Can My Garage Door Be Painted?

Yes. Most garage doors, whether steel, wood or a newer composite, can be painted with a good-quality exterior latex (acrylic) paint. If you're not sure a product suits your door, check the label for the surfaces it's made for, or ask at the paint store.

What You'll Need

• An all-purpose cleaner or mild soap and water
• A primer suited to your door: a bonding primer for bare or glossy steel, or an exterior primer for bare wood
• Exterior latex paint (not oil-based)
• A wide brush, a roller, or a sprayer if you've used one before
• Flattened cardboard or drop sheets

Step by Step

1. Clean the door thoroughly to remove dirt and grime, rinse it with a hose and let it dry completely.
2. Sand any rust spots or peeling paint and prime bare metal or bare wood.
3. Lay cardboard on the driveway to catch drips and overspray. If you're using a sprayer, test the spray pattern on cardboard first.
4. Paint the recessed panels first, then the flat areas, working top to bottom.
5. Paint the inside face too, so the door looks finished from both sides.
6. Let it dry for up to 24 hours, then add a second coat if needed. Don't close the door on wet paint.

Painting a factory-finished steel door can void the manufacturer's finish warranty. Check your warranty first, or ask us about a new door in the colour you want.