Expert Advice on How-to Paint a Garage Door

How to Paint a Garage Door

Image of exterior of a garage and garage door with teal siding.

A beautifully painted garage door can be the finishing touch to your home's exterior makeover.

For Best Results:

To promote adhesion and durability of your topcoat, use a PREMIUM PLUS^® primer.

Not interested in applying a primer?
Consider using BEHR ULTRA^™ products--innovatively developed as a paint and primer.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

Brush (2"-2½")
Bucket
Bucket Grid
Extension Pole
Vinyl Gloves
Ladder
Paint Can Opener
Paint Tray
Paint Tray Liner
Painter's Tape
Rags
Roller Cover and Frame
Stir Stick

The Garage Door

Step 1

Begin your painting project by pouring thoroughly mixed paint into a bucket and dipping a quality 2"-2½" wide nylon/polyester brush into the paint.

TIP: When working outside, it is best to work out of direct sunlight in temperatures between 50º-90º F with moderate humidity.

Step 2

Starting with a top panel of the garage door, paint into the recessed area of the panel. Begin at a corner of the recess and continue around its perimeter.

Step 3

Continue painting the remainder of the panel until the entire panel is complete. Repeat the process of painting the panels and their recesses until all the panels are complete. Wipe away the excess paint that has overlapped onto the stiles.

Step 4

With your brush, paint (cut in) around the perimeter of the garage door in a 2"-3" wide section. Start at the top corner and continue along the walls.

TIP: Reload the brush when necessary and maintain a wet edge.

Step 5

From the bucket, pour paint into a paint tray and work the roller into the tray until it is fully loaded with paint. For best results, use a 3/8"-3/4" roller cover.

TIP: For larger areas, consider using a 5-gallon bucket and a bucket grid.

Step 6

With your roller, paint the stiles around the perimeter of each panel. Continue until the garage door is complete.

The Garage Door Frame

Step 1

Again with your brush, paint the inside frame of the door starting at the top of the frame.

TIP: On the frame, work outward from the edge of the door.

Step 2

Continue until the door frame is complete. Wipe away the excess paint that has overlapped onto the trim.

The Garage Door Trim

Step 1

Starting at a top corner of the door trim, paint the side edge of the trim where it meets the wall. Continue until all edges of the trim are complete.

TIP: Reload the brush when necessary to maintain a wet edge.