How much does it cost to paint a garage door?
$100 – $230 paint 1-car garage door
$120 – $500 paint 2-car garage door
$170 – $680 paint 3-car garage door
$120 – $500 paint 2-car garage door
$170 – $680 paint 3-car garage door
Get free estimates from garage door painters near you, or view our cost guide below.
November 4, 2021
Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 6 expert painters on HomeGuide.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 |
Table of contents
[hide]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.
- 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.
- 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. Typical 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.
Garage door paint prices
Garage door paint prices are $25 to $80 per gallon, depending on type and brand. High-end exterior paint is mildew-resistant and also resists fading and chipping. 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 |
Frequently asked questions
Can you paint a garage door?
You can DIY paint a garage door with a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer, but it's time-consuming. Consider the age and condition of the existing door as it may be more cost-effective to replace an older door than to repaint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
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.
What kind of paint to use on a garage door
The best paint to use on a garage door depends on the door material:
- Aluminum doors require exterior acrylic paint.
- Exterior latex paint is best for vinyl and wooden garage doors.
- Oil-based or latex exterior paint is recommended for steel doors.
| 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 two-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 a contractor to paint a garage door, be sure to:
- Research company reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- 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 cheapest 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?
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:
20+ Exterior painters in Mountain View, CA
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:
Get free estimates
