Garage doors take up a lot of space that is usually visible from the streets, making it an excellent space to display your creativity. Painting a mural on your garage doors should involve many of the same steps of touching up the paint on your door in a solid color, but there are a few extra things that you should keep in mind when you undertake a more creative mural project.
Check Your Owner's Manual Or Contact Your Garage Door Manufacturer
Most garage doors can be painted with a wide variety of paints without compromising their function or security. However, to make sure that your paint choice is compatible with your garage door, you should look in your owner's manual or contact your garage door manufacturer. Depending on your garage door, you may have to be prepared to complete extra sanding to remove special coatings before painting.
While you are contacting your door's manufacturer, make sure that painting your garage doors will not void any warranties that are currently in place.
Clear the Project With Your Home Owner's Association
Many home owner's associations have strict rules about the colors houses are allowed to be painted, and this likely includes your garage door. Even if there are no rules in place, clearing your project with your neighbors ahead of time can help decrease the chances of a negative reaction to your non-traditional garage doors.
Complete Any Required Maintenance or Upgrades
Before painting your door, you should make sure that it is in good working condition. If you notice any problems, you should call in an expert to repair your door before you pint it. Completing repairs before you start your mural prevents any nicks or scuffs on your final mural. Additionally, if you decide that you need a new door, you will not have wasted your time and money painting your old door.
Take the Time to Properly Prime
The most important part of painting a garage door is properly priming your door. You should be sure to remove all old paints and special coatings and thoroughly clean your door before applying a primer specifically made for the type of material your door is made out of.
Integrate the Decorative Features of Your Door
Most garage doors have decorative dips and valleys, commonly in the shape of squares or rectangles. You should take time to carefully plan your mural to integrate these features. Treating your door like a flat surface can make your mural look slightly warped or strange, whereas playing off of the features already on your door can make your mural look neat and purposeful.
Upgrade Your Hardware
While you are painting your garage door, you should consider upgrading your hardware, such as any handles on the door, to custom pieces that match the look and feel of your mural. If you do not decide to upgrade your hardware, consider whether you want to paint your handles or leave them their current color.
Consider the Openings
If you have a rolling garage door, when you open the door, there will be small sections of the door visible that are not visible when the door is closed. For a complete, finished look you should incorporate these openings into your mural and make sure to paint them as well.
Painting your garage door can update the look of your entire home. A creative mural can be a way to differentiate your home from the other homes on your block and express yourself. However, it is important to carefully plan your mural, make any necessary upgrades to your door before you start, and consider hiring a professional artist for the best results.
For more information on garage doors, contact a company like J & D Door Sales Inc.
