Garage doors are sensitive. From inside, they are exposed to various scratches and strains of smoke and oil that it incurs from your vehicle, while on the outside, it is exposed to rain and sunlight. Hence they are very prone to lose its good look and charm quickly.
Most of the time, people think that painting a garage door once with a simple coat or two is sufficient. However, the reality of the fact is that painting garage doors may need more care than the rest of the paintings. Best paint for metal garage doors can be easily selected by using this buyer’s guide.
We explain all the parameters that you need to know to choose the best paint for the garage door. If your garage door is made of wood, you will need a different tint, while for aluminum or metal doors, you will need to choose the best paint for aluminum garage doors.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Paint for Metal Garage Doors?
If you want to know how to choose the best paint for metal garage doors, you need to know the necessary parameters and fol facts about it.
Deciding the right type of garage door paint is always a key factor. No matter how good you can spray or brush. It is always vital to choose the right paint. If your garage door is made with metal, the above paints are definitely great options for you. On top of that, we have accumulated some key factors finding the best possible option for you.
Brush/ Roll/ Spray
The application of paint plays an important role in its durability. Some parts of a metal garage door could be easily painted using a brush, while other parts may not be reachable with brush and would require spray. Hence the paint you choose should all kinds of application tools.
Fading/ Cracking
You need to take special precautions to ensure that the paint you choose does not fade or crack after drying. Cracking/ Fading is a serious issue with the anti-rust paints for metal garage doors.
If your garage door is outside your home and direct sun or rain it faces, then you shouldn’t go for the random garage door paint. Because most of the garages are inside the house. So, the case is different there. You must have to disclose the fact while you buy your paint. You will find a separate section, which is exterior paint. So, if your garage door is outside home, choose an exterior garage door paint, or it can fade away in a quick time.
Price
Price should not become a hurdle when it comes to choosing paint for metallic garage doors. Features like durability, resilience, and moisture resistance should be kept at priority.
Manufacturer
Some manufacturers are known for their anti-rusting products and paints, if a paint of a well-known manufacturer is chosen, the performance would likely be better than that of a company which you have never heard of before.
Clean-ability
The paints that provide the smoothest and glossiest of finishing are the ones that are easy to clean. Garage doors get dirty, and they need frequent cleaning. The paint you choose should allow cleaning and should not get damaged by cleaning.
What is the Best Paint for Metal Garage Doors?
The best paint for a metal garage door should be the one that lifts up the look of your entire house.
The shiny, clean, and new look that we all seek in a newly painted door should lift the whole view of your home.
Best paint for metal garage door should be smooth, abrasion-resistant, leveled, all-weather, easy-to-use, water-resistant, UV resistant, and rust preventive.
However, not all paints come with all of these qualities; an anti-rusting paint may be sensitive to UV light while a self-leveling paint may not be able to provide sufficient water resistance.
Thus, the best paint for the metal door should be selected based on the conditions of the surface.
There are several kinds of paints on the market. It’s very obvious that not all the paint will be equally suitable for you. We usually put a coat once. If you are willing to have a lighter finish on your garage door, you should coat more than once.
We have enlisted some of the best garage door paint for you here.
POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive Coating
Overview
Are you tired of the rust on your garage door? Every time you touch the garage door, you have to rush to clean those rusty hands? Well, here is a solution to your problem. The POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating is designed to stop rusting of your metallic door, once and for all. The paint is known for its easy application on the prepped rusted surface.
The paint, due to its strong adhesion, dries into a very strong surface that does not allow any air or moist to pass through, thus putting an end to the problem of rust. The POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive Coating, however, comes with a severe issue of UV sensitivity. The paint is designed specifically for indoors only, any application of the said paint on an outdoor surface, which incur enough sunlight, will leave this paint to lose its qualities.
However, if you still want to use this anti-rust paint outdoors, it is recommended to apply a UV resistant topcoat over this paint, and your metal garage door will never get rusted again. If you are seeking a permanent solution to the issue of rust, the POR-15 45401 Rust Preventive Coating is the best available option in this category, which not only stops the rusting but also provides a smooth and clean look on application.
The paint is self-leveling and can withstand all kinds of fuels, oils, acids, base, and hit resistant.
Pros
Cons
Rust-Oleum 7215502 Hammered Metal Finish
Overview
Are you looking for the best paint for your metal garage door, which makes your metallic garage door new and shiny, yet you want to keep it safe from rusting in the future? Rust-Oleum 7215502 Hammered Metal Finish is what you should be looking for. This paint is known for its lasting anti-rusting qualities while equally providing an aesthetically beautiful and shiny look to the applied surface.
The paint leaves a strong, thick, and smooth layer on the surface, hiding all imperfections and roughness on your metal garage door. The paint is to used directly over the rust and be left to die. The strong adhesiveness of this paint will not only cover the rust but keep the surface safe from rusting in the future as well.
The paint can be used on all kinds of surfaces, from metal to wood and from concrete to fiberglass. Rust-Oleum 7215502 Hammered Metal Finish is an all-in-one solution to your old rust garage door, which has been giving a bad look to your house for ages.
The corrosion-resistant paint can avoid corrosion of any kind of surface. The paint is oil-based, and it’s drying time stands at 2-4 hours, depending on the outside conditions. The downside of the paint is the requirement of two layers of this paint, which results in coverage of the only 100ft in one gallon of this paint. The paint, however, covers for this weakness by allowing you to apply this paint without any primer.
Pros
Cons
TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint
Overview
TotalBoat Wet Edge Topside Paint is considered as one of the most durable water-resistant paint for metal surfaces. The paint is formulated using marine polyurethane, which is known for its ability to kill all water-related paint issues in boats.
The paint comes with reliable adhesive power, which avoids abrasion of the paint. The paint comes in sharper colors and retains the gloss regardless of the surface. The water-resistant nature of the paint allows the surface to be cleaned easily. The self-leveling quality of this paint makes it stand-out of the crowd.
The paint has easy application using spray, brush, and roll and provides equally good results on each application. Regardless of the surface material, be it metal, fiberglass, or wood, the paint will give an equally beautiful surface on application. The limitation of this paint is submersion in water for a very long duration, which may cause the paint to lose its adhesiveness and may result in abrasion.
The paint is available in limited 21 colors, which could be a slight turn-off for people who have a keen eye for the shade of the paint. One gallon of the paint covers an average of 350+ square foot, which in our analysis is a good average. If you live in a rain-prone area, the paint is one of the best paint for your metal garage door.
Pros
Cons
Diamond Brite Paint Black 1
Diamond Brite Paint Black 1 is specifically intended for doors and windows, but it can be safely used for painting walls and ceilings as well.
The paint ensures a glossy and shiny touch. The paint provides a layer thick enough to cover the rough and imperfect surface and gives you a bright and glossy feel. The paint, due to its glossiness, provides ease in cleanliness.
The paint has a strong adhesiveness, which allows it to stick very tightly to the metal doors and seal off the pours to avoid any moist going in to rust the metallic door. Diamond Brite Paint Black 1 can give your garage door the kind of shiny new look that you would want for it.
Even if your garage door is made of a metal like aluminum, the Diamond Brite Paint Black 1 can be used on it as it is one of the best paints for aluminum garage doors.
The paint resists water to a certain degree; hence your garage door will not be at the mercy of rust again. The paint also stands good for UV exposure. Therefore it can be used on exterior surfaces of your garage door as well as the interior surface.
Pros
Cons
Rust Bullet RBA53 Automotive Rust Inhibitor
Overview
Rust Bullet RBA53 Automotive Rust Inhibitor is designed to put an end to the rusting problem once and for all. Garage doors are the most rust-vulnerable doors in the entire house, and no matter how beautiful your home is, that one door is going to ruin the entire look for you. But with Rust Bullet RBA53 Automotive Rust Inhibitor, you can now get rid of the old rusty door once and for all.
The paint is comparatively easy to apply, required no post-application maintenance, and is a resilient paint that stands against water and moist and provides a durable solution to rusting.
The paint is designed for easy application; hence it is an ideal paint for your Do-It-Yourself project. The paint can be applied to the interior and exterior of your garage doors, and it will provide it equally efficient performance regardless.
The paint gets extremely hard when its dries, yet the paint does not crack due to the dryness. The paint is designed to withstand even the harshest of Texas sunlight. The paint is a satisfactory solution for rust on its own and does not need any topcoat over it.
The paint can be applied through Spray, Roll, or Brush without any hurdle, however, it is recommended to use it through roll for better and equal layering of all parts of the surface.
Pros
Cons
206999 Marine Topside Paint (Gloss White) by Rust-Oleum -
Best Paint for Steel Garage Door
Overview
This Rust-Oleum Marine Topside paint tends to provide you excellent gloss retention for your garage doors, giving your doors a new festive look. This product is officially permitted to apply on outside doors more than marines.
I have used this paint on my metal garage door, and the result is absolutely amazing. Hence, you have many options left for that. This paint can be applied to fiberglass and wood also. While painting, I didn't feel any kind of awkward fragrant or odor from paint. So, this quite odor-less paint is so far my favorite for its multi-surface application.
This paint is easy but high-maintaining care for your doors, providing you a smooth finish every time. But I have noticed after 2 months my garage doors don't look that much shiny and glossy like before.
Special Note: The oil-based formula created by Rust-Oleum Store is totally a top-quality function with permanent UV protection. So, the paints remain stick on your door and there is no chance of peeling off.
Pros
Cons
Self-Priming Flat Paint (Gray) by KILZ; Best Paint for Garage Walls
Overview
I would highly recommend this product for your garage walls. You can apply the color directly to bricks. I have applied the gray color directly to bricks in my garage. Trust me, the result is amazing.
This stucco paint covers all the stains on the surface of the wall. This amazing paint can hide any kind of splatter, smudge, etc. Well, the hiding function of this paint is a real kick to old. greasy walls, doors.
You can apply the KILZ paint with roller, brushes, and spray. So, you have multiple options. If you are applying the paint on doors, then it will be wise to use spray.
Special Note: Depending on surfaces, the one gallon of paint can cover almost 250 to 400 square feet that is really a great saving with only this price.
Pros
Cons
810593031691 Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint (Pewter) from Montage Signature Paint
Overview
The Montage Signature Paint for garage doors is super cool. The product looks fine on furniture’s and crafts also apart from being the best paint for garage door. With an exciting color, your garage doors will look elegant. The available 18 colors make your garage door look classy with semi-gloss function.
This paint can be used for interior and exterior designs. Apart from garage doors, you can paint your wall, interior doors, and furniture with rich-quality paints. So, these versatile usages of paint can be helpful for your multiple purpose usage.
This paint is ecologically friendly and easy to use. Also, the manufacture provides you 10 years warranty. So, this is the best part of this paint. For long term use, this paint tends to give you the best result.
Special Note: With low sheen finishes, this paint also provides mold and mildew defense function. So, there is no chance of dirt in your garage doors, ceiling, walls, etc.
Pros
Cons
275266 Door Paint (Satin Elegant) by Modern Masters -Best Exterior Paint for Metal Garage Doors
Overview
If you want your garage door with matt finishing, search no longer. Among few matt finish outdoor colors, this paint is so far the best for your metal garage doors and garage walls. I have painted my old garage walls with this Modern Monsters paints, and I'm highly pleased with the result.
The smooth satin matt finish of this paint tends to provide you a new classy matt look after finishing.
The best part of this paint is, it doesn't fade up over time. The matt color remains the same. Thanks to the manufactures for the first-ever never-fade function.
The water-based function tends to provide you the flexibility while painting and of course durability. As we already know that water-based colors are more flexible than those of oil-based colors.
This paint also provides you easy-wash function. You can simply wash your doors, walls with soap and water.
Special Note: Another thing, you can reuse your paintbrushes after washing. Because, the thick consistency function of this paint ensures zero run of color, zero dips, and zero splatters of your item.
Pros
Cons
238314 Door Paint (Cranberry) by Rust-Oleum
Overview
Another product from Rust-oleum is considered so far one of the best door paints. This pain entirely covers dents, scrapes on the door surfaces. This extra facility is not available with other paints.
This paint allows you to finish the color with just one coat. Then the quick-drying system allows drying your paint quickly. So, no worries about waiting for extra time.
This paint is created with a wonderful chipping resistant facility. So, say no to your door damages.
Like other paints from Rust-Oleum, this paint is also applied on fiberglass, metal, wooden surfaces. You not only can use it on your garage doors, but you can also use it on interior surfaces too.
Special Note: The oil-based formula of this paint offers a strong durable color on your door and other surfaces. I usually don't change the color of my garage door. Thus, the oil-based color is suitable for me for longer usage.
Pros
Cons
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Paint for Metal Doors ?
Topcoat
To obtain the best paint for metallic doors, you have to check if the paint would need a coat over it or not. If the paint needs a topcoat over it, it means the paint cannot withstand the UV light and hence is not recommended. Certain paints for metallic surfaces, however, are a standalone solution for painting the garage doors.
Brush/ Roll/ Spray
It’s better to go for paints that can be applied using a brush, spray, and roll, all three of them. This provides you with freedom of action, as not all doors come in the same shapes and sizes, and every door may need a different application process.
Application Process
Some paints are not to be applied directly on a rusty surface and need prior preparation of the surface and an undercoating before application. At the same time, some allow direct application on the rusty surface. For ease of application, the directly applicable surfaces should be used. However, if you want a long-term durable solution, you can consider going for the long-route.
UV resistance
Some paints are sensitive to UV light and result in cracking and fading. If you want a long and durable solution, look for UV resistant paint. Especially, if you plan to paint the garage door and it gets plenty of sunlight daily, it is highly recommended that you get a UV resistant paint.
Fading/ Cracking
Paints intended for metallic surfaces are designed to dry into a hardened layer to stop the in and outflow of moist. During its dryness, the paints are prone to cracks and fading. If you are seeking a long-term solution, you need to look for the paint which provides a hard surface but at the same time
Budget
Best paints for metal doors are available in a wide range of prices. Paint should be chosen based on your budget. If you are facing a serious issue of a rusty garage door, then you should move to a higher-price range to get a product that matches your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions of Best Paint for Metal Garage Doors
How to Paint Steel Garage Door?
We actually don’t give enough attention to this kind of metal garage door. But literally, it’s not bad to be concerned at least once a year.
First, you have to determine whether you are going to repaint it or this is the very first time. In case of a bare metal door, you should give it a prime. If you repaint it, then a bit sanding is required. You can use 220-grit sand paper for this purpose.
Before you start the final painting, take a sponge or a wet cloth and rub the door well. Give it a prime initially at least for once if it is going to be printed for the first time.
You can use a brush or a roller for painting metal garage door. Try to give it several coats for a gorgeous look.
How to Paint Garage Walls?
we often over look our garages and think of they’re out of our homes. But you can simply make them look nice and bright.
But remember one thing, garage walls are little bit different than usual room walls. They absorb more dirt and dust. So you need to put some extra effort to clean them properly. You can use broom or shop vac to clean your garage walls and ceiling. Don’t consider any harmful and harsh chemical.
After you finished your washing, wait for hours or a day to dry it perfectly. If your garage was not painted before then, you need to prime it. If it is the second or third time, you can paint it straight.
How to Finish a Garage Door Opening?
we have got a lot of questions regarding this issue over years. What will be the garage door size? How wide or how tall. Basically, people tend to choose 9 feet wide and tall. If you want your finished door to be no wider than 9 feet then you should work with 8 feet and 11 inches.
So, in a simple sense, if you want 9*8 opening, you have to finish opening just less than 9 feet and the finished height just under 8 feet.
Can You Paint Metal Siding?
You can paint metal siding but it’s not easy to say that, it will be fruitful enough. It is believed that metal siding increases the lifespan of your painting. It is a bit expensive comparing to traditional clapboard.
Basically, people who have not enough time to maintain their projects properly they tend to take metal siding eagerly. They are more durable and require low maintenance.
There have several kinds of paint for metal siding. But according to our choice, acrylic latex paint is one of the best choices for metal siding.
How to Keep Spray Paint From Chipping Off Metal?
Here is one vital thing. Dried paint and cured paint is not the same. You may get your painting dry within an hour but it can take even weeks to cure perfectly. Until it is cured wholly, be careful; it can be rubbed off.
If your particular project is going to be used intensely, then you need to put on a good top coat on it. Smooth and evenly topcoat can protect your substance for a long time. You can also use polycrylic.
One of the significant reasons for chipping off the metal is not sanding the metal before painting. Metal is a non-porous material. Remember, metal is different from wood and cannot absorb the paint what wood does.
Conclusion:
All things considered, painting a garage door may not seem like a critical task, but a dirty garage door can ruin the very look of your house. It is highly advisable not to waste time and money on low-quality and cheap paint, which may provide you a temporary shine, but will, in fact, ruin everything for you in the long-term. Choosing the right kind of paint for the metal garage door needs slight research, but once you select the right type of paint, it will do the rest of the magic by itself.
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