Painting your garage is a great way to add value to your home and make it look new. But it’s important to follow proper techniques and use quality materials.
Before you start, protect any hardware components, such as handles, hinges, and stiles. It’s also essential to ventilate the space well to avoid inhaling harmful paint fumes.
Preparation is Key
A fresh coat of paint is one of the best things you can do to make your garage a space you’re happy with. This not only adds a pop of color but also helps protect the contents of your garage from harsh weather and insects.
Before you break out the interior latex cans, doing all the necessary prep work for a successful painting session is important. That means cleaning, sanding, patching, and priming. Cleaning removes dirt, dust, mildew, and debris; sanding smooths surfaces; patching fills holes and cracks; and priming provides a sealant to help your new paint adhere well.
Whether painting over a dark color or bare drywall, these steps will help ensure your new finish looks great and lasts long. While it may be tempting to skip the primer and start painting, it will only lead to a bumpy, uneven surface that won’t hold up either.
Additionally, a quality primer can help you save time and money by minimizing the paint needed for full coverage. Be sure to purchase a high-quality primer designed for the material you’re painting, and use a roller with a nap length that matches your garage wall’s texture. You can call a garage painting service for quality output or invest in high-quality brushes, rollers, and a ladder to reach those hard-to-reach areas.
Pick the Right Colors
The color of your garage walls will majorly impact how they look, so it’s important to choose the right shade. Lighter colors are better for garages as they help the lighting in the room look brighter and more open, whereas darker hues work well if you want to create a cozy and intimate feel.
It’s also a good idea to pick a color that will go with the floors in your garage. This will make the space more unified and visually appealing, which can add to the value of your home.
Regarding the type of paint you should use, a high-quality alkyd or oil-based product is the best option for garages. This type of paint has superior adhesion and durability, which can protect your walls from moisture buildup and damage. It’s also a good idea to use masonry paint for any surfaces made of concrete or other masonry materials.
Before painting, sand bare areas and fill in cracks with a patching compound. Applying a primer to the garage walls is also a good idea, especially if you paint over a dark color or if the walls are previously painted with latex paint. Primers are designed to block stains from bleeding through the new paint and ensure an even finish.
Use a Tack Cloth
If you want a smooth finish, you need to remove any loose dirt and dust particles from the surface of the garage wall before you start painting. This will ensure that the paint sticks properly and will look great.
It would be best if you used a tack cloth, a large sheet of gauze-like fabric impregnated with a sticky resin. This will grab any dust and debris on your project’s surface, preventing it from sticking to your hands or the surface of the work.
The best way to use a tack cloth is to gently drag it across the project’s surface with light pressure. Try to go over the entire area that needs cleaning, including corners. Once you have gone over the whole area, allow the tack cloth to sit for about an hour before trying to wipe it off again. This will allow the glue to harden, making it easier to clean the surface without causing damage.
You can also use a tack cloth to clean any other projects you are working on, including furniture and cabinets. Just ensure that the tack cloth contains no oils or solvents that can cause problems with your topcoat or stain.
Apply a Layer of Primer
Garage walls are often made of drywall and require a good surface primer for an even coat of paint. These also provide a good vapor barrier to ward off moisture that tries to get under the paint. If you skip the primer and paint directly on the drywall, the color will soak into the sheetrock and leave a bumpy finish.
If your garage is a room for entertaining guests, consider using a low-odor or zero-VOC oil-based primer instead of traditional latex. These are formulated to be more durable than latex and are ideal for use in climate-controlled areas.
Regardless of the type of paint you choose, always apply at least two coats to achieve an excellent and lasting finish. A fresh coat of paint will protect the garage walls and floor from harsh weather, insects and other damaging elements.
While it may seem silly to spend time painting the bare walls of your garage, this simple project can transform this space from an eyesore into a functional room for entertaining guests. By following a few key tips and techniques, you can ensure a flawless and easy paint job that will last for years. Wear protective gear such as a dust mask, face shield and goggles when sanding or cleaning your garage to avoid inhaling toxins or particles.
