Your garage door is always exposed to the weather and the hazards of the elements. This causes a lot of wear and tear, especially if your garage door is painted. No matter what material the garage door is made from, if it's painted, it's susceptible to flaking, chipping and fading. If you want to give your garage door a fresh look, why not consider fresh paint? Here are some tips for putting a fresh coat of paint on your garage door.

Monitor the Weather

You'll need to make sure that you have several consecutive days of clear, sunny days with an average temperature somewhere around 65 to 70. This is important, because you need to be able to clean, prep and paint the door as well as allow it to dry before any bad weather comes in.

Complete the Preparations

In order for the paint to stick without bubbling or peeling, you need to prep the door. Clean up any rust or damage on the door by sanding it away. Then, use a pressure washer or sandpaper to clear away the old paint.

Once the old paint's been removed, clean the door with a stiff brush and a mixture of water and gentle dish detergent. This gets rid of any residual dirt that's on the door as well as any remaining particles of paint. You need a clean surface to apply paint to. Let the door dry for several hours or overnight before you do any more work.

Apply the Primer and Paint

Apply an even coat of primer on the door before you apply a fresh color, especially if you're changing the color drastically from the one that was there before. Once you've applied an even layer of primer on the door, let it dry for several hours. Once the primer is completely dry, you can apply the paint. Choose latex paint for your garage door if you want to be sure that it's going to last.

Apply the paint with a sprayer for an even, consistent coat. It's a great choice for large spaces, because it makes it easier to cover such a large area quickly and easily. Opt for a small brush that you can use for the detailed sections and the small crevices. Let the paint dry completely before you apply another coat, and once you're done, allow the paint at least a day or so to cure before you use the door again. That way, you don't damage the paint.

For more advice about maintaining your garage door, reach out to a company like Shank Door.