There’s a saying that goes that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Whilst that should apply to a garage, realistically we know that people will be judging – especially in a desirable city like Toronto, with that in mind your aluminum garage door must be kept looking as good as possible. There’s no better way to make something stand out than a fresh coat of paint, so here’s what you need to know about painting them.

Preparing to Paint an Aluminum Garage Door

1) Before you even consider starting to paint the door, it’s essential that you thoroughly clean the door first. It’s essential for the adhesion of the paint that the surface is perfect, meaning it is free from dust and dirt. Loose specks can be brushed off, whilst you can clean the rest of it with a cloth and warm soapy water. Make sure to use some elbow grease to ensure that it’s as clean as you can get it.

2) Choosing the day you start painting is also pretty important. The nature of metal and alloys means that they can expand in the hot air and retain heat, which could interfere with the finish of the paint. So, rather than paint on a hot day (or a cold day, for that matter), you’ll get optimum results if you opt to paint over a few clearer, milder days – which shouldn’t be too hard to come by.

3) It’s essential that you lay a cover on or tape up any sections or floors that you don’t want to end up covered in paint. Drops of paint are inevitable, so make sure you’re covered and you should be safe from having any unsightly spots in your yard.

What Paint to Choose and How Much

1. For an aluminum garage door, you’re going to need an oil-based exterior paint rather than a latex-based one, though 100% acrylic paint also has its advantages. The color of the paint is completely your choice.
2. There’s no need to buy too much paint. A gallon should be enough, with enough spare to paint a side door or any other projects that you have, and there’ll be enough for a touch-up after you’re finished too. Remember – it’s better to buy too much paint than to have to run to the store halfway through your painting!

The Technique – How to Paint

1. Fortunately, painting an aluminum garage door is simple enough and not too different from painting anything else – but there are a few things you can do to make it easier for you.
2. A wider brush covers a larger area, allowing you to finish painting quicker, and long, slow strokes should be used. Unlike wooden doors, you don’t have to go along with ant grain, but you should be careful to ensure that you’re not leaving too many brush strokes that would spoil your painting.
3. Once the first coat is completely dry, you can follow the same advice for the second coat. The first coat of paint may have left blemishes or patches, but you shouldn’t worry. The second coat will fix these problems and leave you with a nice finish.

An Easy Way to Add Value to Your Home

As you can see, painting your aluminum garage door isn’t rocket science, but it is a quick way to refresh your home and give it a breath of fresh air. You can prepare for your project properly through cleaning and covering, the rest is simply buying the paint and applying it, and you’ll have a freshly painted door in no time.

With over three decades of experience, Smart Door has been the go-to company for overhead garage door replacement and repairs in the Toronto GTA area since 1992. We specialize in a wide range of modern garage doors, catering to various styles and preferences. Our offerings include sleek glass garage doors, elegant black garage doors, durable fiberglass garage doors, and the timeless appeal of wood or wooden accent garage doors. Additionally, we excel in installing traditional carriage-style garage doors, providing options with stamped, recessed, and raised panels, as well as window inserts to enhance the aesthetic appeal. We invite you to visit our showroom in Concord, where you can explore our extensive selection of overhead garage door solutions, including options for commercial application.