, make sure your garage door surface is free of loose or chipping paint, and properly dulled from any previous glossy finish. If needed, pressure wash carefully to remove loose or peeling paint.
The first task would be by cleaning off dirt and dust with an all purpose cleaner and scouring sponge. Then rinse off your garage door using garden hose.It is important to remove the old paint first. If new paint is applied on top of an unstable surface, the new paint will not stay adhered to the garage door.
Since garage doors have a fairly large surface area, you might want to use a foam roller for faster application and a smooth finish. Of course, if your garage door has any panels or glass, then you'll want to paint around these areas with a brush.
You only need to sand enough to remove old, loose paint and to rough up the surface so the next coat will adhere better. Your plan is solid.
try to not get paint on anything else aside the actual panels. If the paint gets on the rollers and pulleys the paint can get into the bearings and seize them.
Before applying any primer or paint, make sure your garage door surface is free of loose or chipping paint, and properly dulled from any previous glossy finish. If needed, pressure wash carefully to remove loose or peeling paint.
To help paint a garage door without sticking here's a couple insider secrets used by professional painters: Apply a small amount of vaseline or silicone-based lubricant to the areas that rub together. This can provide a slick barrier that helps prevent friction and sticking.
If your aluminum garage door is in perfect condition, then a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish will work. If, on the other hand, the door has some dents, or scratches on it, then a satin finish would be best since it hides blemishes better than a gloss.
Sand the door. Sanding your door well, before priming and painting, is the right way to do it. Sanding will create a smooth surface that will help your paint to look great. When sanding, do a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper.
Sanding is often a crucial step for ensuring that your surface is ready to be painted. If you don't have a properly sanded surface, paint may not adhere to certain items properly. You can oversand, undersand and often people underestimate its importance. But, you don't have to be a pro to sand a surface.
Acrylic latex exterior house paint is generally your best choice for metal garage doors. But don't make the mistake of purchasing cheap paint. You won't regret paying a little more for a paint that will look better longer. It may even save you money in the long run because you won't need to apply several coats.
Professional painters typically use both brushes and rollers when painting. Brushes are used to apply paint in tight spaces or areas with intricate details, while rollers are used for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings.
Apply the paint in thin layers and let each coat dry before starting the next. Use a roller or sprayer for overall coverage and a small brush for edges and details. Then, remember not to open your garage for 24 hours after painting to allow for a flawless finish.
A standard two-car garage door will only require about a gallon of paint. Of course, this depends on how many coats you put on (two is recommended) and the color you choose. Lighter colors may require more coats to ensure proper coverage.
It is usually a good idea to gently sand the door before you start. This will roughen the surface to make it easier for the paint to cling to. If you're covering an old coat of paint, it is best to try and remove as much of the paint as possible.
For best results, use a 3/8"-3/4" roller cover. TIP: For larger areas, consider using a 5-gallon bucket and a bucket grid. With your roller, paint the stiles around the perimeter of each panel. Continue until the garage door is complete.
Door Painting Tips
The easiest way to paint a door is to keep it in its frame on its hinges. This approach prevents the frame from shifting, which can lead to issues with the door's fit and functionality upon reinstallation.
Medium (80-120 grit): Perfect for smoothing surfaces and removing small imperfections. Fine (150-180 grit): Used for the final sanding before painting. Very Fine (220-240 grit): Ideal for sanding between coats of paint or primer. Extra Fine (280-320 grit): Best for achieving a smooth finish on the final coat.
Unlike regular sandpaper, it just removes gloss; it can't be used to smooth the surface, correct imperfections or as a paint primer. Liquid sandpaper is also referred to as deglosser and wet sanding. The advantage of using liquid sandpaper instead of regular sandpaper is that it's easier to apply and safer to use.
Using Rust-Oleum CombiColor Original to paint garage doors is an excellent way to rejuvenate their appearance and protect them from further damage.
Powder coatings are the go-to for roll-up, steel, aluminum, and overhead garage doors. This finish option keeps the material of the door protected and insulated and can also keep whatever metal you choose rust-free. Other advantages of powder coatings include: Resistant to chemicals.
Painting gloss with a roller
This can be particularly effective for large, flat surfaces like walls or doors. Rollers also hold a larger quantity of paint, reducing the number of times you need to reload, thus making your painting job quicker and more efficient.
To help you get the best finish on your door, you need to get rid of blistering, flaking or bubbling paint. Use a flat scraper to remove the old paint so the surface is smooth. For the rest of the door, use a piece of 180 grit sandpaper and quickly rub down the surface. Open the door and do the same to the edges.
The usual causes of “blistering” include:
Heat causes the moisture/air trapped beneath the film to expand and force its way out by forming blisters. Surface contamination can be trapped beneath a new paint film. Solvents can become trapped beneath the paint film during application.