6 Tips for Painting and Refinishing Your Garage Door
A garage door is a main focal point of your home that contributes to ownership satisfaction and curb appeal. If your residence lies within South Jersey, your installation experiences wear and tear thanks to changing temperatures, sun exposure and snow. Fortunately, you can rejuvenate the exterior finish of your investment with a fresh coat of paint.
At Hunter Door, we support homeowners in South Jersey with garage door installation and repair services. Here are our top six tips for painting and refinishing your residential garage.
1. Monitor the Forecast
The process for painting a garage door is straightforward, but you will need at least three days to complete the project. If possible, plan to paint your garage door over a weekend that is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for outdoor painting is typically between 50 and 85 degrees for consistent results.
You’ll also want to plan your outdoor job for when humidity levels and chances of rain are low.
2. Power Wash for the Perfect Garage Door Paint Job
Before painting, it is best to clean and prep surfaces to ensure an even coat. We recommend purchasing rubber gloves, safety goggles and protective masks for power washing. Depending on the type of garage door you have, a wire brush and fine grit sandpaper may be helpful for the removal of rust, dirt and grime.
Use a sponge with soap and water to eliminate soil on the outside of the door. Rinse your garage door with a hose and allow the fixture to dry completely before proceeding.
3. Use Painter’s Tape
Do-it-yourself fans with all levels of experience use painter’s tape and tarps for clean results. Remember to tape off anything you want to keep free from drips, spills and accidents. These areas might include trims, siding, handles and decorative windows.
4. Deactivate Automatic Openers
Switching your garage door to open manually will save you from straining your back as you work. Open and close your assembly as necessary to bring inner panels and stiles to eye-level. Working this way allows you to catch imperfections and any spots you miss.
5. Purchase Exterior Paints and Primers
Make sure you shop for outdoor paints and primers when refinishing garage door surfaces. These products are specifically designed to hold color without fading prematurely. While you’re at the hardware store, keep in mind you’ll need handheld brushes as well as rollers for a job well done.
Always apply a thin coat of primer across your garage door to help the paint stick. Give yourself a window of about twelve hours to allow the primer to dry completely.
6. Consider Multiple Paint Coats
Your garage door paint project may call for more than one coat, especially if you are switching to a brighter hue. Check your progress between coats, and close your garage door when surfaces are drying. Leaving your door fully closed prevents unwanted dripping and smears.
Request Your Garage Door Service
Contact Hunter Door for Garage Doors in South Jersey
Hunter Door wants to bring your home improvement vision to life with one of our Clopay® selections. Our technicians are properly trained to handle both garage door installations as well as repairs for improvements to functionality, safety and aesthetics. We are your leading source for residential garage doors in South Jersey, and we pride ourselves on over 45 years of experience in the industry.
Fill out a contact form with Hunter Door for more information about our products and services.
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