Your garage door is one of the first things people notice when they pull up to your home. Whether it’s made of metal or wood, a fresh coat of paint can instantly lift your home’s curb appeal, make your exterior feel more polished, and even increase property value. But not all garage doors—and not all paints—are created equal.
If you’re considering giving your garage door a new look, it’s important to choose the right type of paint for the material.
Wood and metal garage doors require different approaches, from preparation to finish. This guide will walk you through the best paint options for each type and help you avoid common mistakes, so your garage door can look great and stay protected year after year.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
Garage doors aren’t just functional—they’re a huge part of your home’s exterior. They take up a lot of visual real estate and are constantly exposed to the elements. The right paint not only makes them look better but also protects them from sun, rain, dust, and everyday wear.
If you’re updating your home’s appearance or preparing it for sale, painting the garage door is an affordable, high-impact improvement. But knowing what works best on metal vs. wood is the key to a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Best Paint for Metal Garage Doors
Metal garage doors, usually made from aluminium or steel, need durable paint that can cling to slick surfaces and resist corrosion. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Use Acrylic Latex Exterior Paint
Acrylic latex paint is hands down the best option for metal garage doors. It adheres well to metal surfaces and offers excellent flexibility, meaning it won’t crack as the door expands and contracts with temperature changes. It’s also resistant to fading and chalking caused by sun exposure.
For best results, use 100% acrylic latex. This type of paint forms a protective, elastic film that’s both breathable and weather-resistant.
2. Primer Is Non-Negotiable
Before applying paint, you need to use a high-quality bonding primer designed for metal. This helps prevent rust formation and provides a stable base for the topcoat to adhere to. If your garage door already has rust spots, treat them first with a rust-inhibitive primer.
Tip: Want to learn more about how primer affects drying times and results? Check out this guide on how long paint primer takes to dry.
3. Finish: Go with Semi-Gloss or Satin
Metal surfaces benefit from semi-gloss or satin finishes. These offer a sleek look and are easier to clean than matte paint. Plus, they help highlight architectural details without amplifying minor flaws.
Best Paint for Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors bring natural warmth and beauty to a property—but they also require more maintenance and a paint that protects the wood from moisture, mould, and insect damage.
1. Use Exterior Acrylic or Oil-Based Paint
For wood, both acrylic latex and oil-based paints can work, depending on the condition and exposure of your door. Acrylic paint is flexible and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for most conditions. However, oil-based paint offers superior moisture protection and is great for older wooden doors that may have absorbed moisture over time.
Make sure the paint is specifically labelled for exterior wood surfaces.
2. Primer Is Crucial for Wood, Too
Just like metal, wood needs a proper primer—especially if the surface is raw or stained. A wood primer helps seal the grain, allowing for smoother coverage and better colour retention.
For stained wood or doors with old paint, lightly sanding and using a stain-blocking primer will prevent bleed-through.
3. Go for a Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish
Wood garage doors look stunning in a satin or semi-gloss finish, which also provides better weather resistance than matte paint. Glossy paints tend to show imperfections, so unless your door is perfectly smooth, satin is often the more forgiving choice.
Painting Tips for Homeowners
Whether you’re painting yourself or hiring a pro, here’s how to get great results on your garage door:
1. Clean First
Dust, cobwebs, or grease can prevent the paint from sticking. Use soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to clean the door thoroughly.
2. Sand and Prime
Even if your door looks smooth, lightly sanding helps the paint bond better. Don’t skip primer—it makes a huge difference in how long your paint job lasts.
3. Choose Quality Paint
Invest in high-quality exterior paint. Avoid using interior paints, such as ceiling paints, which aren’t made for outdoor exposure.
4. Check the Weather
Don’t paint on rainy days or during a heatwave. Aim for dry, mild conditions—ideally between 15°C and 30°C—for best results.
5. Use Proper Tools
Use a synthetic brush for corners and a roller for flat surfaces. A paint sprayer is great for larger doors if you have experience using one.
Common Painting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Skipping primer: Your paint won’t stick well or last long without it.
- Painting over old, flaking paint: Always sand off loose or damaged paint first.
- Using the wrong paint: Garage doors need durable, exterior-grade paint—not indoor-only products.
- Ignoring brick or siding contrast: Consider how your door colour will look next to your home’s brickwork or wall colour. If you’re updating other areas, consider painting indoor brick walls for a unified look.
Why DIY Isn’t Always the Best Route
Painting your garage door sounds simple enough—but getting a professional finish can be tricky. Uneven coats, drips, and premature fading are common DIY mistakes. If you want your garage door to look flawless and stay that way for years, it might be time to call in the pros.
At Stretch Paints, we specialise in residential exterior painting, and garage doors are one of our favourites to transform. We know the right products, techniques, and weather conditions to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. Plus, we tailor our approach to your specific door type—whether it’s wood, metal, or a mix of materials.
Looking to refresh your home even more? Check out our full range of services, including Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, and Body Corporate Painting to explore how we can help you revitalise every corner of your property.
Ready for a Fresh Coat?
Your garage door deserves just as much attention as your front door or your garden. With the right paint, proper prep, and a bit of planning, you can completely transform the look of your home’s exterior.
If you’re ready to breathe new life into your garage door—but would rather skip the mess and guesswork—we at Stretch Paints are here to help. From surface prep to final coat, we make sure every detail is handled with care and quality.
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