A wooden garage door adds sophistication to your home’s aesthetic. However, wood needs protection to preserve its elegance and usefulness. Painting and priming are essential in preserving your garage door’s beauty and strength.
When painting a wooden garage door, use exterior oil-based paint. Oil-based paints are more resistant to the forces of nature. An exterior oil-based primer should be applied first. This ensures that the wood is sealed, which prevents warping and rotting.
In this article, you will learn:
- The 4 factors to consider when choosing paint for a wood garage door
- What type of paint to use
- What finish is best
- My top picks for the best paint and primer for a wood garage door
The 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for a Wood Garage Door
1. Weather Conditions
The weather conditions in your area should be the first factor you consider when choosing paint for your garage door. If you live in an area with high humidity or exposure to saltwater, you need paint that can withstand these conditions.
Water-based paint is ideal for doors in areas with mild weather conditions, but if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you should consider oil-based paint. You may also need to apply an additional coat of paint if you live in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
2. Sheen
The sheen of your garage door paint can affect the overall look and maintenance of your garage door. Flat finishes can hide imperfections and are less noticeable than high-gloss paints but are more challenging to clean.
Meanwhile, high-gloss paints are easier to clean but highlight every dent and scratch on your garage door. Consider your garage door’s condition and your lifestyle before choosing a sheen.
3. Application
It’s essential to choose a paint that’s easy to apply. Some types of paints have a more difficult application process than others. If you’re a beginner DIYer, consider choosing paint with an easy application process to avoid making mistakes that could affect the finish of your garage door.
4. Paint Quality
The paint quality you choose for your wood garage door will affect its performance and longevity. Investing in high-quality paint that is durable, resistant to chipping, fading, cracking, and peeling is essential. High-quality paint will protect your door’s wood from weather damage and keep it looking good for longer.
What Type of Paint Is Best?
Water-based Paint
Water-based paint, or latex or acrylic paint, is a type of paint where the binder and carrier are primarily water. It’s known for its environmental friendliness and easy clean-up.
Pros
- Fast Drying: Water-based paint typically dries faster than oil-based paint.
- Easy Clean-Up: Brushes and spills can be cleaned easily with soap and water.
- Low Toxicity: It has lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels than oil-based paint.
- Flexibility: It tends not to become brittle over time, so it’s less likely to crack.
- Fade-Resistant: Most water-based paints resist UV light better than oil-based paints, so colors stay vibrant for longer.
Cons
- Surface Preparation: Water-based paints require proper surface preparation to adhere well to surfaces, including wood.
- Durability: They’re generally less durable than oil-based paints, meaning they might require more frequent repainting.
- Weather Sensitivity: Water-based paint is sensitive to weather conditions during application.
- Thinner Finish: They usually provide a thinner finish, which may require multiple coats for complete coverage.
Oil-based Paint
Oil-based paint, also known as solvent-based paint, is a type of paint where the binder is a type of oil or alkyd, and the carrier is a type of organic solvent. It’s known for its durability and rich, glossy finish.
Pros
- Durability: More durable than water-based paints.
- Adhesion: They adhere well to surfaces, including wood, and can help seal out moisture.
- Smooth Finish: Oil-based paints often leave a smooth, glossy finish that hides imperfections.
- Coverage: They provide excellent coverage with fewer coats.
- Resistance: They offer good resistance to wear, so they’re ideal for high-traffic areas.
Cons
- Drying Time: Oil-based paints take longer to dry.
- Clean-Up: Clean-up requires solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine.
- Toxicity: They contain higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful.
- Yellowing: Over time, white or light-colored oil-based paints can turn yellow.
- Brittle: They can become brittle, leading to cracks or peeling.
What Paint Finish Is Best?
Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are recommended as they provide the most protection against wear and tear.
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are highly durable due to their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, excessive moisture, and frequent use. They also provide a smooth, shiny appearance that adds an attractive aesthetic to wood garage doors.
However, it is important to note that gloss finishes tend to highlight imperfections, so it is essential to properly prepare the surface before applying the finish.
Another factor to consider when choosing the best paint finish for wood garage doors is the maintenance and upkeep required. Gloss or semi-gloss finishes are easier to clean and maintain than flat or matte finishes.
They are less prone to damage from scratches, dents, and scuffs, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as garages.
The Best Paint and Primer for a Wood Garage Door
Best Paint
KILZ Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint is the ideal solution for those looking for a product that offers coverage and protection for outdoor structures. Its advanced formula provides exceptional adhesion, versatility, and longevity in varied conditions.
One of the standout features of this paint is its resistance to cracking, peeling, and blistering, ensuring that outdoor surfaces look great for years to come.
To ensure optimal results, it is recommended that peeling paint, mill glaze, loose wood fibers, dirt, and debris be removed before painting.
The coverage of this paint ranges from approximately 200 square feet per gallon (5m² per liter) on porous surfaces up to 500 square feet per gallon (12m² per liter) on smooth, nonporous surfaces.
With a quick drying time of just 2-3 hours, KILZ paint offers exceptional convenience for those who want to complete an outdoor painting project quickly.
Whether you prefer to spray, brush or roll on, KILZ Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint offers great versatility, making it the perfect choice for all outdoor painting needs.
Best Primer
When painting a wooden garage door, KILZ Complete Interior/Exterior Oil-Based Primer is the go-to choice for a flawless finish.
This high-performance primer is specifically designed to block severe stains and offer top-quality adhesion to surfaces, making it perfect for garage doors that are exposed to moisture, sun, and other weather elements.
It is formulated to work on a wide range of surfaces, including aged wood. It can effectively block common stains like graffiti, tannin, water, smoke, and other bleeding. Moreover, it dries quickly, making it an efficient primer for any project.
Before applying, it is recommended to clean and sand the unpainted exterior wood to ensure optimal adhesion and longevity. Ensure the surface is free of dust, grease, wax, and peeling paint.
What’s more, KILZ Complete Interior/Exterior Oil-Based Primer can be recoated/top-coated after an hour, so you can finish your painting project in less time than traditional primers.