What kind of paint do I use on a wood garage door?

When it comes to painting a wood garage door, having the right kind of paint is crucial for achieving a durable and long-lasting finish. The type of paint you choose depends on several factors, including the current condition of the wood, whether you want a glossy or matte look, and your local climate conditions.

Quick Overview on Painting a Wood Garage Door

Painting a wood garage door helps protect it from wear and tear caused by exposure to the elements. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s involved:

• Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew stains, loose paint, etc.
• Sand the wood lightly to help the new paint adhere.
• Prime the wood if it’s new or unfinished.
• Apply two coats of exterior latex paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.
• Use a high-quality exterior paint formulated for wood.
• Consider a glossy enamel paint for a more durable and scrubbable finish.
• Paint the edges and underside of the door in addition to the front.
• Use a paint sprayer or brush to apply the paint smoothly and evenly.

Prep Work is Crucial

Proper prep work is extremely important for achieving great results when painting a wood garage door. Here are some key steps:

• Repair any cracks, holes, rotted or damaged areas of the wood before painting.
• Use a detergent solution or power washer to remove all dirt, cobwebs, chalky paint, mildew stains, etc. Rinse thoroughly.
• Sand the existing paint or wood lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This helps the new paint adhere properly.
• Scrape off any loose paint with a paint scraper. Feather the edges smooth.
• Dust off the door thoroughly after sanding to remove all wood particles and debris.
• Apply wood filler, primer, or sealer to any knots in the wood to prevent bleed-through.
• Use masking tape and plastic sheeting to cover hardware, windows, trim, etc. you don’t want painted.

Taking the time to properly prep the garage door will help the new paint job last much longer.

Priming Tips

Priming a garage door before painting helps the paint adhere better while providing extra protection for the wood underneath. Here are some tips on priming:

• Use an exterior oil-based primer or water-based acrylic primer formulated for wood.
• If the door was previously painted, you may be able to use a high-bonding primer instead.
• For new or bare wood, priming is a must to seal the surface.
• Apply primer to all surfaces – front, back, edges, and underside.
• Use a brush to work primer into cracks and crevices.
• Allow the primer to fully dry before painting.
• Lightly sand the primer before painting for best results.

Priming might seem like an extra hassle, but it will add years of life to the new paint job and prevent the wood from absorbing paint unevenly.

Paint Options for Wood Garage Doors

When selecting paint for a wood garage door, you’ll need to choose an exterior paint formulated to withstand the elements. Here are some good options:

Exterior Latex Paint

• A high-quality acrylic latex paint is a good general choice for wood garage doors.
• Latex dries more quickly than oil-based paints and cleans up with water.
• It provides good adhesion and protection for the wood surface.
• Latex is available in flat, satin, semi-gloss and gloss sheens.
• Gloss and satin finishes are easier to clean.

Alkyd Enamel Paint

• An alkyd enamel is essentially an oil-based paint modified with alkyd resins.
• It dries harder and glossier than regular oil-based paints.
• Alkyd enamel creates an extremely durable and scrubbable finish.
• The high-gloss finish helps dirt and water bead up and run off the surface.
• Clean up requires mineral spirits.

Marine Enamel Paint

• A marine enamel is designed to withstand outdoor exposure, salt air, and humidity.
• It provides excellent adhesion and protection for wood surfaces.
• The hard gloss finish prevents moisture from penetrating the wood.
• Marine enamel is more expensive but offers outstanding durability.

Varnish

• For a clear wood finish, an exterior polyurethane varnish can be used.
• Varnish protects the wood while allowing the natural grain and color to show.
• It will need to be reapplied every 2-3 years for optimal weather resistance.
• Use a brush or wipe-on application for easiest control on vertical surfaces.
• A tinted or colored varnish is another option for changing the wood tone.

Number of Paint Coats

For best durability, a minimum of two coats of exterior paint should be applied to a wood garage door. Three coats provides even better protection.

When using latex paint:

• Apply the first coat diluted about 10% with water to help penetration into the wood.
• The second coat can be full strength paint.
• Add a third coat for improved weathering resistance.
• Allow proper drying time between coats.

With oil-based alkyd enamel:

• Thin the first coat 10-15% with mineral spirits for better absorption.
• The second coat can be a full coat, followed by a third for maximum durability.
• Oil-based paints take longer to dry – allow at least 24 hours between coats.

Application Method

These application tools work well for painting garage doors:

• Brush – Use a high-quality polyester or nylon/polyester brush for best results with latex and oil-based paints.
• Paint roller – A 3/8″ nap roller covers large surfaces quickly.
• Power paint sprayer – This is the fastest method but requires masking off nearby surfaces.
• Garden sprayer – These can provide good results on vertical surfaces like garage doors.

Tips for successful application:

• Always maintain a wet edge when painting to prevent lap marks.
• Apply paint smoothly and evenly while working from top to bottom.
• Work from one side to the other to prevent drips.
• Watch for paint dripping under panel edges and ends.
• Horizontal surfaces often need an extra coat for uniform coverage.

Drying and Curing Time

It’s important to allow adequate drying time between coats. Humid or cool conditions will lengthen the drying time needed:

• Latex paint – Dry to the touch in 1-2 hours at 70°F. Fully cure in 2-4 weeks.
• Oil-based paint – Dry to the touch in 6-8 hours. Fully cure in about 2 weeks.
• Varnish – Dry to the touch in 2-4 hours. Fully cure in 1-2 weeks.

The garage door should not be operated until paint has fully cured to prevent surface damage.

Weather Conditions

Ideally, exterior paint should only be applied when weather conditions are optimal:

• Temperature >50°F
• Humidity <85%
• No rain, dew, or frost on surfaces

These conditions allow for proper drying and curing of the paint. If colder weather is expected, choose latex or varnish for their faster drying time.

Maintenance

To maximize the lifetime of the painted finish on a garage door:

• Wash the door periodically with mild soap and water using soft bristle brushes.
• Rinse well and avoid pressure washing.
• Reapply fresh paint every 3-5 years.
• Look for early signs of paint failure like cracking or peeling.
• Repair any problem areas immediately to prevent water damage.
• Consider waxing the door occasionally for added protection.

Conclusion

When selecting exterior paint for a wood garage door, a high-quality 100% acrylic latex or alkyd enamel will provide the best performance and longevity. Proper preparation of the wood surface is crucial before priming and painting. Allowing adequate drying time between multiple coats will help ensure a durable finish. And periodic maintenance by washing and reapplying paint every few years will keep a garage door looking great and fully protected from outdoor exposure for many years to come.