How to Paint or Stain a Wooden Garage Door

Natural wood garage doors add warmth and beauty to a home, but they are exposed to sun, rain, and temperature swings. To prevent drying, cracking, and rot, they must be repainted or re-stained every 2-3 years.

Step-by-Step Refinishing Guide

Follow these steps to refinish your wooden garage door:

1. Clean and Sand: Wash the panels and sand away old paint flakes or gray wood fibers using a fine-grit sandpaper.
2. Apply a Primer or Base Coat: If painting, use a high-quality oil-based primer. If staining, apply a wood conditioner to ensure even absorption.
3. Apply the Finish Coat: Use premium exterior acrylic latex paint or a high-quality UV-resistant outdoor wood stain. Apply two thin coats, brushing along the wood grain.