How to Paint a Garage Door

Wash with TSP substitute and a sponge, rinse thoroughly, and let dry. Scuff-sand with 220-grit paper or a ScotchBrite pad to break the factory gloss - paint will not stick to an un-sanded slick finish. Wipe with a tack cloth before priming.

Close the door and mask everything you do not want painted: lift handles, hinges, the rubber weather seal at the bottom, and the glass lites. Use 3M 2090 tape for clean removal and extend a canvas drop cloth onto the driveway to catch drips.

Any exposed steel must be primed with a rust-inhibitive metal primer (Rust-Oleum Professional, Zinsser Allcoat). Fiberglass doors usually only need a bonding primer on factory finishes. Apply in thin, even coats - heavy prime builds will telegraph through the topcoat.

Choose a 100% acrylic exterior satin or semi-gloss (Sherwin Emerald, Benjamin Moore Aura). Cut in the raised panel edges with a 2-inch angled brush, then roll the flats with a 3/8-inch microfiber roller. Work panel by panel, top to bottom, to avoid lap marks. Allow 4 hours between coats in 70°F weather.

Remove tape while the final coat is tacky (within 60 minutes of application) to avoid pulling paint. Do not open and close the door for 24 hours - fresh acrylic can block (stick) at the panel joints. Full cure is 7-14 days; avoid pressure washing until then.