Best Way to Paint My Garage Door
If you are painting steel or wood garage doors, preparation and using the correct materials are essential for a successful outcome. Steel garage doors require different types of preparation and painting than wooden garage doors. Follow Amarr’s easy to follow steps for the best result.
Painting Steel Garage Doors
Preparation
- Lightly buff or sand imperfections found on your garage door.
- Visually inspect your garage door for exposed metal.
- Apply primer designed to protect galvanized steel from rusting.
- Allow primer time to dry per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once dry, thoroughly clean your garage doors (see Garage Door Care and Maintenance).
- Paint door within 24 hours after cleaning.
Painting
- Use a high-quality 100% acrylic exterior grade latex paint on garage doors.
- Do NOT use oil based paint.
- Before painting, follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for applying paint with regard to temperature, sunlight, and number of coats needed.
- When painting multiple colors on a door, use painter’s tape to avoid paint bleeding.
NOTICE: No warranty of paint compatibility is made or implied by Amarr Company. Non-factory painting of garage doors voids the paint finish warranty. Warning: Doors painted with dark color may cause the door to experience thermal-bowing. Thermal bowing occurs in a fully closed garage door due to a combination of insulated panels restrained from horizontal movement at each end and a high temperature difference between interior and exterior door skins. Thermal bowing is an inherent characteristic on garage doors with insulated bonded core sections and is not considered a product defect.
Choose Amarr Color Zone for an Easier Solution
The Amarr Color Zone is a factory-applied color option that is available on most steel garage doors and allows you to color match other exterior features of your home, such as shutters, trim or your front door. Choose from more than 800 Sherwin-Williams paint colors for a perfect match.
Wood Garage Doors
Painting or Staining
- Lightly buff or sand natural surface imperfections. Wipe off garage door with a dry rag.
- Prior to installation, all six (6) sides of each garage door section must be painted or stained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply one (1) coat of exterior grade primer or stain to garage doors.
- Apply two (2) coats of high-quality, exterior grade paint or sealer for stained garage doors.
- Dark shades or stains aren’t recommended for wood garage doors with southern or western exposures.
NOTICE: Painting a garage door adds significant weight to the door, which may affect the spring settings and the performance of the door and opener.
