Finding the best garage door paint for the job is the best way to ensure your garage door looks and remains in immaculate condition. But how do you know which paint is right for you?
Whether your garage door is metal or wood, you’ll want to pick a paint suitable for the surface and that’s where we come in. We’ve tried and tested many different paints on many different surfaces and have combined our knowledge with thousands of online reviews to help you find the best garage door paint for the job.
Best Garage Door Paint Overall: Rust Oleum All Surface Paint
When looking for a great, all-around garage door paint, you don’t need to look much further than Rust Oleum’s All Surface Paint.
An all-surface paint of this quality means it doesn’t matter if your garage door is metal or wood, it will still produce a quality finish. Moreover, it works as both a primer and a paint which will save you both time and money.
It also comes in over 15 different colours ensuring that you can choose the perfect colour for your home. As it’s suitable for all materials including UPVC, you could always use any leftovers to paint your front door the same colour.
In terms of application, stick to using a good quality paintbrush as the paint is very thin. This does have the benefit of being a breeze to put on though!
- Coverage: 9m²/L
- Touch dry: 2 hours
- Second coat: 16 hours (if necessary)
- Application: Brush
Pros
- Super easy to apply even for amateur painters
- Provides a high quality finish regardless of surface
- The colour stays the same after application
- In some cases you’ll only need one coat
- Despite its thin consistency it doesn’t drip at all
Cons
- None
Final Verdict
Rust Oleum are quality providers of paint and their All Surface paint has received thousands of 5* reviews from customers. We thoroughly agree with these reviews and rate this as the best garage door paint overall.
Best Metal Garage Door Paint: Hammerite Garage Door Paint
When looking for the best metal garage door paint you want something that is going to be weather, chip and flake resistant. Hammerite have cracked the code with their Garage Door Paint.
Hammerite have been producing metal specific paints since the 60s so it’s no surprise that this particular paint’s formula works well on metal garage doors. Application is smooth with the paint being sag resistant as well as having reduced runs on vertical surfaces compared to other paints.
The finish is even better. It’s a tough, durable high gloss finish that fights rust, discolouration and flaking. It also comes in 6 different colours, giving you plenty of choices to get your desired finish.
If applying to a tattered, rusty metal surface, make sure you use a wire brush or give it a light sanding before application for best results.
- Coverage: 8m²/L
- Touch dry: 3 – 5 hours
- Second coat: 16 hours (if necessary)
- Application: Brush
Pros
- Rust, flake and chip resistant
- Contains enough paint to complete 2 coats
- Very durable
- Avoids discolouration
Cons
- The colours can sometimes be slightly off
Final Verdict
This paint is perfect for metal garage doors. It is easy to apply, gives a great finish and lasts for a long time. If you do go for this paint, we’d advise applying it when the temperature is above 12 degrees celcius. Whilst Hammerite advise above 8 degrees celcius we’ve found you won’t get the best finish at that temperature.
Best Paint for Wood Garage Door: The One
Whilst not marketed as a specific paint for wood, we still have The One as our best paint for wood garage doors based on our own personal experience with this paint.
The One is an all-in-one paint and primer which makes it perfect as a one coat solution. It’s water based and has low VOCs making it both easy to apply and suitable for application in lower temperatures outdoors.
Overall, the coverage is great and is non-drip. Moreover, the paint comes in over 15 colours including black, dark grey, charcoal and white meaning you’re spoilt for choice.
- Coverage: 12m²/L
- Touch dry: Roughly 1 hour
- Second coat: If necessary, give at least 2 hours before applying a second coat
- Application: Brush or a short NAP mohair roller
Pros
- Easy to apply
- No undercoats or primers needed
- Leftover paint can be used for other surfaces
- Strong variety of colours
- It’s water based and non-toxic
Cons
- Whilst coverage is great, if you do happen to need a second coat you’ll probably need to buy 2 tins
Final Verdict
We always like to save time and money and this one coat paint is perfect for application on wooden garage doors with minimal fuss and effort.
Best Black Garage Door Paint: Blackfriar
Blackfriar’s Satin Black Paint is an attractive, hard-wearing paint which, for us, provides the best finish if you’re looking to paint your garage door black.
Whilst we’ve only used this specific paint a couple of times we noticed it was rather thick, easy to apply and overall great value for money. It also has the added benefit of being quite versatile and is suitable for other objects such as wrought-iron work, gates and decorations.
In order to protect and ensure a long lasting paint job, generously apply a couple of coats. This shouldn’t be a problem with one tin as it has great coverage and comes in a 1 litre can.
- Coverage: 14m²/L
- Touch dry: 2 – 4 hours
- Second coat: 16 hours
- Application: Brush, Airless Sprayer, Conventional Paint Sprayer or Roller
Pros
- Can be applied with various methods
- Offers long lasting protection
- Suitable for use across a range of projects
- Gives a modern, black finish
- Great value for money
Cons
- Can be tough to clean due to its thickness
Final Verdict
This is the best black garage door paint currently on the market but you have to be attentive when painting with this. Stirring thoroughly beforehand (and sometimes during application) is a must.
Long Lasting Option: Dulux Weathershield Multi Surface
If you’re looking for a long lasting option, our advice would be to go with Dulux Weathershield Multi Surface. Whilst not explicitly created for garage doors, it will still apply seamlessly and provide you with guaranteed protection for up to 6 years.
It’s suitable for use on all exterior woods, metals and uPVC so is useful for a variety of different garage doors. It’s also mould resistant as well as flexible enough to avoid cracking. These are all good qualities to look for when searching for the best garage door paint.
You’ll also be happy to know that no primer is required thus saving you both time and money.
- Coverage: 10m²/L
- Touch dry: 1 hour
- Second coat: 4 hours – we’d recommend 2 coats for maximum durability
- Application: Brush or Roller
Pros
- Weatherproof for about 6 years
- Multi-surface
- Quick drying – the second coat can be applied after 4 hours
- Leaves a really nice looking satin finish
Cons
- It’s quite thick and doesn’t spread as well as other paints on this list although that’s a drawback of being highly durable
Final Verdict
When looking for the best garage door paint in the UK, you want something that’s going to stand up to the British weather. The Dulux Weathershield Multi Surface certainly does this and is the best option if longevity is your number one priority.
Best Budget: Johnstone’s Weatherguard
One of the highest rated paints by professionals and consumers alike is Johnstone’s Weatherguard paint. It’s low price point has been valued by many for years but if you think the end result is an indicator of the price, you’d be entirely wrong.
This hardwearing gloss is perfect for exterior woods and metal such as those used for a garage door and provides longevity as well as an aesthetically pleasing finish.
The victory red colour is a particular favourite of ours but don’t feel like that’s the only option – there are 8 others to choose from to get the look that’s right for your home.
It’s a watercolour paint making it ideal to resist water and ultimately prevent any rusting if using on a metal garage door. You might find that it runs a little bit more than other paints but they’re easily brushed out should this problem arise.
- Coverage: 11m²/L
- Touch dry: Roughly 4 hours
- Second coat: 16 – 24 hours (if required)
- Application: Brush or Roller
Pros
- Great, long lasting coverage
- A mix of classy looking colours to choose from
- Has excellent resistance to cracking, peeling and blistering
- Can be used across multiple surfaces including wood and metal
Cons
- You’ll need to use Johnstone’s Weatherguard Undercoat before applying this paint to get the maximum 6 years of durability
Final Verdict
Johnstone’s cheap yet quality Weatherguard paint is an ideal budget option for anyone looking to give their wooden or metal garage door a fresh look. It lasts longer than typical gloss paints and can even reach 6 years of durability if used in conjunction with Johnstone’s Weatherguard Undercoat.
Best Way to Paint a Garage Door
The best way to paint a garage door will always be different depending on the type of paint you have and the type of surface you’re going to be painting on. There are however a couple of general guidelines you can follow to make sure you get the best finish, regardless of your chosen paint and surface.
Preparation is Key
In order to get the paint to apply and remain on your chosen surface, you’ll need to prepare it first. Here’s some things you can do in preparation:
- Clean off any dirt, grease, rust or old paint by sanding it down or using a wire brush
- Make sure the surface is dry before painting
- If the area has been contaminated with mould, algae or fungi, use a suitable fungicidal wash
- Depending on the paint, use a preservative or primer first
- Remember to plan out the day you’re going to be painting. A day where no rain is forecast and the temperature is between about 10 – 25 degrees celsius is always best.
Applying the Paint
Once your garage door is ready, it’s time to start painting.
- Start by applying the paint to the edges and the bottom of the door. Once dry, close the door.
- Starting from the top, work your way down in sections and make sure to apply a thin coat.
- If you need to apply a second coat, wait the required time according to the instructions and follow steps 1 and 2 again.
- Once completed, make sure to clean your brush or rollers as soon as possible.
Stopping Metal Garage Door Paint From Peeling
If you’ve found that your metal garage door paint is peeling, it’s probably time for a new paint job.
Many times peeling paint on metal garage doors is down to the fact that you might’ve applied the wrong paint/primer or you didn’t prepare the door before painting.
To avoid this we suggest:
- Picking a specialist paint that has been made for metal garage doors
- Using a good quality primer before applying your paint
- Thoroughly preparing and cleaning the door before applying new paint
If you stick to that advice you should find that your metal paint will last much longer.
Summary
Painting your garage door can bring a new lease of life to the overall look of your home but get your choice wrong and you could end up with peeling paint and a shoddy finish.
By following our guide above you can choose the right paint based on the type of garage door you have and the overall look you’re after.
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Want to learn more about different paints for the garage? Feel free to take a look at our recent “best garage floor paint” article!