How much does it cost to paint a garage door?
How much does it cost to paint a garage door?
$100 – $230 cost to paint 1-car garage door
$120 – $500 cost to paint 2-car garage door
$170 – $680 cost to paint 3-car garage door
Cost to paint a garage door
The average cost to paint a garage door is $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the door size and material, paint type, number of coats, and labor. Painting a 1-car garage costs $100 to $230. The cost to paint a 2-car garage door is $120 to $500.
| Door size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-car garage door | $100 – $230 |
| 2-car garage door | $120 – $500 |
| 3-car garage door | $170 – $680 |
Average garage door painting cost
The following table shows the average cost to paint a garage door.
| National average cost | $330 |
| Minimum cost | $100 |
| Maximum cost | $1,000 |
| Average cost range | $120 to $500 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost factors to paint a garage door
Additional costs to paint a garage door may include stripping and sanding old paint, power washing, repairs, painting trim, or applying more than two coats of paint.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Garage door paint | $25 – $80 per gallon |
| Painting labor | $20 – $50 per hour |
| Supplies and materials | $50 – $100 |
| Power washing surface | $50 – $160 |
Labor cost to paint a garage door
Painters charge $20 to $50 per hour, plus materials. Materials include paper, masking and painter's tape, surface repair materials, solvents, and cleaning supplies.
Stripping and sanding old paint costs $2 to $8 per square foot but is only required if the paint is cracking, peeling, or flaking.
Cleaning and pressure washing costs $50 to $160 for one hour.
Exterior trim painting costs $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Garage door repair costs $85 to $290. Common repairs include fixing the springs, opener, cables, track, sensor, or locks.
New garage door installation costs $550 to $1,800 if the door is beyond repair.
Two coats of paint are standard, but low-quality paint may require three or more coats to get the same coverage, especially if painting over a dark color.
Garage door paint prices
Garage door paint prices are $25 to $80 per gallon, depending on the type and brand. High-end exterior paint resists mildew, chipping, and fading. Painting a 2-car garage door requires one gallon of exterior paint for two to three coats.
| Paint type | Price per gallon |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $30 – $80 |
| Latex | $25 – $55 |
| Oil-based | $35 – $65 |
Garage door painting FAQs
Can you paint a garage door?
You can paint a garage door yourself with a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer, but it's time-consuming. Consider the existing door's age and condition as it may be more cost-effective to replace an older door than to repaint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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|
How to paint a garage door
Follow these steps to paint a garage door:
Patch and prep – Smooth any rough surfaces, then gently pressure wash the door or clean with dish soap and a sponge.
Protect the surrounding area – Cover the driveway with a drop cloth. Tape off the seal along the bottom of the door and cover any trim not being painted.
Position the garage door – Disengage the door from the drive mechanism for safety and lower the door manually onto a short block of wood for support.
Prime the door – Apply a thin layer of primer using a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer. Let the primer dry for at least 12 hours.
Paint the door – Paint the door from the top down with long, slow strokes to avoid streaking. Allow the paint to dry for 4 to 12 hours between coats.
Allow ample drying time for the final coat – Leave the door open to dry for up to 12 hours to avoid damaging the new paint job.
For outdoor painting projects, select a three-day window with predicted temperatures between 50° and 75° F and low humidity.
What kind of paint to use on a garage door
The best paint to use on a garage door depends on the door material:
| Garage door material | Best paint type |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Acrylic paint |
| Steel | Oi-based or latex paint |
| Vinyl or plastic overlay | Latex primer and paint with a bonding agent |
| Wood | Latex paint and primer |
How many gallons of paint does it take to cover a garage door?
One gallon of paint covers a standard 2-car garage door in two to three coats, depending on the door material, surface condition, and color. More paint may be needed if painting:
On bare wood
A lighter color over a darker color, even if using primer
An older door with many imperfections
Oversized garage doors
Both the inside and outside of the garage door
Hiring a garage door painter
Before hiring an exterior painter to paint a garage door, be sure to:
Research company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three price quotes to compare.
Choose a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Select companies that have been in business for at least five years.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How many painting jobs have you completed in the last year?
Can you provide a list of references or a portfolio of your past work?
What brand of caulk, primer, and paint will you use?
How many coats of primer and paint does the quote include?
Does the estimate include cleanup?
What additional costs should I expect?
May I have a copy of your proof of insurance policy for my records?
Will you be using employees or subcontractors?
What time will the painters arrive and leave each day?
How long will the project take?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee your work?