Painting your aluminum garage doors can help refresh the look of your home’s exterior. While it may seem daunting to paint such large surfaces independently, it is very doable to break the project down into manageable steps. With some preparation, patience, and suitable materials, you can paint your aluminum garage doors yourself. Let’s learn how to paint aluminum garage doors.
Benefits of Painting Aluminum Garage Doors
Painting aluminum garage doors offers several advantages:
- Improves curb appeal – A fresh coat of paint can instantly boost your home’s exterior aesthetic. Painted garage doors look more stylish and can increase your home’s value.
- Protects against elements – Paint provides an extra layer of protection against dirt, water, sun damage, and other outdoor elements that can wear down aluminum over time.
- Covers flaws – Paint can conceal minor dents, scratches, discoloration, and other blemishes in the aluminum doors.
- Customizes color – Paint allows you to change the color of your garage doors. You can choose a shade that coordinates with your home’s color scheme.
- Cost-effective – Buying paint and supplies for a DIY garage door paint job is far less expensive than replacing the doors or hiring a professional painter.
Preparing to Paint the Garage Doors
Proper preparation is crucial for an even, lasting paint job on aluminum garage doors. Follow these key steps to get your doors paint-ready:
1. Clean the Surface
Use a hose with a strong spray nozzle to rinse away dirt, cobwebs, pollen, and other debris. Pay special attention to the tracks and hinges. Use a cleaning solution formulated for aluminum siding and a stiff bristle brush for stuck-on grime. Rinse thoroughly.
Let the doors dry completely before moving on. Allow 1-2 days if needed.
2. Lightly Sand the Aluminum
Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the shiny aluminum surface. This helps the new paint adhere properly. Focus on any cracked or peeling paint areas and feather the edges smoothly.
Be careful not to grind too profoundly into the aluminum. You need to rough up the top layer. Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth.
3. Repair Damage
Inspect the doors closely and make any necessary repairs:
- Use spackling compound to fill small holes, dents, and cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Allow to dry and sand smooth.
- For more severe damage, use auto-body filler putty. Follow package directions to mix, apply, and sand once hardened.
- Tighten any loose screws in the hinges. Replace any badly rusted screws.
- Straighten any bent panels if possible. Remove any loose paint around the dents before using the body filler.
Proper repairs now will ensure the finished paint looks its best.
4. Prime the Doors
Choose a high-quality primer formulated for metal, like Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer. Use a brush for the recessed areas and a foam roller for large, flat surfaces.
Primer provides corrosion resistance and maximum paint adhesion. Don’t skip this vital step! Allow the primer to dry overnight before painting entirely.
5. Cover Surrounding Areas
Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, and tarps to mask off and protect any nearby walls, eaves, vehicles, or landscaping. Remove door hardware like handles and lift the garage door sensors out of the way.
Choosing the Right Paint
When selecting paint for aluminum garage doors, you have two main options:
Oil-Based/Enamel Paint
Enamel paints contain polyurethane, creating an extra tough and glossy finish. They provide excellent color retention and weather resistance. Oil-based enamel sprays from Rust-Oleum, Krylon, and Zinsser work well for garage doors.
Pros: Durable, shiny finish. It withstands elements and wear and tear.
Cons: Requires mineral spirits for cleanup. Strong odor. There is a long dry time between coats.
Latex/Acrylic Paint
Latex paints contain acrylic resin and water as the carrier. They have lower odors and are cleaned up with soap and water. Acrylic latex sprays from brands like Krylon and Rust-Oleum offer ease of application.
Pros: Soapy water cleanup. Low odor. Shorter dry time. More color options.
Cons: The finish is not as stiff/glossy as enamel. More prone to fading and marring over time.
For most DIYers, high-quality acrylic latex spray paint is the best choice for aluminum garage doors. The application is more forgiving, and the cleanup is much more accessible than oil-based enamel.
Look for exterior garage door paint with UV protection and anti-fading formulas. Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss sheens all work well. Match the sheen level to your home’s existing trim.
Painting the Garage Doors
Once you have prepped the doors and selected your paint, you’re ready to spray. Follow these guidelines for success:
1. Read All Label Directions
Carefully review the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can/bottle. Check how long to wait between coats, a proper dry time before use, the recommended temperature range for application, and any other specifications.
Respond to hazard warnings and use appropriate protective gear like gloves, eyewear, and respirator masks as needed. Use a painter’s mask rated for oil-based products when spraying enamels.
2. Arrange Proper Ventilation
Paint fumes can be vital, especially when painting in an enclosed garage. Keep doors open and run fans or exhaust blowers to circulate fresh air continuously.
3. Load the Spray Gun Properly
Pour the paint into a tray, then dip in the spray gun pickup tube. Don’t overfill the paint cup – 3-4 inches of paint is plenty. Have paper towels handy for spills.
4. Adjust the Nozzle and Pressure
Most garage door paints work best with the nozzle adjusted to a vertical spray pattern about 6-8 inches wide when held 12 inches from the surface. Refer to the sprayer directions for psi/pressure. Too much pressure causes drips and uneven coverage.
5. Spray Using Straight, Even Passes
Hold the spray gun perpendicular to the door, about 12 inches away. Start spraying just before the section is painted and continue past it in a back-and-forth motion. Overlap passes 50% to ensure uniform coverage.
Spray lightly on the first coat. Applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick, dripping coat is better than over hinges and hardware holes.
6. Change Nozzle Tips When Needed
For recessed panels and edges, swap the nozzle out for a more narrow tip or use the reversible tip many sprayers include. Touch up any missed spots with a small foam brush.
7. Allow Proper Dry Time Between Coats
Check the paint label and let each coat dry thoroughly before adding another. Cool temperatures or high humidity can extend dry times. It’s better to wait longer rather than apply another coat too soon.
8. Apply At Least Two Coats
Two to three thin coats provide a more even, durable finish than a single thick coat. Sand lightly between coats if the previous finish feels rough. Always vacuum up any dust before spraying again.
9. Remove Tape Promptly
Carefully peel off all painter’s tape immediately after the final coat before the paint dries. This prevents the edges from drying jagged. Touch up edges as needed.
10. Allow Full Curing Time
Let the paint cure for several days before closing garage doors or replacing door hardware. Check the label directions. Colder weather may delay complete curing.
With focus and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking DIY paint job on your garage doors. Take your time, and don’t rush the process. Remaining patient allows each step – from cleaning and priming to painting and drying – to be done thoroughly.
Helpful Tips for Painting Success
Keep these pointers in mind for the best quality paint job:
- To avoid drips, spray in light, even coats. Hold the spray gun at a consistent distance and speed.
- Aim at a slight upward angle when spraying to get paint underneath raised edges and folds.
- Periodically rotate the spray gun to disperse paint and prevent finger fatigue evenly.
- During application, visually check for consistency, covering all areas.
- For the most durable finish, always use high-quality primer and paint designed for metal.
- When painting door panels, spray horizontally across each section for uniform coverage.
- Avoid painting in very windy or overly hot conditions to prevent dry spray or an uneven finish.
- Wear old clothes and shoes since paint may sometimes splatter or drip unexpectedly.
Stay positive, and remember the finished look will be well worth the effort. Before you know it, you’ll have attractive painted aluminum garage doors you can point to with pride and say, “I did that!”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for aluminum garage door paint to cure fully?
Depending on the product used, allow 1-2 weeks for the paint to cure and harden fully. Avoid opening and closing the doors during this time. The paint may feel dry to the touch much sooner but needs additional time to bond and become scratch-resistant fully.
2. What temperature should it be when spraying exterior paint?
Ideally, 60-90°F is best for spray painting. Don’t paint in direct sun or on extremely windy days. If tacky, the paint is drying too slowly. Stop and wait for warmer temps around 70°F to continue.
3. Can you use a brush instead of spray paint?
While spraying is more accessible for large flat areas like garage doors, you can use paint brushes and foam rollers instead. Use high-density short nap rollers and fully load the roller to avoid a streaky finish. Brush around hinges, hardware, and edges first.
4. How long does spray paint last on a garage door?
Properly applied, high-quality exterior latex or enamel paint should last 3-5 years on an aluminum garage door before needing to be redone. Factors like exposure to sun and weather impact longevity.
5. How do you thin out thick enamel spray paint?
Suppose the enamel spray paint seems too thick; thin it using the manufacturer’s specified more delicate, usually mineral spirits. Start by adding 1 part thinner to 3 parts paint. Mix thoroughly and do a test spray. If it is still too thick, gradually increase the leaner ratio to a 50/50 blend at most.
Conclusion
Painting aluminum garage doors allows you to refresh the look of your home’s exterior on your schedule and budget. You can tackle this project solo over a weekend with proper preparation, high-quality exterior paint, and some mechanical aptitude. While spraying large flat surfaces takes some technique, it is very doable for a motivated DIYer.
Adjusting the garage door arm angle is crucial for optimal performance, ensuring your beautifully painted aluminum garage doors operate smoothly. The effort pays off handsomely in the form of beautiful, expertly painted aluminum garage doors. Your neighbors may not believe you did it yourself. So grab those painting supplies and get ready to check this project off your to-do list. Take it step-by-step, and before you know it, you’ll put the final finishing touches on your updated garage doors.
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