What kind of paint to use in an unheated garage?

Author: Webster Huel DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

Because flexible latex paints readily expand and contract, they are ideal for uninsulated or unheated garages that experience major temperature fluctuations. You'll be spoiled for choice in colors, sheens, and formulas—look out for latex paints containing mildewcides if your unfinished garage is a bit musty.

What is the best paint for unheated garage walls?

Latex paint, also called acrylic latex, is water-based and easy to apply. It's beginner-friendly, dries quickly, and emits fewer fumes than other options. This type of paint is flexible, meaning it resists cracking over time, making it ideal for garages with temperature fluctuations.

What is the best paint for a cold garage?

Latex paint is easy to clean up with water, making it beginner-friendly. It dries quickly, allowing for faster project completion. Low odor and emits fewer harmful fumes during application. The paint is flexible and resistant to cracking, making it suitable for temperature fluctuations.

Can I use interior paint in an unheated garage?

Exterior paint on garage walls is actually no more effective than interior paint, even in non-climate-controlled garages. The best choice for painting your garage walls is a durable interior paint such as acrylic latex paint.

What is the best wall covering for an unheated garage?

Plywood, MDF, or OSB is the best material for building garage walls because it is both inexpensive and easy to work with. They may be attached to the studs with frame screws and, unlike drywall, don't necessitate any finishing touches.

What Kind Of Paint To Use On Metal Garage Doors

Do you need a vapor barrier for an unheated garage?

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.

How do I keep my unfinished garage warm in the winter?

Freezing Cold Garage? Here Are 5 Tips to Keep it Warm
  1. Get Warm and Toasty With a Heater.
  2. Insulate the Garage Door.
  3. Insulate the Garage Walls.
  4. Repair Or Replace the Weatherstripping.
  5. Consider Caulking.

What is the minimum temperature to paint a garage?

We recommend planning your painting project for temperatures ranging from 35ºF to 100ºF and when humidity is as low as possible.

Is eggshell or satin better for garage walls?

The sheen needed for garage walls is also important to note. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are the best choices as they'll provide a cleanable surface and just enough reflection to camouflage inevitable imperfections like dents, screwheads, and uneven texture.

How do you paint a cold garage?

Top 5 Tips on How to Paint in Cold Weather
  1. Buy Cold Weather Compatible Paint. Generally, painting is OK within the range of 35 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but some paint works better than others at certain temperatures. ...
  2. Use the Right Tools. ...
  3. Check the Weather Forecast. ...
  4. Use an Infrared Thermometer. ...
  5. Plan for Extra Drying Time.

Does Sherwin Williams make a cold weather paint?

Sherwin-Williams now has products like Duration, Resilience, SuperPaint and A-100 Exterior that will allow you to paint down to 35 degrees F.” We've been successful painting through at least Thanksgiving outside for the last 15 years.

Should I use acrylic or latex paint?

Both can work, but acrylic paint's elasticity and resistance to wear and tear make it better for high-touch areas and furniture. Latex paint works well for larger indoor projects where low toxicity and easy cleanup with a brush are priorities.

What is the best paint for low temperatures?

Most are rated for temperatures down to 35°F and are ideal in chilly regions. For example, BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint, BEHR ULTRA® Exterior Paint, BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Paint, and BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint are formulated to perform in air, material, and surface temperatures as low as to 35°F.

What is the best insulation for an unheated garage?

In most cases, the best insulation for a detached garage is fiberglass batts or rolls. Classic fiberglass rolls/batts are probably still the most common form of detached garage insulation, and there's a reason why. They hit that sweet spot of being both easy to install and cost-effective.

How many gallons of paint for a 2 car garage?

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.

Should garage walls be gloss or semi-gloss?

If a lighter shade is preferred, a semi-gloss paint is a wise choice. Semi-gloss paint makes dirt less evident and is better for cleaning without showing any wear. If you have garage condensation issues, a more resilient exterior paint might be more ideal.

What is the best paint for an unheated garage?

Latex Paint

Because flexible latex paints readily expand and contract, they are ideal for uninsulated or unheated garages that experience major temperature fluctuations.

What is the cheapest way to finish a garage wall?

Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood and OSB are often more affordable than other wall materials like fiber cement board or metal panels, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their garage walls without breaking the bank.

Do I need special paint for garage walls?

Avoid using exterior paint on the interior walls of your garage as they contain anti-mildew additives that can give you allergies in the garage. Always go for water-based latex paint, as it has a minimal odor and dries up fast.

Can paint be left in unheated garage?

Storing Paint in Unheated Spaces

It's tempting to store paint in your garage or shed, but this can be dangerous for your paint's longevity during winter. When these areas get too cold, your paint can freeze and become unusable, especially if temperatures fluctuate throughout the season.

How many coats of paint does a garage need?

Depending on how dark the garage wall paint is to begin with, it may take multiple coats of white paint without a primer. A excellent paint job only requires one or two coats because of how thick the priming is.

Will paint dry in a cold garage?

The Impact of Temperatures Too Cold for Exterior Painting

When the temperature drops below 55°F, it affects the speed at which paint cures. When paint takes longer to dry, the surface stays wet longer, attracting insects, dirt, grime, and other debris that can get trapped in the paint.

Where is most heat loss in a garage?

An uninsulated garage door is perhaps the biggest culprit for heat loss in your garage, as there is no barrier to slow the heat transfer out of your garage. In order to protect your garage from heat loss, you need a door with insulation.

How to heat a garage for free?

Open garage windows and doors to let sunlight in. This warms up the space without any cost. Cover windows with clear plastic to keep the warmth inside. Another way is to use the heat from your house.

How many square feet is a 2 car garage?

The average sized 2 car garage's square footage usually ranges from 400 (20×20), 576(24×24), and 720 (24×30) square feet.

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