If you're looking to refresh your home's decor, one way you can do so simply is by applying coats of paint to surfaces in your home, and even doors. One place where you might be specifically interested in doing so is your wooden garage door.

But, with this type of material, it's important to ensure you follow a tried and tested process, as wood is a material that can suffer damage when not treated correctly. Luckily, we have outlined all the steps you need to follow when painting one below.

Read on to find out more about the process, as well as the answer to 'What is the best paint for wooden garage doors?’ and the different types available...

So...Can I Paint My Wooden Garage Door?

Yes, you can paint a wooden garage door. This is so long as it is in good condition and you take the appropriate steps to ensure the wood is protected from any damage that could potentially occur. Not only does it provide aesthetic value, but it also protects the wood from moisture.

What Is The Best Paint For Wooden Garage Doors?

Depending on who you ask, the best paint for wooden garage doors will vary. But at Stellar Gates, we have a few recommendations that can help you get started, such as:

How to Paint a Wooden Garage Door

Painting a wooden garage door doesn't have to be a difficult task, it's just important that you follow a thorough process to ensure you do everything correctly. Below, we've highlighted five steps to painting your garage door, so you know exactly how best to do so:

1. Protect Your Surroundings

When doing any DIY project, you need to ensure you protect your existing surroundings, especially when painting is involved, as no matter how careful you are - a droplet could get anywhere.

Ensure you wear old clothing that you're not bothered about getting stained, as well as putting a sheet down to avoid paint splatter on the floor. Painting involves exposure to harsh chemicals, so make sure you wear a safety mask and goggles too.

2. Clean And Prepare The Surface

Prepare the surface of your wooden door by ensuring it is clean and dust-free.

Use warm water and soap on a damp cloth and gently rub the door with it. You can even use a soft brush to get into any cracks or hard to reach areas.

3. Sand The Door

Next, it's time to sand your door. This will remove any imperfections or rough surfaces - providing a blank canvas for you to paint on.

Use sandpaper and sand the door lightly and evenly, paying more attention to areas where there are existing blemishes.

4. Prime The Door

After sanding your door, you need to prime it. This prevents the wood from absorbing moisture from the paint, so it's an important step in maintaining your door's durability.

Ensure you purchase a primer specifically for wooden materials. Use a paint roller and apply to the inside, outside, front, back, and sides.

5. Paint The Door

Now you've taken all the appropriate steps, it's time to paint your wooden door.

Using a different foam roller, apply the paint to the doors. When approaching smaller parts of the door like the sides, use a brush to ensure you're reaching every area.

What Are The Different Paint Types For Wooden Garage Doors?

There are several different paint types you can choose from when decorating your own wooden garage doors, including:

• Moisture Permeable Paint: This is a type of paint that enables moisture vapour to pass through it, which prevents it from being absorbed by the walls and causing damp problems.
• Multi-Surface Paint: As the name suggests, this type of paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces. But, it might not provide the same results as paint made specifically for a material.
• Oil-Based Paint: This type of paint is better for a longer-lasting finish as it's known for its durability against wear and tear.
• Water-Based Paint: Water-based paint is quick to dry and better for the environment. What's more, it's easy to clean up if it gets anywhere you don't want it to. For more information about the sustainability of our materials, check out our guide.

How to Treat Wooden Garage Doors

Treating wooden garage doors only needs to be done every few years. But ensure you check on them every six months just to confirm everything is in order. To treat them, you can:

• Lubricate Its Functions: Every few months, ensure you lubricate the mechanical parts of a wooden garage door to ensure it functions smoothly.
• Sand The Surface: Sand the surface of your door every few months to ensure it maintains its smooth finish and any blemishes are removed.
• Add Wood Varnish: You should only need to revarnish your wood every two years with a wood treatment. Doing so can help improve its appearance and protect it from damage.

How to Clean Wooden Garage Doors

Cleaning wooden garage doors is a fairly simple task - when done correctly. Take a look at the process we recommend below.

• Avoid Pressure Washing And Harsh Chemicals: Wood can be damaged more easily than other materials, so avoid using harsh chemicals and heavy pressure when cleaning wooden doors.
• Dust The Surface: You can regularly dust the surface of your wooden garage door with a feather duster to keep it looking fresh.
• Wash The Surface: Don't be afraid to use warm water and soap on your wooden doors if they become stained - it can do wonders to remove small blemishes.

Protect Your Home With Help from Stellar Gates

In the market for a pair of wooden garage doors that stand the test of time - whilst looking good? Then you've come to the right place.

At Stellar Gates, we have a collection of garage doors available to you - no matter your location in the UK. So whether you're looking for a set of hardwood garage doors, or have found another option that tickles your fancy, we're here to help you secure your property with one of our stylish solutions.

Get in touch with us today to find out more information, or visit our FAQ & Support page. If you’d like to learn more about what our customers have to say, check out our Trustpilot reviews.