Painting a garage door?

Question

I am going to paint my garage door soon, but have a few questions.

First one being, the current paint on my garage door is really faded. Do I still need a base coat for it?

Second thing. Do I need to rub the garage door down first with sandpaper?

Thanks

Answer 1

Yes rub down really well then apply a primer before undercoating

Answer 2

I sanded my down used a undercoat and then the final coat and it turned out fine.

Answer 3

My opinion on this is:

If it is metal and flaky wire brush off the flakes.

Clean it on a hot day thoroughly to remove dirt and grease.

Make sure it is dry.

Use paint from "RePaint".

Answer 4

preferably rub it down or it may look patchy,then undercoat,then paint with weathershield garage door paint.

Answer 5

if it is a metal door i would brush it down with a wire brush and give it a light sand then go straight in with hammerite - that really is the best paint for old metal and you can get it in several different colours and finishes. and with hammerite you dont need a base coat

Answer 6

It doesn't matter that your old paint is faded, only that it is still soundly attached.  If not, scrape off any flaking and sand back to a sound surface.

When you are happy you have a sound surface you still need to abrade the old paint to key, scratch, matt the surface so your new paint can get a better hold.  A P80 or P120 grade paper will be fine.  You don't have to go mad, you just want a sound surface at least lightly scratched allover.

If you have any bare spots (wood or metal doors) then you need to spot prime those bare areas with an appropriate primer.

It is not good painting practise, (especially on exteriors) to put a new finish coat straight on top of an old finish coat.  They do not bond well together.  First put an undercoat.  This is a softer paint which acts as a shock absorber and a non-slip matt between your old and new finish coats which are, by comparison, hard and rigid.

I prefer oil-based paints on exteriors. Dulux or Sikkens.

Answer 7

Yes rub it down before you do anything. Then apply an undercoat as recommended on the top coat tin. Then apply one top coat and then lightly rub down with a finer sandpaper. Apply final top coat. This will give a professional and long lasting finish. I was a Painter and decorator for 20 years and did many such jobs.

Finally use only a good quality paint and a good quality 2 inch brush for a really good finish. Dulux or Crown. No B&Q or Homebase own label. Also one coat paints are difficult to use as you have to apply liberally which causes runs, so whatever the tin says still do 2 coats.

Answer 8

Sand & scrub your door really well, if you want the paint to adhere! My neighbor tried to "cheat" and just hosed down the door. Two weeks later, the paint started peeling off in strips, and he had to start over.