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How to Paint a Garage Door

As a homeowner, the exterior of your home serves as the first impression for visitors and passersby alike. A beautifully painted garage door not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also protects it from the elements. At Lakeshore Painting LLC, we understand the importance of this exterior element and are here to guide you through the process of painting your garage door, ensuring a stunning and durable finish.


A gray garage door

Statistics show that up to 75% of all paint failures can be attributed to inadequate surface preparation​​. Our meticulous process eliminates contaminants and creates the ideal surface profile, ensuring that the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Skipping this step can lead to peeling, blistering, and premature aging of the paint, which is why we at Lakeshore Painting LLC emphasize its importance.


  • Step 1: Cleaning with Krud Kutter

    • Initial Clean: The process begins with a thorough cleaning using Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser. This powerful cleaner dissolves dirt, grease, and grime, ensuring the garage door is perfectly clean and ready for the next steps.

    • On vertical surfaces, always spray from the top down. Allow the Krud Kutter Original Cleaner/Degreaser to remain on the surface for 3 to 5 minutes to penetrate. Do not allow the product to dry on the surface.

  • Step 2: Sanding

    • Sanding Process: After cleaning the garage door with Krud Kutter, we proceed to sand the surface using 180-220 grit sandpaper. This fine grit is ideal for achieving a smooth finish, essential for the primer and paint to adhere properly.

    • Why This Grit: The selection of 180-220 grit ensures the surface is free from imperfections, readying it for a superior finish without causing any damage.


  • Step 3: Rinsing

    • Eliminating Dust: Following sanding, we rinse the door with water. This crucial step removes any dust and debris resulting from sanding, preparing the door for a clean application of primer and paint.


  • Step 4: Masking

    • Protecting Surfaces: Before priming and painting, use painter's tape and plastic sheeting to mask off any areas you don't want to paint, such as handles, windows, and adjacent walls. This helps achieve clean, precise lines and prevents accidental paint splatters on surrounding surfaces.


  • Step 5: Priming

    • Foundation for Paint: The final step in our preparation process is applying 1 coat of a high-quality primer. Priming the door creates a solid foundation for the paint, enhancing its durability and ensuring the vibrancy of the color of your topcoat.

    • For the highest quality and most effective primers for different types of garage doors, consider these premium options:

      • Aluminum, Vinyl & Fiberglass: Use INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer, acclaimed for its unparalleled adhesion to aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and other challenging substrates.

      • Wood: Use a high-hiding and stain-blocking primer like, Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer.

      • Steel & Metal: Opt for Corotech® Acrylic Metal Primer provides superior rust prevention and adhesion on metal surfaces.

Apply the Appropriate Topcoat with Two Coats


Best Paint Product for Garage Door Topcoat:


  • Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh is a premium exterior paint known for its exceptional durability and long-lasting color retention. Specifically designed for challenging outdoor environments, it offers superior protection against UV rays, mildew, and harsh weather conditions. This paint is available in various sheens, with satin and semi-gloss being popular choices for garage doors.

  • Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint: Aura delivers outstanding performance with its advanced color-lock technology and fade-resistant formula. It provides excellent coverage and durability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like garage doors. Satin and semi-gloss are commonly used sheens for garage doors.

Proper Application Technique for Primer & Topcoat

  • When applying both the primer and paint, begin with the top panel and gradually work your way down. Utilize a brush to carefully cut in around the trim and edges of the door, ensuring thorough coverage. Fill in any recesses in the panels before coating the flat surfaces.


  • Allow sufficient drying time between coats of primer and paint as per the manufacturer's recommendations. This ensures optimal adhesion and a flawless finish. Rushing through this step may compromise the quality of the final result.


  • For optimal results, most projects typically require one coat of primer followed by two coats of paint. However, if your garage door is already painted and in good condition, and the color change is minimal, you may skip the primer. This is especially applicable if the existing paint provides adequate adhesion and coverage.


Exploring Paint Colors for Your Garage Door

When pondering the ideal color for your garage door, take a moment to envision how it complements your home's exterior, encompassing trim and shutters. Will it seamlessly blend in or boldly stand out? Draw inspiration from neighboring homes and nearby garage doors, and consider testing your chosen hue before making a final decision.


Neutral tones such as white, beige, and gray often reign as popular choices, offering versatility and timeless appeal.


Transforming your garage door into a work of art requires more than just paint—it demands precision, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Lakeshore Painting LLC, we understand the importance of meticulous preparation to ensure your project exceeds expectations.


A green garage door

Proper surface preparation is essential for successful painting projects. At Lakeshore Painting LLC, we prioritize thorough cleaning, sanding, rinsing, and masking to ensure optimal adhesion and durability.


For priming, premium options like INSL-X Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer, Benjamin Moore Fresh Start® High-Hiding All Purpose Primer, and Corotech® Acrylic Metal Primer are recommended for different garage door materials.

For the topcoat, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint offer exceptional durability and color retention.


Following proper application techniques and allowing sufficient drying time between coats is crucial for a flawless finish. Skipping the primer may be suitable for well-maintained garage doors with minimal color changes.


By adhering to our meticulous process and using recommended products, homeowners can achieve professional-quality results that enhance the beauty and longevity of their garage doors.

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