Step 1: Select the Right Paintbrushes & Paint
Before you start painting, be sure to select the right paint and tools for the job.
First, pick the right paint or stain. If you are painting a wood or metal garage door, consider an exterior acrylic paint such as Aura® Exterior or Regal® Select Exterior High Build. If you want an exterior stain for your wooden garage door, consider Woodluxe® Exterior Stains.
Use synthetic-bristle paintbrushes for acrylic paint: a 3-inch flat sash brush for flat surfaces, and a 2- or 2.5-inch angled sash brush to cut in around edges and windowpanes.
Rollers always work well for large, flat surfaces.
Helpful Tip
Check the WeatherUse the Benjamin Moore guide for optimal painting conditions. And be sure to avoid rain as well as direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to dry too fast.
Step 2: Prep Your Garage Door for Painting
Before applying any primer or paint, make sure your garage door surface is free of loose, chipping paint and properly dulled from any previous glossy finish.
Disconnect the garage door opener so you can manually move the door up and down as you work—and to keep the door from accidentally moving when you don’t want it to.
Next, use a sponge to scrub the door with an all-purpose cleaner. If needed, pressure wash carefully to remove loose or peeling paint. For stains from mildew, wash with a combination of ¼ cup trisodium phosphate (or TSP, a popular cleaning agent), ¼ cup bleach, and 1 gallon of warm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after using TSP and bleach.
Spread a drop cloth under the door to protect the garage floor and driveway.
Sand off any rough edges of paint that didn’t wash off. Use 80- to 220-grit sandpaper, depending on the severity of the edges. Sand until smooth. Be sure not to scratch your garage door’s glass windowpanes.
For metal doors, first loosen any rust with a wire brush, then spot prime those areas with a rust-inhibitive primer like HP Acrylic Metal Primer.
Consult with your locally owned Benjamin Moore store or other professional if there is any significant damage.
Once all that is completed, prepare your space for painting. Tape off windowpanes, trim, and hardware, and clean off debris.
Important Safety Note
Pressure Washer Tips1. Remain aware of power cords, stepladders, other equipment and all surroundings.
2. Take care not to spray people, windowpanes or other sensitive items.
3. Always wear personal protective equipment.
Step 3: Apply the Primer and Garage Door Paint
Once your garage door is prepped, it’s time to apply a primer.
Use a high-quality acrylic exterior primer like Insl-X® Stix® or Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer.
When applying primer or paint to your garage door, start with the top panel and work your way down. Use a brush to cut in around the trim and edges of the door and fill in any recesses in the panels. Afterward, coat the flat surfaces.
Follow the recommended dry times between coats of primer and paint.
Most projects require one coat of primer and two coats of paint for the best results. If your garage door is already painted and in sound condition—and the color change is not drastic—a primer may not be necessary.
Unsure of how many gallons of paint to buy? Use the Benjamin Moore paint calculator.
Helpful Tip
Struggling with choosing a color?Visit your locally owned Benjamin Moore store and purchase a few paint color samples. Be sure to observe the colors during different times of the day, and at night under artificial outdoor lighting.
Step 4: Clean Up
Acrylic paint requires only soap and water cleanup. Be sure to wash your brush before it begins to dry by rinsing it in warm, soapy water. Remove excess water, taking care to keep the bristles in their original shape.
Hang your brush to let it dry. If you saved the brush’s cardboard sleeve, rewrap the dry brush for safe keeping.
Don’t forget to reconnect your garage door opener.
Helpful Tip
If paint drips dry over the seams of individual panels, use a utility knife to carefully cut it away. Use a small piece of sandpaper to clean up rough edges.Considering Paint Color for Your Garage Door
When choosing the perfect garage door paint color, think about your current home exterior, including the trim and shutters. Do you want your door to blend with what you have? Or stand out? Get inspired by other exterior and garage door colors in your neighborhood, and test your color before committing.
Popular colors tend to be neutrals like white, beige, and gray. Use the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio® app to see colors on your exterior using the photo and video visualizers.
Your locally owned Benjamin Moore store carries all the supplies you need for painting a garage door and many other DIY projects on your to-do list. You can also save some time by ordering from our online store and picking up at your local Benjamin Moore store.
