Can you use regular exterior paint on a garage door?

Using the right type of paint on a garage door is important for getting the best look and protection. Regular exterior house paint is often not the best choice for painting a garage door. Garage doors get a lot of wear and tear from opening and closing, temperature changes, and exposure to the elements. Using exterior paint designed specifically for garage doors will provide more durability and resistance to cracking, peeling, fading, and stains.

The Importance of Using the Right Paint

Garage doors are subjected to a lot of movement and stress from opening and closing hundreds or even thousands of times over their lifetime. The sections of the door need to be able to flex and move independently without the paint cracking or peeling. Exterior house paints are designed to adhere to siding and walls that do not move, so they can become brittle on a moving garage door. This can lead to the paint cracking and peeling within just a few months or years.

Garage doors also endure temperature swings from hot summer days to cold winter nights. The expansion and contraction from the temperature changes can cause exterior house paint to crack and peel. Using a flexible paint made for garage doors can prevent this.

The exterior of garage doors endures direct exposure to rain, snow, UV rays, dirt, and pollution. House paint is not designed to withstand these elements on a long vertical surface like a garage door. The paint may fade, stain, or peel more quickly than garage door specific paint.

Taking the time and care to use the right paint means the garage door will stay looking great for much longer. Garage door paint can last up to 10 years before needing to be redone, while exterior house paint may need redoing in 2-3 years.

Considerations for Painting a Garage Door

Here are some things to keep in mind when getting ready to paint a garage door:

• Carefully clean the door first – Make sure the door surface is clean and dry before painting. Wash with a power washer if needed to remove built up dirt and grime. Don’t paint over existing loose paint.
• Lightly sand – Use 220 grit sandpaper to scuff sand and degloss the surface. This helps the new paint adhere properly.
• Prime first – Priming helps the topcoat cover fully and evenly. Use exterior primer or specific garage door primer.
• Pick latex paint – Latex has more flexibility than oil-based paint. Make sure it is exterior grade.
• Apply 2-3 coats – Thoroughly cover the door and get into grooves with multiple coats.
• Avoid painting in direct sun – The surface needs to be shaded to prevent the paint from drying too fast.
• Let dry fully between coats – Recommended 24 hours between coats.

Garage Door Paint Options

There are a few choices when it comes to paint designed for garage doors:

Latex garage door paint

Latex garage door paint provides excellent protection. Latex has elastic properties that allow it to expand and contract along with the metal door as it moves and changes temperature, reducing cracking and peeling. High quality latex paint for garage doors is formulated to resist UV rays, moisture, and other damage.

Enamel garage door paint

Enamel paint also called alkyd enamel can be used on garage doors. It provides a glossy, durable, weather resistant finish. Opt for exterior grade enamel to withstand moisture, sun, and extremes of hot and cold. Enamel paint tends to be more prone to cracking though.

Epoxy garage floor paint

While not suitable for the garage door itself, epoxy paint is great for coating concrete garage floors. Epoxy paint is extremely durable against tire marks, chemicals, impacts, and general wear and tear. It also resists moisture and stands up to temperature swings. Epoxy coatings are more involved to apply though.

Tips for Painting a Garage Door

Follow these tips for the best looking, long lasting paint job on your garage door:

• Clean the surface thoroughly first – Make sure to remove any dirt, oil, salt, or other contaminants so the paint can adhere properly. Use the right cleaners for aluminum, steel, wood, or other garage door materials.
• Check for rust – If rust is present on a steel garage door, remove it completely with sanders or wire brushes before priming and painting.
• Inspect weather stripping – Replace any worn weather stripping around and on the garage door before painting. Mask off rubber seals before painting.
• Sand and de-gloss – Lightly scuff sand to rough up glossy surfaces. This helps the paint adhere better.
• Prime first – Priming ensures the topcoat binds properly for maximum durability.
• Paint the edges – Use a brush to paint hinges, rollers, tracks, and drip edges.
• Avoid painting in direct sun – The heat can cause paint to dry too fast leading to problems with coverage and adhesion.
• Let dry fully – Allow 24 hours between paint coats.
• Consider an accent color – Painting the garage door a complementary or contrasting color than the house exterior can give it some great visual appeal.

Do You Need Specialized Garage Door Paint?

While regular exterior paint may seem like an easier, cheaper option, it does not provide the right properties for the demands that garage doors endure. Investing in high quality garage door paint will provide much better results and long term curb appeal.

Dedicated garage door paint has:

• Flexibility – It can expand and contract with a moving door through seasons and use without cracking or peeling.
• Binding properties – It adheres tightly to metal, wood, and other garage door materials.
• Weatherproofing – It stands up to sun, rain, snow, salt, and temperature extremes.
• Durability – The resilient paint withstands wear, abrasion, and impacts.
• UV resistance – It resists fading and damage from the sun’s rays.

This combination of performance properties in garage door paint provides for maximum protection and longevity. The result is a great looking garage door that retains its appearance for years before needing repainting. Using regular exterior house paint may lead to cracking, peeling, and fading in as little as 2 or 3 years.

How to Choose Garage Door Paint

When selecting garage door paint, here are some key considerations:

• Garage door material – Make sure the paint is recommended for aluminum, steel, wood, or other garage door materials.
• Sheen – Flat or satin is preferable over gloss, which can show scratches.
• Quality – Look for top exterior grade paint from reputable brands.
• Color – Pick a color that complements your home. Dark colors absorb more heat.
• Special features – Look for paint with silicone or polyurethane for added protection and longevity.

Consult the garage door manufacturer, read product descriptions and reviews, or talk to a paint specialist to choose the optimal garage door paint for the project.

Can You Use Latex House Paint on a Garage Door?

Latex house paints are oil-based alkyd paints are not ideal for use on garage doors. Latex house paint has some advantages though:

• More flexibility than oil-based
• Generally provides better adhesion
• Dries faster for quicker recoating
• Easier cleanup with soap and water
• Lower odor than oil-based paints

The downside is latex house paint is not designed for the extreme conditions a garage door endures. It may not properly expand and contract, resist impacts, adhere for the long term, or withstand environmental weathering and corrosion. Opt for high quality latex paint specifically engineered for exterior garage doors for best performance.

Steel Garage Door Paint Options

For painting a steel garage door, these paints work well:

• Latex exterior garage door paint
• Oil-based alkyd enamel garage door paint
• Epoxy garage door paint
• Acrylic latex garage door paint
• Polyurethane garage door paint

Latex, acrylic latex, and polyurethane paints are better at expanding and contracting with the moving metal door. Oil-based enamel paint for garage doors provides beauty and gloss similar to automotive paints. Epoxy paint is extremely durable. Make sure to prep steel garage doors properly and use primer before painting.

How Long Does Garage Door Paint Last?

When using high quality garage door paint and proper application procedures, you can expect the paint to last:

• Latex garage door paint – 7-9 years
• Enamel garage door paint – 9-12 years
• Epoxy garage door paint – 10-15 years

Comparatively, exterior latex house paint may only last 2-4 years on a garage door before needing to be redone. Proper prep work like cleaning, sanding, and priming helps maximize the longevity of the paint job.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Wood Garage Doors?

Here are good paint options for wood garage doors:

• Exterior latex garage door paint
• Oil-based exterior enamel garage door paint
• Solid color garage door stain
• Clear coat sealer

Latex paint tends to perform better than oil-based for wood garage doors because it expands and contracts along with the wood as it swells, shrinks, and moves with changes in moisture and temperature. Make sure the paint has UV blockers to minimize sun damage. Proper priming helps the paint adhere.

Conclusion

Garage door paint provides maximum protection, durability, and longevity on garage doors. Specialty latex or enamel paint designed specifically for exterior garage doors withstands weather, motion, impact, and temperature changes without cracking or peeling. While regular exterior house paint may seem like an easier solution, it does not have the properties needed to properly adhere to and move with garage doors over years of use. Investing in the right garage door paint and taking the time to properly prep and apply it will provide long lasting beauty and protection.